SCIENTIFIC NAME: Withania somnifera 

HINDI NAME: Ashwagandha

ENGLISH NAME: Indian Ginseng, Winter cherry

FAMILY: Solanaceae

SHORT DESCRIPTION 

 

Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng is a powerful herb. Its roots, flower and leaf extracts have been used as a health tonic, rejuvenator and body healer.  It is known as the ‘King of Herbs’  for its innumerable health benefits starting from the reproductive system to mental health. One of the strongest adaptogens to help the body cope with stress, anxiety and depression.

EFFECT ON TRIDOSHA:- Ashwagandha aggravates the Pitta dosha (digestion) and pacifies Vata (air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas.

USES/BENEFITS/DISEASES 

 

• Tonic for general weakness, debility, insomnia and anxiety.
• Best herb to improve erectile dysfunction
• Increases stamina and sex drive
• Potential effects in improving testosterone levels, sperm motility and better sperm quality.
• Reduces the risk of heart disease by fighting inflammation.
• Improves immune power.
• Help in diabetes management
• Increases bone and muscle mass thus boosting bone health.
• Normalise the secretion of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

PRECAUTIONS/ SIDE EFFECTS

 

• Ashwagandha at high dosages might induce stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
• Cautiously use Ashwagandha in diabetic or hypertensive conditions.

HOW TO USE 

 

• To improve libido, take equal parts of Ashwagandha & Vidhari kand with warm milk.
• Ashwagandha powder for erectile dysfunction is taken as a supplement, blended with buffalo’s milk.
• To improve mental health, take ashwagandha arishtam is 20 ml twice a day diluted with equal quantities of water.
• To improve the underweight conditions, take Ashwagandhadi lehyam  10-12 grams twice a day with milk. 
• Take Ashwagandha churna or gutika, as prescribed to balance blood glucose levels.