Ashwagandha is amazing herb the mother nature has given to us. Benefits of Ashwagandha are countless. Ashwagandha is one of most adaptogenic herb. It is very widely used ayurvedic medicine for treating various diseases especially stress and anxiety by Ayurvedic physicians . The roots of this herbs smell like sweat of horse therefore it is called as Ashwagandha. Ashwa means horse and gandha means smell.
Ashwagandha Ayurvedic medicine for stress and anxiety has a positive effect on central nervous system, the endocrine system, skeletal system and antioxidant effects.
Ashwagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng, Ajagandha, Vajigandha, Winter Cherry, Varahkarni, Asgandha
Botanical name: Winthania Somnifera
Family : Solanaceae
Names in different language
Hindi name – Asgandha, Asgandh
Marathi – Asgandh
Bengali – Asvagandha
Telegu name – Penneru Gadda
Tamil name – Amukura
Malayalam – Ammukura
Guajarati – Aasandha,Ghoda,Aakun
Ashwagandha is included in group of herbs that are beneficial in in relieving coldness, asthma ,bronchitis and useful medicine for relieving stress and anxiety..
Ashwagandha balances Tridoshas especially Kapha and Vata dosha.
Medicinal qualities
Ras (taste) – Katu (Pungent), Tikth (Bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light), Snigdha (oily)
Vipak – Katu Undergoes Katu taste conversion after digestion
Virya (Potency) – Ushna (hot potency)
Ashwagandha ayurvedic medicine for stress and anxiety benefits
Balaprada, Balya – Improves strength and Immunity
VaajiKari – Improves sexual performance and useful in erectile dysfunction.
Vrushya – Acts as aphrodisiac
Rasayana – it has anti-ageing effect
Anilam hanti – Useful in balancing Vata hence effective in joint disorder.
Swashar – Useful in asthma and chronic respiratory diseases like tuberculosis.
Shophara – helpful in easing inflammation
Kshayara – useful in muscle wasting, muscular dystrophy to improve muscle strength.
Atishukral- Improves sperm quantity and quality.
How Ashwagandha in managing Stress & Anxiety
Stress can usually be attributed to an imbalance of Vata dosha, which increases the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which in turn increases the cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body .Taking Ashwagandha powder helps in balancing Vata and the level of cortisol thus helps reduces the symptoms of stress. It is also used in treating anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome.
How to Take : 1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder and tulasi leaves and boil it in 2 cups of water or milk. Boil till it reduces to half. Drink this tea to relax your mind.
Male Infertility and benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha along with Kaunch beej (kapikachhu) benefits in increasing sperm counts and improving testosterone levels. It is very beneficial is stress due to its Vata balancing property. Because of Vrushya (aphrodisiac) also helps to reduce the chance of male infertility by improving sperm quality and quantity enhancing the sexual health. .
How to take:
Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder along with ghee, sugar, milk or honey daily for a month once or twice a day to improve sperm quality.
Ashwagandha in Pain Management
Ashwagandha is useful to manage pain in arthritis and low back pain. According to Ayurveda, pain is an indication of aggravation of Vata dosha. This vata dosha affects various joints in the body causing pain, swelling,and joint mobility. Ashwagandha powder has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of arthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints specially back pain.
Recent study at AIIIMS New Delhi has found Ashwagandha to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
How to take:
Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder. Mix it in 1 glass of milk add candy sugar to it and drink this two times daily.
Ashwagandha in Parkinsons disease
Parkinson’s disease is due to damage of the nerve cells which affects movement, muscle control and balance of the body. According to Ayurveda this condition is caused due aggravation of Vata dosha. Taking Ashwagandha powder benefits by balancing Vata dosha and also helps to reduce the degeneration of cells which controls the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
How to take
One teaspoon Ashwagandha powder along with kaunchbeej powder mixed with milk or ghee or honey is very helpful to improve muscle strength of the body.
Ashwagandha is useful to improve immunity
Ashwagandha boost body immunity and increases body’s natural ability to fight Viruses. It is a natural antioxidant and is also useful in the treatment of fever and respiratory tract infections. It is widely used to improve, body strength immunity and to relieve stress.
Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder, tulasi leaves and dry ginger and boils it in 2 cups of water or milk. Boil till it reduces to half. Drink this tea to improve your immunity.
Precaution
Ashwagandha has many benefits . However some precautions should be taken while consuming it. It may cause gastrointestinal disturbances. So it is generally advisable to use Ashwagandha with caution in people with Pitta and Ama imbalance.
Ayurvedic doctor supervision is needed while taking Ashwagandha during breastfeeding, self-medication should be avoided.
Consult an Ayurvedic doctor before taking Ashwagandha during pregnancy, self-medication should be avoided.
Ashwagandha may lower blood glucose levels. So it is generally advisable to monitor the sugar levels regularly if you are taking Ashwagandha or its supplements along with other anti-diabetic drugs.
Parts used : Roots
Dosage : Powder 1-2 grams
Capsule 1-2 capsule twice daily
Tablets 1-2 tablets twice daily Ashwagandha should be taken after meals.
