Ashwagandha, commonly known as Indian ginseng and also known botanically as Withania somnifera, is a part of the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It is native to India and Nepal and it is a shrub that can grow up to 6 ft. high with yellow flowers. It is used in the Ayurveda healing tradition as an adaptogen herb. According to Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism," adaptogen herbs help the body adapt and cope with emotional, psychological and physical stress. Always consult your primary doctor if you are under medical treatment before taking any herbal supplements.
Adaptogen
According to the book "Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life With Energy, Health and Vitality," by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, ashwagandha's adaptogen properties increase the body's ability to resist stress, and it both soothes and energizes the nervous system. It promotes general well-being and Ayurveda uses it to facilitate learning and increase memory.
Gladstar suggests blending ashwagandha with a chai blend or taking it in the form of tincture or capsules.
Reproductive Tonic
Ashwagandha is regarded as a male and female reproductive tonic, as it helps restore sexual energy. It also enhances stamina, and Gladstar notes it is compared to giving the stamina of a stallion. Additionally, herbalist Richo Cech writes in his book "Making Plant Medicine," that ashwagandha is used for treating impotence, infertility and low sperm count.
Ashwagandha root powder can be taken with warm milk or can be mixed in food by adding 1 to 2 tbsp. three times per day. It is contraindicated during pregnancy, but it can be used after pregnancy as a galactogogue, which means it promotes the flow of milk in lactating women. The aerial parts of the herb should never be taken internally, notes Cech.
Anti-Inflammatory
According to nutritional counselor Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements," ashwagandha is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for skin infections and wounds.
Make a poultice with fresh ashwagandha roots and leaves by blending them with water until forming a paste. Wrap the paste in a cotton rag and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. This poultice is beneficial for treating inflammation present in acne and for healing skin ulcerations. It also helps treat pain caused by rheumatic joints, says Cech.
References
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., MNIMH; 1988
- "Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life With Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2002
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