Ashwaganda, or Withania somnifera Dunal, is a botanical member of the pepper family native to India, parts of Africa and the Mediterranean. This low-growing evergreen reaches 2 ft. in height and sports bright yellow flowers in summer, according to “The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.” Ashwaganda has a history of use for the treatment of anxiety and nervousness, but clinical studies confirming the effectiveness of the herbal remedy are lacking. Consult a doctor of naturopathy before using ashwaganda.
History
Sometimes called Indian Ginseng, ashwaganda has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, an Indian healing art that considers body type and temperament in treating disorders. Ayurveda uses ashwaganda to treat stress-related disorders, according to the website, Botanical.com.
Constituents
Ashwaganda contains bioactive compounds, known as withanolides. Along with over 40 withanolides, the herb also contains alkaloids and sitoindosides, according to the website, Drugs.com. The root of the ashwaganda plant is primarily used in the treatment of anxiety. Consult a doctor of naturopathy before using this herbal remedy.
Potential Benefits
"The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" reports that ashwaganda is an adaptogen, meaning it may decrease the symptoms of anxiety by helping the patient deal with emotional or physical stress more effectively. Ashwaganda may soothe frazzled nerves without causing drowsiness and it may also clarify the mind. However, clinical tests confirming those benefits are lacking.
Studies
Stress and anxiety can manifest as physical disorders. A 2005 study, entitled, “Antiulcer and Antioxidant Activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd and Withania somnifera Dunal in Rats,” took place at the University of Science in Udaipur India. The study concluded that ashwaganda reduced stress-related ulcers when given to rats over a period of 15 days. Tests on human subjects are necessary to confirm the same benefits in people. Use ashwaganda under the advice and supervision of a medical professional.
Preparations/Dosage
Ashwaganda is available from health food stores or online. "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" suggests using the herb in one of the following ways. Take up to 300mg of ashwaganda in powdered root form, twice daily, or take up to 1 tsp. of tincture of ashwaganda, over the course of one day, divided into two or three doses.
To make an ashwaganda decoction, boil 3 tsp. of cut roots for 15 minutes, strain and drink. Three cups a day are permissible. Do not take more than one form of the herb at any one time. Consult a doctor of naturopathy for custom dosage requirements according to your body weight and type.
Considerations
Pregnant women should not use ashwaganda, due to a mild risk of abortion. Do not use this herbal remedy if you must operate equipment or drive a vehicle, says "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine". Although no additional side effects have been formally reported with the use of ashwaganda, further studies are necessary before the herb can be generally recognized as safe.
References
- “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 1”; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- PubMed: Antiulcer and antioxidant activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd and Withania somnifera Dunal in rats.
- Botanical.com: Ashwaganda Profile
- Drugs.com: Ashwagandha
