Ashwaganda

Introduction

Ashwaganda is a member of the nightshade family, however it should be noted that that unlike other Nightshades, Ashwaganda lacks the poisonous attributes. Typically found and cultivated in India, Ashwaganda has been popularly applied to those with overworked and often hyper-tense lives. Ashwaganda is India's native answer to Ginseng and it is currently being applied in Ayurvedic medicine to treat hypertension and stress related ailments. Recent studies have attempted to popularize its use as a preliminary treatment for male infertility and impotence problems.

Constituents

Mainly consisting of withanolides, glycosides and several different alkaloids.

Parts Used

Eastern and Western herbal medicine use the dried root. Most notably, the dry, cut root. Berries of this plant are mildly toxic to the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. No major studies have released the benefits of the leaf.

Typical preparations

Tea decoction from the root, liquid herbal extract, herbal capsules (non-standardized) Dried crushed or powdered roots can be applied to food or directly consumed.

Summary

Not much research has been carried out for this particular botanical and to date there have not been any released notes on possible medicinal contraindications, side effects or potential health hazards. This particular root has been used successfully for the last 3,000 years and the empirical evidence of the ages speaks for itself. It comes highly recommended in times of severe strife and stress-induced discomfort. However Ashwaganda should not be consumed for long periods of time and is better reserved for the "times of need".

Precautions

Botanical safety guidelines in the US and Germany have suggested that Ashwaganda may be a mild abortifacient and it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Herbalist David Winston describes the adaptogen effects of this herb:

"Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera) – Bitter, sweet, warm, dryWestern Classification: Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, immuneamphoteric, sedative (mild).This herb is one of the Rasayana (rejuvenative) herbs of Ayurveda. It is one of the few calmingadaptogens and has traditionally been used for anxiety, bad dreams, mild OCD, insomnia, and nervousexhaustion. It acts as an antispasmodic & anti-inflammatory and is very useful for fibromyalgia (withKava and Scullcap), restless leg syndrome, mild Tourette’s syndrome, and osteo-arthritis. It is animmune amphoteric useful for hyper- and hypo-immune conditions. I find it especially useful for autoimmune conditions affecting the muscles and joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, AnkylosingSpondylitis, polymyositis, and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). It enhances male fertility (sperm countand sperm motility) and, due to its iron content, it benefits iron-deficient anemia. Ashwagandha alsostimulates thyroid function. Studies in mice showed significant increases of serum T3(18%) andT4(111%) after 20 days of use8."

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