Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is a valuable medicinal plant which is being used widely in our traditional medicine like Ayurveda & Siddha since ancient times. The Sanskrit word ‘Ashwagandha’ translates as ‘the smell of a horse’ which refers to its ability to bring you the strength and stamina of a horse while nourishing the female and male reproductive and nervous systems. Ashwagandha is often called ‘winter cherry’ referring to its small, red berry fruit that looks like a tiny cherry tomato.
HABITAT (Commonly Found)
It is an evergreen shrub with almost 23 species which grows in most parts of the globe mainly in tropical and subtropical zones. In India, Ashwagandha is found mainly in the drier parts and sub-tropical regions like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Himachal Pradesh. It occurs wild or naturally grown due to its immense economical value.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASHWAGANDHA
- Ashwagandha has been used for rasayana karma (rejuvenative) in Ayurveda.
- It increases vitality and longevity.
- It improves memory, preserves mental functions and increases intelligence.
- It protects the brain from degeneration and dementia.
- Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used in all inflammatory disorders.
- Researches had proved that ashwagandha
- Leaves – can be for fever, painful swelling etc.
- Flowers – aphrodisiac and diuretic.
- Roots – used for rheumatism, leukoderma, constipation, insomnia, nervous breakdown, goitre, joint inflammation, ulcers, painful swelling.
- Seeds – used in hysteria, memory loss, anxiety and increasing the sperm count.
- In women’s disorders like uterine weakness, leucorrhea, female infertility, postpartum depression the particular drug is very beneficial.
- Research has found that Ashwagandha alleviates stress-induced changes and reduces the overall stress levels.
- It is also reported that Ashwagandha root powder with milk had a greater protective effect on high blood pressure.
- For Rasayana, Ashwagandha taken with milk, ghee, oil for a fortnight promotes the development of the body.
- One who takes powder of Ashwagandha root in late winter mixed with honey and ghee along with milk regains youthfulness even if old.
- In Bronchial asthma, ash or alkali should be taken with honey and ghee.
- In insomnia, powder of Ashwagandha mixed with sugar and also taken with ghee to bring sleep quickly.
- For conception in sterility, milk processed with Ashwagandha and added with milk should be taken by the woman at the proper time of conception.
- In Vatavyadhi, Ashwagandha ghrtha promotes semen and muscles.
