Ashwagandha
Latin name: Withania somnifera
Alternate names: Ajagandha, Amangura, Amukkirag, Asan, Asana, Asgand, Asgandh, Asgandha, Ashagandha, Ashvagandha, Ashwaganda, Ashwanga, Asoda, Asundha, Asvagandha, Aswagandha, Avarada, Ayurvedic
Ginseng, Cerise d’Hiver, Clustered Wintercherry, Ghoda Asoda, Ginseng Ayurvédique, Ginseng Indien, Hayahvaya, Indian Ginseng, Kanaje Hindi, Kuthmithi, Orovale, Peyette, Physalis somnifera, Samm Al Ferakh, Samm Al Rerakh, Sogade-Beru, Strychnos, Turangi-Ghanda, Vajigandha, Winter Cherry, Withania.
Benefits of Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha Root has been extensively studied for its effects on inflammation,
cancer, memory, the immune system, anxiety, insomnia, depression, blood pressure, cortisol reduction, physical performance, cholesterol and as an adaptogen – an herb that counteracts the effects of stress and promotes
wellness.
Ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurveda as a rejuvenation tonic, for general debility such as in recuperation or old age, as a sleep aid, as a sedative if taken earlier in the day according to some people, rather
than later in the evening and for memory enhancement.
It is believed that a large part of the multiple medicinal applications of ashwagandha root are due to
compounds called withanolides which are similar in action to the ginsenosides in Panax ginseng as well as Withaferin A.
Ayervedic literature and several African tribes consider
Ashwagandha an aphrodisiac.
Ashwagandha can be combined with other plants such as Ginseng,
Rhodiola, Ginkgo biloba, Turmeric and Echinacea for synergistic effects.
Uses of Ashwagandha
include:*
Anxiety
Attention
deficit-hyperactivity
disorder
Cerebellar ataxia
Diabetes
Memory problems
Insomnia
Bronchitis
Hiccups |
High cholesterol
Male infertility
Arthritis
Tumors
Tuberculosis
Liver problems
Asthma
Backache
Adaptogen |
Inflammation
Ulcerations
Stress
Immune Function
Aging
Fibromyalgia
Leukoderma
Menstrual problems
Wounds (topical)
High Blood Pressure |
According to Health Canada and the official American Herbal Pharmacopoeia monograph on Ashwagandha, the average dose for dry, powder, decoction, infusion and for all non standardized extract is 2-6 grams per day. (There are roughly 3 grams per teaspoon). The larger amounts are better taken in split doses such as 2 grams 3 times per day. Lower doses are also used to good effect. A good rule of thumb is to start out low and increase slowly to find the amount best suited to you.
Ashwagandha does not have a
very bitter taste which makes it easy to mix into
your favorite drink, fruit or vegetable juice or
smoothie.
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