Ashwagandha - Asvagandha

       


Botanical Name: Withania Somnifera

Common Names: Indian Ginseng, Winter cherry, Withania root
Sanskrit: Ashwagandha, Balada, Gandhpatri, Kamrupini, Vajini
Hindi: Asgandh
Kannada: Keramaddinagaddi
Tamil: Asvagandha
Telugu: Vajigandha,
Marathi: Asgundh, Kanchuki, Askandha
Bengali: Ashvagandh
Gujarati: Asam, Asoda, Ghodasoda
Punjabi: Asgand
Urdu: Asgandanagaori

Ashwagandha : that which has the smell of a horse, as it gives the vitality and sexual energy of a horse

Other 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, Withania somnifera.

ASHWAGANDHA is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative for the male. The name Ashwagandha is from the Sanskrit language and is a combination of the word ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell. The root has a strong aroma that is described as “horse-like.”

Part used : Root

Energetics : 
- Rasa (taste) : bitter, astringent, sweet/
- Virya (energy) : heating
- Vipaka (post-digestive effect) :sweet

Tissues : muscle, fat, bone, marrow and nerve, reproductive

Systems : reproductive, nervous, respiratory

Actions : tonic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, nervine, sedative, astringent

Indications : general debility, sexual debility, nerve exhaustion, convalescence, problems of old age, emaciation of children, loss of memory, loss of muscular energy, spermatorrhea, overwork, tissue deficiency, insomnia, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, weak eyes, rheumatism, skin afflictions, cough, difficult breathing, anemia, fatigue, infertility, glandular swelling

Preparation : decoction, milk decoction, powder, paste, medicated ghee, medicated oil

Benefit : ASHWAGANDHA holds a place in the Ayurvedic pharmacology similar to ginseng in Chinese medicine, yet it is far less expensive. Withania somnifera is widely considered as the Indian ginseng. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a rasayana (rejuvenation) and expected to promote physical and mental health, rejuvenate the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. Ashwagandha is used to treat a number of disorders that affect human health including central nervous system (CNS) disorders, particularly in epilepsy, stress and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disorders, tardive dyskinesia, cerebral ischemia, and even in the management of drug addiction. The most useful usage is to reduce stress and perhaps aid in sleep. However, if you take a high dosage or a concentrated extract, you may not notice the relaxation effect as much.

It is the best rejuvenative herb, particularly for the muscles, marrow and semen and for Vata constitution. It is used in all conditions of weakness and tissue deficiency in children, the elderly, those debilitated by chronic diseases, those suffering from overwork, lack of sleep or nervous exhaustion.

For such regenerative purposes, it can be taken as a milk decoction to which may be added raw sugar, honey, pippali and basmati rice. As such, it inhibits aging and catalyzes the anabolic processes of the body.
Sattvic in quality, it is one of the best herbs for the mind upon which it is nurturing and clarifying. It is calming and promotes deep, dreamless sleep.

Ashwagandha is a good food for weak pregnant women; it helps to stabilize the foetus.
It also regenerates the hormonal system, promotes healing of tissues, and can be used externally on wounds, sores, etc.

Relieves Stress, Strain & Fatigue.
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, is best known as a health tonic and restorative agent. It s helpful in conditions of general debility, exhaustion, stress-induced fatigue and insomnia. Ashwagandha reduces anxiety and stress levels, increases vitality and vigour. It improves both physical and mental performance

Studies have shown ashwagandha to be effective in stimulating the immune system. It also appears to inhibit swelling and aid memory.

Dosage :
Five grams of the powder can be taken twice a day in warm milk or water, sweetened with raw sugar.
1 teaspoon twice daily before food mixed with some honey or some hot milk or hot water sweetened with raw sugar.

Composition :
Withania somnifera's root in powder.


Note: Siddha treatment is based on complete physical examination of the patient, Naadi diagnosis, and other diagnostic criteria of the disease. The content given in this article is purely meant for information and education purpose only. Kindly consult a Siddha physician before any sort of self medication.