ASHWAGANDHA
–Withania Somnifera, Withania Obtusifolia, Withania Coagulans, etc.
Also
known as: Indian Ginseng,
Winter Cherry, Poison Gooseberry, etc.
Parts
used: roots, berries, leaves, flowers, seeds, bark
Systems/organs
affected: brain, muscular, eyes, blood, skin, nervous,
cardiac, reproductive, structural, glandular, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal,
immune, lungs
Properties: adaptogen, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
heart tonic, anti-stress, sedative, cognitive, antifungal, antibacterial,
antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumor, neuroprotective,
antidiabetic, analgesic, emmenogogue, immune enhancing, vulnerary, detoxifying,
antispasmodic, antivenomous, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, astringent,
stimulant, etc.
Ashwagandha is a member of the
Solanaceae family more commonly known as the Nightshades. There are around 3000 species in this family
found throughout the globe, some of which are: potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes,
peppers, belladonna, mandrake, petunia, henbane and tobacco. People who suffer from arthritis are commonly
advised to avoid this family as it is believed they aggravate the
condition. Ashwagandha is a bush-like plant with five petaled yellow
flowers and alternating leaves. The
flowers are followed by small, cherry-like fruit that are encased in a paper
lantern type cocoon. It is native to
India, the Middle East and North Africa.
It prefers well drained soil but seems to be tolerant of other soil
conditions as well.
In India this plant is referred
to as the ‘Queen of Ayurveda’ and
aptly so. It is also commonly called
Indian Ginseng and is similarly to how the Chinese use ginseng for any number
of conditions. In Sanskrit Ashwagandha
means the ‘smell of the horse’
because the root does have a sweaty horse aroma. In Ayurvedic terms it is called Rasayana (to
lengthen or rejuvenate) and is believed to increase longevity and health. Ashwagandha is also an adaptogen which means
that it can help to normalize functions in the body that may be brought on by
stress.
This plant has a history dating back thousands
of years-beginning in India and Asia although it is used throughout Africa and
the Mediterranean as well. There have
been close to 400 studies done on this plant and it still has yet to become
popular in the western world. The root
has been used here in the usa but in other countries they use the entire plant
more often than not. These studies have
covered everything from neurological issues to immune problems to adrenal
fatigue and cancer. The outcome of these
studies are nothing short of amazing and makes me realize how much of a threat
this plant could be to big pharma.
(Perhaps that is why it isn’t actually used more in this country..)
To touch on some of the things it
has been used for I have included a few of the studies below as an overview of
its potential.
1)
In 2000, a study was published on its effects for
anxiety and depression. Patients were
given an oral supplement for 5 days of ashwagandha. The results found that this herb worked just
as well as Lorazepam (anti-anxiety) and Imipramine (antidepressant). (Phytomedicine, 2000 Dec; 7(6):463-9)
2)
In the case of chronic stress, brains of
sacrificed animals were found to show significant signs of degeneration due to
stress (up to 85% of brain cells were damaged).
When chronically stressed animals had been given ashwagandha before
being sacrificed, their brain degeneration was reduced by eighty percent! (Phytotherapy Research, 2001 Sept;
15(6):544-8)
3)
The Institute
of Natural Medicine at the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan
has been studying its effects on nerve pathways for years. Scientists found that ashwagandha assisted in
the regeneration of axons and dendrites as well as the reconstruction of
synapses. This study concluded that
ashwagandha helps the body to reconstruct nervous system networks making it a
potential for neurodegenerative diseases. (British
Journal of Pharmacology, 2005 Apr; 144(7):961-71)
4)
Scientists in India found that ashwagandha can
inhibit cancers reproduction. It was
found to be effective against colon, breast, stomach, skin, brain, ovarian and
lung cancer cells. A recent analysis
found it worked as well as doxorubicin (a drug commonly used for chemotherapy).
In fact, it was MORE effective at inhibiting breast and colon cancer than doxorubicin.
(Alternative Medicine Review, 2004
June; 9(2):211-14) (Life Science,
2003 Nov. 21; 74(1):125-32)
5)
Some studies found ashwagandha to be a powerful
antibacterial agent working against such things as Salmonella, Stapholococcus
Aureus (MRSA), E. Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Bacillus Subtilis. (Phytomedicine, 2005 Mar; 12(3):229-35)
6)
A study done on menopausal women found that those
who supplemented with ashwagandha had significantly less symptoms associated
with the change of life than those not using the herb. (Ayu Journal, 2012 Oct; 33(4):511-6)
7)
The Kama Sutra, an ancient text regarding human
sexuality, speaks of ashwagandha being a powerful aphrodisiac. Research has found it works for both
sexes. In a study conducted on 75
infertile men, those taking ashwagandha had an increase in sperm count,
testosterone and motility. (Fertility and Sterility, 2010 Aug;
94(3):989-96) Researchers also found that men with high stress experienced less
fertility. When supplemented with
ashwagandha for 3 months, 14% of their partners became pregnant. (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19789214)
Ashwagandha was one of a combination of herbs used in a study for women with
PCOS that was found to give substantial relief from the disorder. Long term treatment was also found to help
control the growth of uterine fibroids.
It was also found to be effective for amenorrhea (the lack of
menstruation). In some women it can
increase the hirsutism however, so that is something to consider when
supplementing.
8)
In many studies this amazing plant was found to
lower blood sugar levels. Human studies
have found it can lower blood sugar in both healthy AND diabetic
individuals. (Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 2000 June; 38(6):607-9) (Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative
Medicine 2012 July; 3(3):111-4) A test tube study found it to increase the
secretion of insulin as well as improve insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. (Phytochemistry 2015 Aug; 116:283-9)
9)
Ashwagandha was also found to increase muscle mass
and decrease body fat. (Journal of International Society of Sports
Nutrition 2015 Nov; 12:43)
10)
Studies
conducted on rats found it to be effective at lowering cholesterol and
triglycerides by as much as fifty percent.
(Phytomedicine 2007 Feb;
14(2-3):136-42)
So many things
that it has been proven beneficial for-it’s a wonder it isn’t used as a first
response in any malady. Some other items
it has been beneficial for are inflammation, infections (viral, fungal and
bacterial), parasites, schizophrenia, ADHD, fevers, pain, autoimmune disorders,
bone health, thyroid issues, liver problems, gastrointestinal complaints,
bronchitis, kidney damage, adrenal fatigue, seizures, debilitating illnesses,
cataracts, heavy metal poisoning, venomous snake and/or scorpion stings and
bites and the list goes on.
Ashwagandha
contains several beneficial components, some of which are called
withanolides. There are a few (35)
different kinds of withanolides, two of which are found to be especially
effective within ashwagandha. These are
withanolide A and withanolide D. A lot
of this plants efficacy is believed to be attributed to these two
components. Each part of the plant has
specific value although it is the root that is used the most. The root is used as a tonic, diuretic, stimulant,
narcotic, astringent, aphrodisiac, antiparasitic and more. The leaves are used for pain, inflammation
and fevers. The seeds are antiparasitic
and the flowers are aphrodisiac, astringent, diuretic and depurative. The berries are used topically for ulcers,
tumors, glandular growths and carbuncles.
However, the whole plant seems to be utilized for every malady known to
man.
Ashwagandha is
also used to balance kapha and vata doshas.
It is contraindicative to a pitta.
There are others who should avoid ashwagandha as well. According to WebMD, it should not be used by
pregnant or nursing women, diabetics, those with stomach ulcers, blood pressure
issues, thyroid problems or auto-immune disorders. It should also not be used by those scheduled
for surgical procedures. Consult a
qualified physician before starting any herbal regimen.
As is common with my posts I am including some links herein for your benefit. Stay strong and healthy!
'Ashwagandha'. One of the most important plants prescribed by Ayurveda doctors. Product has been described with details.Health benefits and warning have been focused.
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