Ashwagandha has many significant benefits, but
is best known for its powerful adaptogenic properties, meaning
that it helps mind and body adapt better to stress.
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It nourishes the nerves and improves nerve
function to help you maintain calm during stressful situations.
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It is also good for people who do physical
labor or exercise a lot, to help the body adapt to physical
stress.
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It is a powerful Rasayana, meaning that it acts
as an overall tonic for greater vitality and longevity.
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It nourishes all the bodily tissues (Dhatus),
including the joints and nerves.
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It is also a powerful Madhya Rasayana, which
means that it enhances all three aspects of mind power (Dhi --
comprehension; Dhriti -- memory; and Smriti -- recollection).
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Ashwagandha nourishes the crucial mind-body
connection and psychoneuro immune response (called PNI). It helps
coordinate the mind and senses, as well, which is essential for
good quality sleep.
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It balances the mind (Prana Vata). This is
essential for happiness in the face of mental or emotional stress.
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It increases the quality and quantity of Ojas,
the master coordinator between the body and consciousness. It
helps pure consciousness slide into the physiology.
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It has a Sothara effect -- which means it helps
clear impurities (Ama) from the various channels of the body.
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Ashwagandha enhances virility and has
aphrodisiac properties.
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It is also well known for its powerful immune
enhancing benefits.
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It is considered among the best of all
substances for balancing Vata. It also pacifies Kapha at the same
time, which is a rare combination.
Stress:
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Investigation both clinical and experimental
have observed that Ashwagandha acts as an anti-stress and
adaptogenic herb.
Cold & Cough:
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Ashwagandha is beneficial in the treatment of
chest diseases such as cold and cough. The root can be taken
either in the form of powder in 3 gram doses or in the form of
decoction. Berries and seed s can also be taken for chest
complaints with beneficial result.
Digestive Disorder:
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The root of the plant is used for treating
digestive disorders like dyspepsia and loss of appetite. It
corrects the disorderly processes of nutrition and restores the
normalcy in the system.
Rheumatism:
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The root is effective in the treatment of
rheumatic affections. It should be taken in 3 gram doses in
treating this condition.
Tuberculosis:
The root finds its efficiency in treatment of
tuberculosis. A decoction of the root is used with long pepper and
honey. This decoction is also beneficial in the treatment of
scrofula, that is, tuberculosis of lymph glands, especially in the
neck.
Insomnia: (click
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The root is also narcotic, inducing deep sleep
and hence beneficial in treating insomnia.
Women's Diseases:
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The herb helps to cure female sterility. Powder
of the roots in 6gram doses can be taken with milk for 5 to 6
successive nights after menstruation.
Skin Disorders:
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The leaves of the plant are beneficial in
treating several skin disorders. Fomentation of the leaves is good
for boils and swollen hands and feet. A paste of the leaves is
locally applied to kill lice infesting the body and on carbuncles
(painful swelling inside the skin) and syphilitic sores. An
ointment prepared by boiling the leaves in fat such as ghee can be
applied in case of bedsores and wounds. A paste made of it roots
and; leaves is also a useful application over carbuncles, ulcers
and swelling.
Sore Eyes:
For sore eyes a fermentation of the leaves can
be applied to get relief.
Ashwagandha an effective Brain Tonic:
Ashwagandha as " Rasayana " and "Balya". Roots
of winter Cherry are highly acclaimed tonic for brain and nervous
system in Ayurveda. It helps in providing nourishment to the brain
for its better function and greater ability to work.
Other uses:
It has an excellent healing properties
therefore has great effects in healing wounds and injuries.
Studies on Ashwagandha :
Studies on this herb have proved that aging can be
slowed; haemoglobin and calcium levels can be increased and the
sexual performance be enhanced. {The European Journal of Herbal
Medicines. 1998, Vol. 4, Issue 2:17-22}
A double-blind study in India, on children aged
8-12, studied the effects of 2 g of this root daily, for sixty
days. Body weight, mean red blood cells, haemoglobin and grip
strength were significantly improved.
Ayurvedic Supplements that contains Ashwagandha :
As with almost all single herbs, there is one
small caution. Ashwagandha should always be used with other herbs
to balance out possible heating effects.