ASHWAGANDHA, Winter Cherry Withania somnifera; Solanacea

(Sanskrit) Ashwagandha, that which has the smell of a horse, as it gives the vitality and sexual energy of a horse.

Ashwagandha is the main herb in Ashwagandha Rasayana #9a.

Part used: Ashwagandha root

Habitat: Ashwagandha ia a shrub which grows in the Himalayas at 6,000 feet; common in Bombay, Western India, sometimes in Bengal

Energetics: Ashwagandha is bitter, astringent, sweet/heating/sweet

VK-P Ashwagandha is Vata and kapha balancing

Tissues: Ashwagandha works on the muscle, fat, bone, marrow and nerve, reproductive tissues

Systems: Ashwagandha rejuvenates the reproductive, nervous, respiratory systems

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

Indications: Ashwagandha is used for AIDS, general debility, sexual debility, nerve exhaustion, convalesence, 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

Precautions: Ashwagandha may increase Ama and congestion if taken in excess

Preparation: Ashwagandha is best prepared is a rasayana with honey and ghee.

Ashwaganhda holds a place in the Ayuvedic pharmacology similar to ginseng in Chinese medicine, yet it is far less expensive.

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.

Ashwagandha inhibits aging process 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 fetus.

It also regenerates the hormonal system, promotes healing of tissues, and can be used externally on wounds, sores, etc. Five grams of the powder can be taken twice a day in warm milk or water, sweetened with raw sugar.

 

 

 

Tags: Ashwagandha Rasayana, Ashwagandha Root, ayurveda, ayurvedic health, ayurvedic herb, ayurvedic ingredients, ayurvedic treatments, science of ayurveda

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