Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Winter Cherry, is an Ancient herb. It is the ‘ginseng’ of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India, and is considered an ‘adaptogen’, a term used to describe herbs that improve physical energy and athletic ability, increase immunity to colds and infections and increase sexual capacity and fertility.
The root is the part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes.
Ashwagandha Health Benefits
Below we will explore some of the health benefits of Ashwagandha in more detail:
Ashwagandha strengthens immunity
One reason for the reputation of ashwagandha as a general energy-promoting, disease-preventing tonic may be its effect on the immune system. A number of studies have shown significant increases in white blood cell counts and other measures of strengthened immunity in rodents given ashwagandha or certain chemicals extracted from the herb.
Sedative effect of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha may also have a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and in animal studies it has been shown to be a muscle relaxant.
Ashwagandha increases vitality
It is commonly used to increase vitality, particularly when recovering from chronic illnesses and pain management for arthritic conditions.
Ashwagandha regulates blood sugar
Ashwagandha may also help regulate blood sugar which aids in suppressing sugar cravings.
Ashwagandha for cancer treatment and prevention
Research shows ashwagandha may be a promising alternative for cancer treatment and prevention. Ashwagandha seems to show positive effects on the endocrine, cardiac, and central nervous systems. It is one herb that could help your body produce its own thyroid hormones.
Ashwagandha for male fertility
Ashwagandha is used to restore male libido, cure impotence and increase male fertility. It is widely used in southern Asia as a male sexuality tonic.
Research on ashwagandha has concluded that extracts of the plant has a direct spermatogenic influence on the seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect (1). It is also a potential source of hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agents (2).
Ashwagandha reduces stress
Preliminary studies indicate that the herb helps to reduce the negative effects of stress, slow tumour growth, treat anxiety and insomnia.
Ashwagandha is generally safe at the doses recommended on the packaging. In high doses it may have steroidal activity similar to Creatine.
Antioxidant properties of Ashwagandha
Because Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to treat various diseases associated with nerve tissue damage related to the destructive molecules known as free radicals, some researchers have speculated that the herb may have antioxidant properties. Free-radical damage plays a role in normal ageing and in such neurological conditions as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) Herb Notes / Side Effects
Ashwagandha root may increase the effects of barbiturates; its use in combination with sedatives should be avoided. As a central nervous system depressant or tranquilizer, the herb should be used sparingly.
Ashwagandha is generally safe at the doses recommended on the package. At high doses it may have steroid activity similar to creatine.
Latin Names
Withania somnifera, Physalis flexuosa
Common Names
Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry, Ashgandh, Achuvagandi, Amikkira-gadday, Amkulang-kalang, Amukkira-kilzhangu, Amukran-kizhangu, Asagandha, Asana, Asgandh, Asundha, Asvagandhi, Fatarfoda, Hirimaddina-gadday, Hirre-gadday, Penneroo-gadda, Pevette, Sogade-beru
Properties of Ashwagandha
Strengthens immune system, antioxidant, rejuventaing. abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, anti-tumor, immuno-modulating, diuretic; narcotic, sedative, tonic.
Ashwagandha uses
Increase immunity to colds & infections, vitality, male fertility and libido. Combats impotence and helps regulate blood sugar.
Ashwagandha is indicated for:
Insomnia, slows tumor growth, anxiety, reduces cholesterol.
References
_1. J ETHNOPHARMACOL 2001 APR;75(1):1-4 – THE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF CYNOMORIUM COCCINEUM AND WITHANIA SOMNIFERA ON TESTICULAR DEVELOPMENT IN IMMATURE WISTAR RATS. – ABDEL-MAGIED EM, ABDEL-RAHMAN HA, HARRAZ FM. 2. INDIAN J EXP BIOL 2000 JUN;38(6):607-9 — HYPOGLYCEMIC, DIURETIC AND HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC EFFECT OF WINTER CHERRY (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA, DUNAL) ROOT. — ANDALLU B, RADHIKA B. — DEPARTMENT OF HOME SCIENCE, SRI SATYA SAI INSTITUTE OF HIGHER LEARNING, ANANTAPUR 515001, INDIA.
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