Monday, August 1, 2011

Ayurvedic Uses of Ashwagandha Herb : Health Benefits

The ancient Indian herb, Ashwagandha has 4000 years old medicinal history. In Ayurveda, it is among the vital herbs as well as considered as the king of herbs. Ashwagandha is also recognized as Indian ginseng or Winter cherry. It is available in both cold and warm regions of India. It is used to treat number of diseases such as breath-related disease, female disease, fevers, insomnia, inflammation, etc. It also contributes overall health of the muscular, reproductive digestive and nervous systems. Read to know all the benefits of Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit word which comes from two words 'Ashwa' (Horse) and 'Gandha' (Odour). The combination of the both words means “the smell of a horse”. Ashwagandha got its name due to 2 reasons such as the root smells similar to that of a sweaty horse as well as it vitalizes the body to give strength exactly like a horse. Alkaloids and withanoloids are the active ingredients in ashwagandha. Withanoloids are made up of molecules that fight against inflammation.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Stress

Ashwagandha is the only herb that has anti-stress adaptogenic properties which calm the nerves and enhance the ability of the body to manage physical and emotional stress. Anti-stress adaptogenic properties take care of nervous system thereby fight against the symptoms of stress. It also helps to increase mental clarity as well as counteract the feelings of negativity. To get relief from stress, drink 1 glass of milk mixed with 1 tsp Ashwagandha root powder.

Sexual Debility

Ashwagandha is very helpful in increasing libido power in males and women. It promotes overall reproductive and sexual balance. To increase sexual vigour and sperm count & quality, men should consume 1 tsp Ashwagandha root powder in 1 glass of milk. Ashwagandha is often used in herbal supplements that increase sexual desire and function.

Arthritis

Ashwagandha is a great natural remedy for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis as it has tonic and anti-inflammatory properties. It manages the inflammation of arthritis. The pain reducing capability of Ashwagandha is comparable to aspirin and phenybutazone. To get relief from arthritis, drink 1 tsp Ashwagandha root powder mixed with 1 glass of milk in the morning. By drinking this milk, bone will also become strong.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Ashwagandha contains adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties which are very helpful in diabetic neuropathy. Ashwagandha helps to improve fatigue, weight loss and weakness related with diabetic neuropathy. It also normalizes the high blood sugar and improves sensitivity of insulin.

Insomnia

Ashwagandha is very beneficial for the people who are suffering from insomnia. It has hypnotic properties so it is beneficial in treating insomnia. To treat insomnia, you should use it with Valerian root and Oyster shell.

Skin Care

Ashwagandha also helps to treat skin problems. The paste of ashwagandha roots and leaves are applied externally to treat carbuncles, ulcers and swellings. The leaves of Ashwagandha are warmed in water and used to stimulate the affected areas for treating boils and swelling. To treat bedsores and wounds, the leaves of Ashwagandha are warmed in fat or ghee and applied to stimulate the affected parts. To cure the dark spots on the skin, you must apply the paste of Ashwagandha leaves on the affected area.

Urinary Disorders

Ashwagandha is also very helpful in treating urinary ailments as it is diuretic. It also opens the sweat pores which helps to drive out liquid wastes through perspiration.

Milk Secretion and Sterility in Women

Ashwagandha taken with liquorice, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and Vidari (Ipomoea paniculata) helps to increase the milk secretion. It is also found that it can treat sterility in women and help them to conceive a child. To treat sterility, women should drink powdered roots (6 grams) with milk for 1 week continuously after menstruation.

Other Benefits of Ashwagandha

  • Ashwagandha boosts immune system, alertness and memory.
  • Ashwagandha helps to treat conjunctivitis and digestive disorders.
  • Powdered root of ashwagandha (3 grams) helps to treat common cold.
  • It is also useful in treating Syphilis by just applying the paste of leaves on the sores.
  • To treat tuberculosis, a mixture prepared of Ashwagandha root, pepper and honey is used.
  • Giving 1 tsp ashwagandha root powder to the child by mixing it in the bottle of milk helps them to become strong.
  • Consuming 1 tsp ashwagandha root powder mixed with ghee and honey helps to build tissue and enhance general strength.
Video of Ashwagandha and its Benefits from youtube:

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