Condition
Treatment Support
cardiac tonic
Application
powder, capsules
Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera)
Botanical Information
A small perennial shrub in the nightshade family with purple flowers and reddish berries.
Working with Ashwagandha
Part(s) Used
Root
Herb Forms
Tincture, Tea
Ashwagandha, sometimes called Indian ginseng, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonifying herb that promotes longevity. Much like ginseng, it is used to increase energy, fertility, and male potency. It has been used for edema, coughs, skin diseases, and for increasing sperm count. It is indicated in anxiety disorders and in combination with other herbs for osteoarthritis. It is sometimes applied locally as an anti-inflammatory. Ashwagandha shows good immune-tonifying effects in laboratory studies. In conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes, ashwagandha is often prescribed for inferiity, impotene, fatigue, insomnia, and arthritis. The herb is becoming a popular adaptogen, which is a substance that brings balance to the immune, hormonal, and nervous systems, also counteracting stress and increasing endurance. Current herbal practitioners in many Western countries recommend the root preparations as a tonic for promoting a feeling of “relaxed energy” while simultaneously counteracting the harmful effects of stress.
Scientific studies show that the root has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and it supports functional balance of the immune, endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and nervous systems. This is the definition of a true adaptogen, an herb thought to help protect against stress and promote wellness. Other studies show that taking ashwagandha increases urine volume and significantly decreases serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
Christopher Hobbs:
“Ashwagandha has a taste of SWEET, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.”
Generated by ChatGPT, edited by Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
No studies have turned up any safety concerns for short-term use, and no clinical reports of side effects or drug interactions have been reported in the medical literature. Digestive upset and mild allergic reactions are the most common side effects of taking herbs, especially on an empty stomach, and this is possible while taking ashwagandha as well.
Conditions treated with Ashwagandha
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
immune tonic
Application
capsules, tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
nerve tonic
Application
tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
