ASHWAGANDHA

Medicinal Uses

insomnia

anxiety

bronchitis

asthma

emphysema

ulcers

emaciation

senile dementia

Alzheimers disease

Parkinson’s disease

cognitive function

neurological disorders

inflammation

osteoarthritis

rheumatoid arthritis

fibromyalgia'

adrenal support

backache

hemiplegia

gynecological disorders

male impotence

sexual performance

chronic constipation

swollen glands

anemia

tumors

tuberculosis

chronic liver disease

hiccups

leukoderma/ vitiligo

bone strengthening

stress management

heart health

parasites

immune support

Lupus

neuroprotection in stroke

bipolar disorder

attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

cerebellar ataxia

diabetes

As a general tonic, ashwagandha is beneficial to the brain and nervous system as a whole, improving both memory and cognition in both acute and chronic cases.
Topically, ashwagandha is used with backache, hemiplegia, and ulcerations.
Ashwagandha is thought to be amphoteric which means it can help regulate important physiological processes. The theory is that when there is an excess of a certain hormone, the plant-based hormone precursor occupies cell membrane receptor sites so the actual hormone cannot attach and exert its effect. If the hormone level is low, the plant-based hormone exerts a small effect.
Ashwagandha is also considered to be an adaptogen, facilitating the ability to withstand stressors, and has significant antioxidant properties.
Incredibly useful in adrenal exhaustion and very helpful in the treatment of Lupus. This is especially true when it is combined with Nettle and Elderberry to supplement the kidneys and as an immune system modulator
In a double-blind study involving mice, ashwagandha prevented stress-related gastrointestinal ulcers, increased physical endurance, and prevented the depletion of vitamin C and cortisol in stressed animals.
Other studies have shown ashwagandha to have an immunostimulatory effect. The plant efficiently switches the body from “fight or flight” sympathetic response to “rest and restore” parasympathetic response which can result in sweating.
Improves red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hair melanin
Animal trials indicated increased stress endurance and the reduction of stomach lining damage from the root extract.
Rat studies demonstrated analgesic actions as well as protection against gastric ulceration.
The leaf extracts are also indicated for anti-microbial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi.
Anti-Aging: In a double-blind clinical trial, ashwagandha was tested in a group of 101 healthy males, 50-59 years old, at a dosage of 3 grams daily for one year. A significant improvement in hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hair melanin, and seated stature was observed. Serum cholesterol decreased and nail calcium was preserved. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate decreased significantly and 71.4 percent reported improvement in sexual performance (Bone, 1996).
Chronic Stress (CS): Ashwagandha decreased the number and severity of CS-induced ulcers, reversed CS-induced inhibition of male sexual behavior, and inhibited the adverse effects of CS on retention of learned tasks. reversed CS-induced immunosuppression, and the Withania extract increased peritoneal macrophage activity in the rats (Bhattarcharya, 2003).
Cardiovascular Protection: Hypoglycemic, diuretic, and hypo- cholesterolemic effects of ashwagandha root were assessed in human subjects, in which six type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects and six mildly hyper-cholesterolemic subjects were treated with a powder extract for 30 days. A decrease in blood glucose comparable to that of an oral hypoglycemic drug was observed. Significant increases in urine sodium, urine volume, and decreases in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins was also seen (Andallu and Radhika, 2000)..
Hypothyroidism: Animal studies reveal ashwagandha has a thyrotropic effect. An aqueous extract of dried Withania root was given to mice via gastric intubation at a dose of 1.4 g/kg body weight daily for 20 days. Serum was collected at the end of the 20- day period and analyzed for T3 and T4 concentrations, and lipid peroxidation was measured in liver homogenate via antioxidant enzyme activity. Significant increases in serum T4 were observed, indicating the plant has a stimulatory effect at the glandular level. Withania extract significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in the liver homogenate and significantly increased catalase activity, promoting scavenging of free radicals that can cause cellular damage. These results indicate ashwagandha may be a useful botanical in treating hypothyroidism (Panda and Kar, 1999).
Hypercholesterolemia: A case series, including six subjects with hypercholesterolemia showed that ashwagandha 3 grams daily for 30 days decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).
Infertility: Ashwagandha root powder 5 grams daily given with milk for three months decreased oxidative stress and improved indicators of semen quality, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin levels in a clinical trial of 150 infertile Indian males. However, sperm count and motility were largely unchanged.
Studies show ashwagandha to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis inflammation, stroke and tardive dyskinesia. Studies also reveal ashwagandha to be a potential anti-microbial agent, with anti-fungal activity and moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
In rat tests, ashwagandha increased stamina during swimming endurance tests and prevented the over-release of the stress hormone cortisol. Similarly, pre-treatment with this plant showed significant protection against stress-induced gastric ulcers (Singh,2011)

Constituents

steroidal lactones
alkaloids
flavonoids
amino acids
iron
withanolides
sitonindosides

The presence of withanolides and sitonindosides occur rarely in nature and only to the family Solanaceae.
Withanolides are found primarily in the leaves, and sitoindosides mainly in the root.
The root contains numerous medicinal compounds with actions to include adaptogenic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-neoplastic, aphrodisiac, hypnotic and narcotic (i.e. sleep inducing) properties.
The leaves also possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic and narcotic actions, while the seeds contain only diuretic, hypnotic and milk coagulant actions.
Much of ashwaganda’s pharmacological activity has been attributed to two main withanolides, withaferin A and withanolide D

Energetics/ Organoleptics

ENERGETICS: warming, sweet, bitter, dry, pungent
MERIDIANS: kidneys and heart
Dhatu (tissue): blood, muscle, fat, bone, nerve, reproductive
Srotas (channels): reproductive, nervous, respiratory

Ashwagandha’s warm, nourishing, and grounding nature makes it ideal for vata types, who tend to run cold and may be prone to wasting, fatigue, and nervousness.

Ashwagandha can also be used for other doshic types (i.e. pitta or kapha) but certain measures may need to be taken. For those with a warm constitution, ashwagandha can be combined with cooling herbs, such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds, or shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) root. Also, caution should be used if the individual shows signs of sluggish digestion, as ashwagandha, like most heavy, rejuvenating herbs can burden the digestive system if one’s agni (digestive fire) is weak. In that case, ashwagandha could be taken in smaller amounts and combined with a warming digestive, such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome.

Ashwagandha is also an important herb for those practicing yoga and meditation, as it is considered pure in energy. Though reputed for its libido-boosting power, ashwagandha is used by yogis to transform sexual energy into ojas, a refined, subtle energy that gives rise to a sense of peace, contentment, well-being, and resiliency (Dass, 2013).

Contradictions

Traditional wisdom advises that most supplementing herbs not be taken during acute illness.
While this is a traditional remedy for lactation and pregnancy, use in smaller doses during these times. Large doses of ashwagandha are contraindicated during pregnancy due to its actions as an abortifacient; however, Ayuverdic texts recommend small amounts as a restorative tonic during pregnancy.
Proceed carefully if you have a known allergy of the Nightshade family.
Toxicity trials on mice using a whole plant alcohol extract administered orally showed no side effects.
Arthritis trials indicated nausea, dermatitis and abdominal pain in some participants.
Large doses have been shown to cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
There are anecdotal reports that ashwagandha may potentiate the effects of barbiturates; therefore, caution should be used if taking this combination.
Since ashwagandha acts as a mild central nervous system depressant, patients should avoid alcohol, sedatives, and other anxiolytics while taking ashwagandha.
Contraindicated for hyperthyroid conditions such as Grave’s disease as it can be overstimulating.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have a negative effect when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan) and midazolam (Versed).
Use cautiously with peptic ulcers due to possible irritation of mucous and serous membranes.
Use cautiously with thyroid disorders due to possible thyroid stimulatory properties.

Common Names

Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, winter cherry, Ayurvedic ginseng, poison gooseberry

Botanical Name

Withania somnifera (synonym Physalis somnifera)

Family

Solanaceae

Parts Used

roots, leaves, berries and seeds

Mainly the roots, but ashwagandha’s bitter leaves are often used as a hypnotic in the treatment of addiction and to relax spasms of the lungs in cases of asthma and emphysema.

The seeds of the fruit are also diuretic, and the flowers are astringent and aphrodisiac.

Therapeutic Actions

adaptogenic

alterative

anabolic

analgesic

anti-anemic

anti-depressant

anti-inflammatory

anti-septic

anti-spasmodic

anti-tussive

anti-oxidant

anti-microbial

anti-tumor

anxiolytic

amphoteric

aphrodisiac (usually in men)

astringent

bitter tonic

cardioprotective

chemopreventive

diuretic

emetic effect (berries)

emmenagogue

hemopoiesis

immune stimulant

kidney and liver tonic

nervine sedative

reproductive tonic

sedative

stimulant

thyrotropic

thermogenic

Proper Use

Ashwagandha may be taken as a capsule, infused ghee, tincture, or dried powder. It is best ingested with fat and goes well with milk and dandeline root.

A typical dose of ashwagandha is

3-9 grams daily of the dried root, 2 tbs 2-4 times daily as tincture, or 1 tsp twice daily of herbal ghee or honey.
300-500 mg of an extract standardized to contain 1.5 percent withanolides, or 6- 12 ml of a 1:2 fluid extract per day.

Ashwagandha root is somewhat starchy and can easily be mixed into porridges, smoothies, cookies, and even hot cocoa or turmeric milk.

Use cut/sifted root because it is usually more intact and fresh tasting, or have it powdered on demand by a supplier. If possible, buy from a reputable small herb farm like Pacific Botanicals or Zack Woods Herb Farm.

Ayurvedic herbalists suggest ashwagandha in cases of long-term sleep problems. It’s not an herb that is going to knock you out the moment you take it (such as Passionflower), but rather helps to balance and regulate sleep cycles over time, facilitating more restful sleep on a long-term scale . For this purpose, Ayurvedic practitioners suggests 10 gm per day in capsule form, and encourages those who try it to wait a few days before expecting results.

Because of ashwagandha’s very intense odor, the plant is common in both capsule and extract form.

Topically, ashwagandha leaves can be made into a poultice and applied locally to soothe inflammation from boils and carbuncles.

Formulary

A classical way to enjoy ashwagandha is simmered with warm, whole milk. Using dairy or non-dairy milk with a hearty fat content will help deliver the herb into your nervous system more completely, as our nervous system is lined with fat and responds well to fatty substances (Groves, 2016).

For iron-deficient anemia, a suggested preparation is simmered in milk with molasses or ghee.
Ashwagandha is well paired with shatavari for strengthening the female reproductive system.
For stress and burnout, pair ashwagandha with milky oats to soothe the adrenals.
If something more cooling is needed to balance the heat of ashwagandha for your body type, pair with rose or lemon balm.
As a kidney and immune support, ashwagandha pairs with nettle and elderberry.
For fibromyalgia and other chronic inflammatory conditions, pair with kava kava and skullcap.
To mask the otherwise intense flavor, mix ashwagandha powder with cardamom and dates.

ADRENAL EXHAUSTION

2 parts Ashwagandha

2 parts Nettle

1 part Peach

1/2 part each Lemon Balm and Rose.

This is very cooling and calming, and could be made a bit more stimulating and warming with the omission of the Peach and the addition of Rosemary instead and a 1/2 part fresh Ginger

Brain Boosting Bon Bons

Ashwagandha Roasted in Ghee

Ashwagandha Cookies

Cultivation

Ashwagandha is a small, woody shrub in the Solanaceae family that grows about two feet in height. It can be found growing in Africa, the Mediterranean, and India. As a result of this wide growing range, there are considerable morphological and chemotypical variations in terms of local species. However, the primary alkaloids of both the wild and the cultivated species appear to be the same.
The roots are the main portion of the plant used therapeutically.
The bright red fruit is harvested in the late fall and seeds are dried for planting in the following spring. The berries have been shown to have an emetic effect.
Unlike other potent tonic herbs such as ginseng, ashwagandha is fairly easy to cultivate and is ready for harvest after only one year . The fresh roots of one year old plants are harvested from January to March, and are then either dried whole or cut into short pieces and dried directly in the sun. Crop quality is determined by the size of the main tap root as well as organoleptic qualities such as color, odor, and flavor.

Asia-Suler-with-an-ashwagandha-plant-fre

History

Its use as an herbal medicine has been widely practiced in Ayuverdic, Unani and Middle Eastern traditional medicines where it is highly regarded as a panacea, aphrodisiac and rejuvenative
With a use history that dates back over 6,000 years, ashwagandha is one of the most highly valued and traditionally used herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. In its earliest ancient text appearances, the plant is noted for its benefit in emaciation for people of all ages (including babies), its power to enhance the reproductive system, and its benefit for arthritic and rheumatic inflammation.
The Maasai people of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania use juice made from ashwagandha leaves for conjunctivitis, and fresh bruised berries applied topically for ringworm. In Lesotho, ashwagandha bark infusion is used internally for asthma and externally for bedsores (5). The tender shoots are commonly eaten as a vegetable in India.
In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana: an herbal preparation that promotes a youthful state of both physical and mental health. Rasayanas are considered tonics and are administered to people of all ages: from young children for preventative health measures to the middle-aged and elderly for supporting longevity. Among the Ayurvedic Rasayana herbs, ashwagandha is the most prized and widely used.
Ashwagandha is further classified into a subgroup of Rasayanas called Medhyarasayanas, Medhya referring to the mind and mental capacities. Ashwagandha proves its worth as a Medhya as used for the prevention and treatment of cognitive disorders such as senile dementia and Alzheimer’s, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. On this note, there are dozens of studies that have demonstrated ashwagandha’s ability to slow, stop, and even reverse neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss- the primary culprits of cognitive impairments due to these neurodegenerative diseases. Ashwagandha also boosts GABA (a crucial neurotransmitter in the central nervous system) mimetic effects by promoting the formation of dendrites. As a general tonic, ashwagandha is beneficial to the brain and nervous system as a whole, improving both memory and cognition in both acute and chronic cases.

Research & References

Andallu B, Radhika B. (2000). Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera) root. Indian J Exp Biol 2000;38:607-609.

Auddy B, Hazra J, Mitra A, Abedon B, Ghosal S. (2008). A standardized Withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. JANA. 2008;11(1): 50-56.

Biswal BM, Sulaiman SA, Ismail HC, Zakaria H, Musa KI. (2012). Effect of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Integr Cancer Ther. November 2012; [epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1177/1534735412464551.

Bone, K. (1996). Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Monographs for the Western Herbal Practitioner. Australia: Phytotherapy Press; 1996:137-141.

Bhattarcharya SK, Muruganandam AV (2003). Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;75:547- 555.

Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022

Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K. (2016). Body weight management in adults under chronic stress through treatment with ashwagandha root extract: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. April 6, 2016; [epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1177/2156587216641830.

Dass, V. (2013). Ayurvedic herbology East and West. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.

Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, et al. (2019). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Cureus 11(9): e5797. doi:10.7759/cureus.5797

Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37), e17186. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017186

Panda S, Kar A. (1999). Withania somnifera and Bauhinia pupurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;67:233-239.

Panda S, Kar A. (1998). Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 1998;50:1065-1068.

Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 20(12), 901–908. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0177

Rai M, Jogee PS, Agarkar G, (2015). Alves dos Santos C. Anticancer activities of Withania somnifera: current research, formulations, and future perspectives. Pharm Biol. April 7, 2015; [epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1027778.

Raut AA, Rege NN, Tadvi FM, et al. (2012). Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers. J Ayurveda Integr Med. July 2012;3(3):111-114.

Singh, Narendra. (2011). An Overview of Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines via US National Library of Medicine, 2011.

Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somniferasupplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. November 25, 2015;12:43. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9.