ASHWAGANDHA  Strengthening Herb

Withania somnifera                    

Common names: Winter cherry, Indian Ginseng

Parts Used: root mainly, leaf and berries can also be used

Plant Properties: Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, aphrodisiac, immunomodulator, cardioprotective

Plant Uses: Fatigue, Emaciation, Reproductive health, Hypothyroid, Insomnia, Longevity, Low libido, Degenerative diseases, Anxiety, Asthma, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Insulin resistance, Heart (elderly)

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and is becoming more popular in the west due to its unique mix of strengthening and calming benefits. It is a safe and powerfully rejuvenating herb (adaptogen) that will benefit people faced with the chronic health problems created by stresses of both the diet and lifestyles of modern society.   Ashwaganda can be translated to mean “it gives you the strength of a stallion”. 

Ashwagandha is a small bush, which grows to about two feet and prefers semi-arid conditions. It is native to arid areas in India and can also be easily cultivated.  If you can grow tomatoes, then you can probably grow ashwagandha, as they need a similar climate.

Ashwagandha Benefits

The first writings about ashwagandha benefits are in Ayurveda texts from roughly 3,000 - 4,000 years ago. Ayurveda classifies ashwagandha as a rasayana - - the Supreme Raysana!. A rasayana is an herb that deeply rejuvenates and promotes longevity.  Rasayanas are especially revered for bringing health into the elder years.  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.  It is predominantly used as a strengthening and rejuvenative tonic for all forms of weakness, fatigue, convalescing, and wasting.  It also works for many people with autoimmune conditions and arthritis.

Calming, Sleep Promoting

Ashwagandha root is an adaptogen herb, especially alluring in its ability to both strengthen and calm the nervous system. Taken over time ashwagandha can build up emaciated tissues, decrease a negative response to stress and increase energy levels.  Adaptogen herbs assist the adrenals to calm and to strengthen

Ashwagandha works as a sedative which supports healthy sleep cycles.  Its species name is somnifera which refers to its use to support sleep.  Rather than think of it as an herb for acute insomnia, it is something that is taken over time to restore nervous system health and restore healthy sleep cycles. 

Ashwaganda root is sometimes called the ginseng of India. But while some adaptogens, like ginseng, may be overstimulating to people with anxiety, ashwagandha excels at decreasing anxiety and soothing the nervous system.

Consider it for people with anxiety as well as people with debilitating exhaustion who don’t need stimulants but instead need deep rest. 

It is wise to use it when there are signs of exhaustion especially when those are accompanied by sleep problems like chronic insomnia.

Reproductive Health

Ashwagandha root is famously used to support both sexual desire and fertility in both men and women. While it probably does this in many ways that we will never fully understand, think of it as nourishing the vital essence.  When used for women, Ashwagandha can be paired with Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), another Ayurvedic herb specific for women’s health. 

While ashwagandha root can be used for both sexes, it has been long used for promoting sexual health in men and can be used specifically for spermatorrhea.  While Ashwagandha can serve as an aphrodisiac in stimulating libido in both men and women, it is even more valuable when thought of as an herb that builds semen potency as well.  

Brain and Cognitive Function

Ashwagandha root has been shown to improve cognitive function in young men.  In a trial 20 men were given ashwagandha daily and had cognitive tests done before and after a two-week regimen. After two weeks they showed significant improvements in cognitive ability.  The indication here is that the use of Withania somnifera can bring significant changes in neurological baseline functions, with the postulation that it can be applied clinically in prevention, and possibly repair, of central nervous system disorders.  Natural Medicine Journal

Not many tests have been done using ashwagandha in humans; however, this small study makes one wonder how ashwagandha might help preventing or slowing Alzheimer's disease. The authors of this study hypothesize that ashwagandha may prevent or possibly repair central nervous system disorders.  

Heart / Cardiovascular Health

Ashwagandha helps to protect the heart from age-related illness. It can be combined with arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna) which is a famous herb for the heart from Ayurveda. 

Immune System and Against Cancer

Ashwagandha root is an immunomodulation herb that can support the health of the immune system. It is often used for people who have immune system disorders such as HIV or chronic infections as well as for those who tend to get every upper respiratory virus that comes their way.  Cancer specialist and herbalist Donald Yance says he uses ashwagandha as an immunomodulating herb with his cancer patients during and after chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. The immune-modulating activities of ashwagandha have been well researched and are significant.  In his book, Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism, Donald Yance cites a study with 77 breast cancer patients that concluded: “Ashwagandha is useful against cancer-related fatigue in addition to improving the quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.” 

Degenerative Disease

Ashwagandha root is used for a variety of degenerative, wasting and chronic diseases, including arthritis, Tuberculosis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Because it builds tissue and supports overall health it can help people regain their strength. 

Herbalist David Winston and Steven Maimes writes in their book Adaptogens that Ashwagandha has been shown to be directly beneficial for people with hypothyroidism and insulin resistance and diabetes. 

Dosage suggestions

Powder:   10-30 grams daily

Extract:    in a 1:1 extract take 2-8 mL per day. 

Ashwagandha can be taken as a single herb; however, it is often formulated (added to other herbs).  It blends well with Black Pepper.

Ashwagandha is considered safe with no known toxicity within normal dosage amounts. Animal studies have shown abortifacient properties when taken in extremely large dosages, so many sources will recommend not using ashwagandha during pregnancy. Ayurveda, however, regularly uses ashwagandha during pregnancy and even uses it to prevent miscarriage.  Side effects may include increasing the sedative effects of barbiturates.