गन्धान्ता वाजिनामादिरश्वगन्धा हयाद्वया। वराहकर्णी वरदा बलदा कुष्ठगन्धिनी ||
अश्वगन्धाऽनिलश्लेष्मश्वित्रशोथक्षयापहा । बल्या रसायनी तिक्ता कपायोष्णाऽतिशुक्रला ॥ -भावप्रकाश
Ashwagandha is known to provide aid in managing problems associated with stress and anxiety due to its Rasayana (Rejuvenating) and Vata balancing properties. These properties may also help in diabetes management. It also has Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property which helps in improving stamina and treats conditions like erectile dysfunction. Root powder of Ashwagandha can be taken with milk to help manage male infertility and erectile dysfunction. It is used as a nervine tonic for various nerve-related problems. It provides aid in the management of stress and anxiety. It stabilizes the body’s response to stressful conditions.
One important precaution with Ashwagandha is that it should be avoided during pregnancy as it might increase uterine contractions.
What are the synonyms of Ashwagandha?
What is the source of Ashwagandha?
BENEFITS OF ASHWAGANDHA
Stress increases the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which in turn increases the cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body. Ashwagandha powder reduces the level of cortisol and helps to reduce stress and stress-related problems.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder and boil it in 2 cups of water.
2. Add a pinch of ginger. Boil till it reduces to half.
3. Cool the mixture and add honey to enhance its taste.
4. Drink this tea to relax your mind.
Stress increases the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which in turn increases the cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body. Ashwagandha powder reduces the level of cortisol and helps to reduce stress and its associated problems like anxiety[3].
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder along with ghee, sugar and honey daily for a month once or twice a day to improve sperm quality.
2. Or, mix 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder in a glass of warm milk. Drink this at bedtime.
Studies state that Ashwagandha makes the cells less resistant to insulin. This improves insulin sensitivity and increases glucose utilization by the cells. Ashwagandha also protects and increases the number of the insulin-producing cells thus increasing insulin secretion. Together, it helps to manage the risk of diabetes[12-14].
Tip:
1. Take 1 glass of milk and 1/2 a glass of water in a pan and bring it to boil.
2. Add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder and boil for another 5 minutes.
3. Add crushed almonds and walnut (around 2 teaspoons) to the mixture.
4. Drink this mixture to manage blood sugar level.
Tip:
Take 1 Ashwagandha capsule or tablet twice a day with milk or warm water after 2 hours of meals along with your existing treatment.
Studies state that Ashwagandha has analgesic property. It is seen that the roots and leaves of Ashwagandha contain withaferin A which inhibits the production of pain mediators such as prostaglandins. This reduces the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis[17-20].
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder.
2. Mix it in 1 glass of milk.
3. Drink this thrice a day.
4. Continue for at least 1-2 months for better results.
Stress increases the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which in turn increases the cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body. Ashwagandha powder reduces the level of cortisol and helps to reduce stress and its associated problems like high blood pressure[3].
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder in a cup of water.
2. Boil the mixture in a pan for at least 10 minutes.
3. Add a few drops of lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey to enhance the taste.
4. Drink this mixture once a day in the morning.
Tip:
Start with 1 capsule or tablet of Ashwagandha two hours after meals with milk. Also, monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking Ashwagandha with other antihypertensive drugs.
Parkinson’s disease is due to damage of the nerve cells which affects movement, muscle control and balance of the body. Ashwagandha prevents damage of nerve cells due to its antioxidant property. This reduces the risk of Parkinson and its associated problems[21-23].
A disease condition ‘Vepathu’ described in Ayurveda may be correlated with Parkinson’s disease. It is caused by vitiated Vata. Taking Ashwagandha powder balances Vata and also helps to reduce the degeneration of cells which controls the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
How effective is Ashwagandha?
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING ASHWAGANDHA
2. Ashwagandha may cause sedation. So it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Ashwagandha or its supplements along with sedatives as it may cause excessive sleepiness.
2. Low blood pressure
3. Diarrhea
4. Nausea
5. Abdominal pain[26]
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OF ASHWAGANDHA
- Ashwagandha Tablet – 1 tablet twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor
- Ashwagandha Capsule – 1 capsule twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
- Ashwagandha Churna – 1/4-1/2 teaspoon twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
HOW TO USE ASHWAGANDHA
Take 1 Ashwagandha tablet or as prescribed by the doctor
with warm milk or water after taking food twice a day.
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
Take 1 Ashwagandha capsule or as prescribes by the doctor
with warm milk or water after taking food twice a day.
3. Ashwagandha Powder (Churna)
a. With milk or honey
Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder (churna) with milk or honey or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Ashwagandha Tea
i. Add 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder to 2 cups of water.
ii. Bring it to a boil.
iii. Boil until it reduces to 1/2 of the original quantity.
iv. Add some milk and honey to it.
v. Drink once a day.
vi. You can skip honey in case of high blood sugar level.
c. Ashwagandha Milkshake
i. Roast 4 tablespoons of Ashwagandha powder (churna) in 1 cup of pure ghee.
ii. Add 1-2 teaspoon honey to it.
iii. To consume, add 1 teaspoon of this powder to 1 glass of cold milk.
iv. Blend it well and drink immediately for better taste.
v. You can store this mixture in the refrigerator and use when needed[29].
vi. Skip honey in case of high blood sugar level.
d. Ashwagandha Ladoo
i. Take 2 tablespoons of Ashwagandha powder (churna).
ii. Add 1 tablespoon of jaggery powder to it.
iii. Add a pinch of black salt and pepper to the mixture to enhance the taste.
iv. Knead the mixture evenly and properly.
v. Make round shape laddu with the above mixture in a circular motion between your palms[30].
vi. You can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
e. Ashwagandha Shrikhand
i. Take 250 gms thick curd.
ii. Put the curd in a muslin cloth to drain all the water to get hung curd.
iii. Remove the hung curd from muslin cloth and keep it in the refrigerator.
iv. Divide the hung curd into 4 parts.
v. Add sugar/honey as per your taste and 1 tablespoon Ashwagandha powder to each part.
vi. You can also add some dry fruits and cardamom powder to enhance its taste.
vii. Knead each portion well to make it smooth.
viii. Cool it in the refrigerator for some time.
ix. You can replace sugar or honey with jaggery[31].
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Powder (Churna)
2. Capsules
3. Tablet
Tip:
1. Take some oil in your palm and apply generously over the affected area.
2. Massage the oil.
3. Cover your body immediately after using this oil.
4. Avoid body contact to cold weather immediately after massaging with Ashwagandha oil.
i. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder along with 1 cup lukewarm milk or 1 teaspoon honey.
ii. Take it preferably 2 hours after meals.
VERY GOOD KNOWLEDGE