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Action
alterative, aphrodisiac, astringent, nervine, rejuvenative,
sedative, tonic
Seeds possess the property of coagulating milk, but they
also contain poisonous properties. Leaves and root are narcotic.
Root is diuretic and deobstruent, tonic, alterative and aphrodisiac.
Known as Indian ginseng, this herb builds marrow and semen,
and inhibits aging. It is one of the best herbs for the mind
(clarity, nurturing).
Uses
alcoholism
Alzheimer’s disease
anemia
breathing difficulty
cancer- for general strength during and after chemotherapy
carbuncles
convalescence
cough
emaciation
HIV support, AIDS
immune system problems
insomnia
lumbago
memory loss
mental function, clarity
MS
muscle energy loss
nerve exhaustion, overwork, fatigue
paralysis
rheumatism, rheumatic swellings
sexual debility, infertility, builds semen
skin afflictions
stress
swollen glands
ulcers
women's health - stabilizes fetus, regenerates hormones
Action & Uses in Ayurveda & Siddha
Tikta, kashaya rasam ushna veeryam, katu vipakam, kapha vata
haram.
Indications: Vranam, visham, aphrodisiac, strength giving,
complexion improved, in kasam, swasam, soola, pandu, white
leprosy, pruritis, karappan, fatigue
Action & Uses in Unani
cough, asthma, uterine diseases, expels balgham and souda,
aphrodisiac, puerperal tonic.
Here are some applications of this herb from western herbals:
Mental Problems Improved:
This is perhaps one of the most promising applications of
this herb. In a reported study, this herb was given to 30
mental patients suffering from anxiety neurosis in doses of
40 ml/day. (in two equally divided doses.) for one month.
At the end of the month, most of the anxiety disorders, panic
attacks and similar mood phobias, had disappeared. In trials
by American psychiatrists, this herb had been found useful
for the treatment of manic depression, alcoholic paranoia,
and schizophrenia. Up to 4 capsules were given daily, in between
meals, for 45-60 days with very good results. Learning enhancement
and memory retention had improved substantially when aswagandha
(3 capsules), gotu kola (2 capsules), and ginkgo biloba (2
capsules) were taken regularly on a daily basis.
Anti-Tumor, Anti-Inflammatory Effects Noticed:
Studies with rats and human volunteers have shown that ashwagandha
is helpful in putting cancer tumors into regression (used
as an alcoholic root extract) and in reducing inflammation
in rheumatoid arthritis. The plant's high steroid content
was found to be more potent than hydrocortisone in animal
and human arthritis. (Use 3000 to 6000 mg of the root powder
or 500 mg 3 times daily of the alcoholic extract.)
Ayurvedic Applications
Root and bitter leaves are used as a hypnotic in alcoholism
and emphysematous dyspnoea.
Root is used in doses of about 30 grains in consumption,
emaciation of children, senile debility, rheumatism, in all
cases of general debility, nervous exhaustion, brain-fag,
low of memory, loss of muscular energy and spermator rhoea.
It infuses fresh energy and vigor in a system worn out owing
to any constitutional disease like syphilis, rheumatic fever
etc., or from over-work and thus prevents premature decay.
Powder of the root mixed with ghee and honey in equal parts
is prescribed for impotence or seminal debility. Take it in
the evening, with milk.
Leaves are used as an anthelmintic and as an application
to carbuncles.
Fruits or seeds are used as diuretic, and to coagulate milk.
Root is used as an application in obstinate ulcers and rheumatic
swellings.
Specific Ayurvedic Remedies
As nutrient and health restorative
A decoction of ashvagandha root is useful as nutrient and
health restorative to the pregnant and old people. You can
also take its powder with milk as an alternative.
Ashvagandha Ghrita promotes the nutrition and strength of
children. For improving the nutrition of weak children, give
this for a fortnight
For curing the sterility of women, Ayurveda practitioners
often prescribe a boiled down decoction of ashvagandha, milk
and ghee. Take this for a few days, soon after the menstrual
period.
For spermatorrhoea, loss of strength etc., a powder consisting
of Asvagandha, sugar, ghee, honey and long pepper is often
given daily, with milk and rice diet.
Ashvagzndha root taken with milk or clarified butter acts
as an aphrodisiac and restorative to old men. Ashvagandha
- Vidari Combination is a herbal remedy for this condition.
Ashvagandha Herbal Invigorator is useful for consumption,
seminal debility, and to help the nutrition of weak children.
For lumbago, pains
The powder of Aswagandha and sugarcandy, in ghee is often
prescribed for lumbago, pains in the loins or small of the
back.
Fresh green root of Asvagandha reduced to paste with cow's
urine or with water heated applied to the parts affected is
useful for scrofulous and other glandular swellings.
Narayana Taila, an Ayurvedic herbal remedy containing Aswagandha,
is useful for consumption, emaciation of children and rheumatism
and as an enema in dysentery and anal fistulae.
A ghrita prepared with a decoction and paste of ashwagandha
root is used internally and an oil prepared with a decoction
of the root and a number of aromatic substances in the form
of a paste is used externally for rheumatism.
For skin diseases:
Apply Ashvagandha powder well mixed with oil to the skin.
For improving eyesight:
Take a mixture of Ashvagandha powder, liquorice powder and
juice of emblic myrobalans.
Miscellaneous
Apply drops into the nose in deafness, and as an inunction
over the body in hemiplegia, tetanus, rheumatism, and lumbago.
Use a decoction of the roots of Ashvagandha, Batatas paniculata
and liquorice, with cow's milk as a gatactagogue.
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