Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Uses and Benefits

Introduction

Aswagandha, commonly known as ‘Winter cherry’ is a branched erect under shrub which is found in drier regions of India. The name ‘Aswagandha’ indicates that it’s root has the smell of horse and also improves sexual potency of the person who consumes it. The word ‘Withania’ indicates a scientist’s name Withan and ‘somnifera’ means it produce sleep.  Aswagandha is a most commonly used herb as rejuvenative. It is used in the treatment of various other diseases.

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA conducted various studies in Cloves to find out the therapeutic actions of the herb. Our experts have successfully proven the activities like Sedative, Hypnotic, Antiseptic, Antimitotic, Antitumor, Antioxidant, Rejuvenative and Antiallergic property of Aswagandha. It has been also  found out that with an one extracted from leaves of Aswagandha have protective function on brain cells. Alcoholic leaf extracts of this plant prevents neurodegenerative disorders. Methanolic extract of Aswagandha is proven to be effective in treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Action of Aswagandha – Withania somnifera in Allergies

IAFA experts are putting continuous efforts to prove the antiallergic property of Aswagandha. The plant contains somniferine, somniferinine, withanine, nicotine, withaniol, withasomnine, tropine, withanolide, analygrine, anaferine, starch etc. Thus it is used as an anti allergic agent. It also pacifies aggravated Kapha and Vata doshas. So its root powder is used against allergic reactions due to Kapha and Vata dosha. 

Vernacular Names

Sanskrit Name Aswagandha 
Hindi Name Aswagandh
English Name Winter cherry
Malayalam Name Amukkuram
Kannada Name Hiremaddina gida
Marathi Name Askandha

Botanical Name

Withania somnifera

Family

Solanaceae

Morphology of Aswagandha- Withania somnifera

  • A branched erect under shrub.
  • Leaves 5-10, ovatc, subacute, entire.
  • Flowers greenish or lurid yellow.
  • Fruit -berry,  red, smooth.

Ayurveda Reference of Aswagandha – Withania somnifera

Ayurveda Reference of Aswagandha - Withania somnifera

Geographical Distribution of Aswagandha – Withania somnifera

Plant is found in drier regions of India, and it is wild grown almost throughout the country. 

Phytoconstituents of Aswagandha – Withania somnifera

The plant contains somniferine, somniferinine, withanine, nicotine, withaniol, withasomnine, tropine, withanolide, analygrine, anaferine, starch etc.

Parts Used of Aswagandha – Withania somnifera

  • Root 

Dosage of Aswagandha – Withania somnifera

  • Powder(churna) – 3-5 g

Medicinal Properties of Aswagandha – Withania somnifera

  • Kasa hara – relieves cough
  • Sophahara – relieves swelling
  • Swasahara – relieves asthma
  • Rasayana – rejuvenative
  • Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
  • Kandughan – relieves itching
  • Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
  • Vranahara – useful in wounds
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Home Remedies of Aswagandha – Withania somnifera

From ancient times itself Ayurveda is widely used in India. Aswagandha a commonly seen and easily available herb. Due to its high medicinal value it is used in treating many diseases like:-

  • As Rejuvenative (Rasayana) – Aswagandha is taken with milk or ghee or oil or warm water.
  • In Emaciation (Sosha) – Aswagandha is prepared with ghee and taken in morning everyday. 
  • In Dyspnoea (Swasa) – Alkali is prepared from Aswagandha and is taken with honey and ghee. 
  • In Insomnia (Nidranasa) – Aswagandha powder is mixed with sugar and ghee and taken.
  • For Conception (Garbhadharanartha) – Aswagandha is made into a decoction and then prepared with ghee. It is taken by women will help in conception. 
  • In Cough (Kasa) – Aswagandha is made into an alkali and taken with honey and ghee. 
  • In Impotency (Klaibya) – Ghee prepared with Aswagandha decoction is taken.
  • To increase weight (Balya) – Aswagandha powder is taken with either milk or ghee.
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Ayurveda is an Indian system of medicine which is popular from ancient times. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA have been conducting research studies to find out different phytoconstituents of herbs and their action in body. Such knowledge acquired by our experts are used in preparation of medicines and providing the treatment facilities  safely and effectively.

IAFA is the provider of safe and effective treatment for a wide range of diseases, mainly allergic diseases all based on Ayurveda.

Dr. Sahil Gupta completed his Bachelor of Ayurveda in Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) and Master’s Degree in Health Administration (MHA) India. He is Registered Ayurvedic Doctor & Vaidya in India having Registration No. 23780. He is the CEO and founder of IAFA. After completing BAMS, Dr. Sahil Gupta started practicing Ayruveda by giving prime importance to allergic disorders management. He became the first Ayurvedic doctor to cure Food Allergies through Ayurveda. Read More About Dr. Sahil Gupta.

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