The benefits and side effects of Ashwagandha as an Ayurvedic medicine

Posted by Laxmikant on August 10th, 2019

Ashwagandha is also known as the Winter cherry and Indian Ginseng. In Sanskrit the meaning of this herb is the smell of a horse just because the smell of its fresh root is just like a horse’s urine. Perhaps it is also because it is familiar for imparting the sexual stamina of the horse. It is also known as Varahakarni. Frequently it is referred to as Indian ginseng as it has rejuvenating properties. In Latin it is also known as Withania somnifera. It is considered to be a sedative and for sexual vitality it has also been used ashwagandha powder for weight gain.

Ayurvedic properties

Rasayani: It rejuvenates the body.

Vajikara: It helps to increase the sexual desire.

Shwitrapaha: It is useful in the management of white discoloration of the skin.

Ati shukrala: It improves the quantity and quality of semen.

Kshayapaha: In treating the emaciation as well as under nutritive conditions it is useful.

Shothahara: In the management of edematous conditions it is useful. It also helps to clear the impurities from different channels of the body.

Useful preparations

In Ayurvedic medicine Ashwagandha powder is generally used in many different ways. There are some common methods which include as Ashwagandha churna or powder, Ashwagandha extract, Ashwagandha ghruta is a decoction and medicated ghee and Ashwagandhabi churna, Ashwagandha rasayana, Ashwagandharishta as a medicated wine.

Benefits of Ashwagandha preparations

As an anti-inflammatory a paste of the leaves of it applied to a local inflammation acts.

The herbal massage oil of this herb is very useful in many conditions such as epilepsy, paralysis, sleeplessness and etc.

With ghee, honey, and sugar the preparation of Ashwagandha increases the quality of semen, mobility, and sperm count. It is also a very good aphrodisiac. Effectively it is used in low libido, erectile dysfunction, and also in premature ejaculation. The churna is regularly used to help to improve the health conditions such as rheumatism, senile debility, nervous exhaustion, and general debility, low of memory, brain-fag, spermatorrhea, and loss of muscular energy. It also increases the body vigor and energy. It also provides you help to rebuild the body system that is worn out due to the diseases such as rheumatism, syphilis and etc. The lowered body energy can also be replenished by it. Preparation of it can be a good remedy to balance the sweet cravings. If it is used regularly then it is very useful for emaciated children. It also helps to increase the body energy and body weight. Regular use of it can help to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is very useful in many skin conditions if you mixed the fine powder of it with oil.

Side effects

The excessive doses of Ashwagandha can cause abortions so it is better for the pregnant women to avoid this herb. It is also recommended to not to use this herb with other anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives. Large doses of this herb can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and also vomiting. So it is better to use it under the supervision of your healthcare practitioner to avoid side effects.