Ashwagandha
Ashvagandha is the Indian equivalent to Ginseng, but unlike Ginseng, Ashvagandha has a sedative rather than stimulant action on the central nervous system, making it a superior medicine for exhaustion with nervous irritability. A rejuvenating preparation can be made by mixing Ashvagandha with 10-15% Pippali, taken with one half part ghrita and 1 part honey on an empty stomach, morning and evening. Ashvagandha is a useful nervine, taken before bed to relax and nourish the body in deficiency diseases, but is only seen to be efficacious when taken on a sustained basis – it is not a sufficient sedative to treat acute insomnia. For poor memory, lack of concentration and in the treatment of ADD/ADHD Ashvagandha may be used in equal proportions with Brahmi and Ling zhi (Ganoderma lucidum). Ashvagandha is widely used in any debility, emaciation or consumptive condition, in both adults and children.
As its name 'smelling like a horse' suggests, Ashvagandha is an important vajikarana rasayana, indicating the sexual potency of a stallion, and is used in the treatment of infertility, impotence and "seminal depletion". When mixed with equal parts Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), it is an appropriate treatment for female infertility and frigidity and is useful in threatened miscarriage.
For poor eyesight Ashvagandha powder is mixed with equal proportions of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra root) powder and the fresh juice of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis fruit). An infusion of the leaves may be used in the treatment of ophthalmia.
In the form of Narayana Taila, Ashvagandha may be taken internally for consumption and emaciation in children, and as an enema for anal fistula. Narayana taila may also be taken as nasya in cases of hearing loss and in abhyanga in cases of paralysis, tetanus, rheumatism and lumbago.
Ashvagandha is used in the treatment of anti-inflammatory joint disease, but Ashvagandha can also facilitate the production of ama and thus an eliminative regimen is best utilized prior to using this botanical. Likewise, Ashvagandha is an appropriate remedy in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis, but should be used concurrently with dravyas that have a dipana-pacana property to avoid the production of ama.
A paste made of the roots and bruised leaves may be applied to carbuncles, ulcers and painful swellings.
Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi and Samm Al Ferakh, is a plant of Solanaceae or nightshade family.
It has been described in the sacred texts of Ayurveda, including the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas where it is widely extolled as a tonic especially for emaciation in people of all ages including babies, enhancing the reproductive function of both men and women. It has also been used for inflammations especially for arthritic and rheumatic conditions and as a major tonic to counteract the ravages of aging and promote youthful longevity. Some of its other traditional uses have been as a mild purgative for chronic constipation and for the treatment of swollen glands.
The root is taken in 30 gram dosage for general debility, consumption, mal-nourishment in children, senile debility, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, nervous exhaustion, fatigue, brain-gag, memory weakness, senile dementia, muscular weakness, spermatorrhea and leucorrhea.
Normally this can be taken as a powder 10 grams three times daily mixed with warm milk or water, or as a one to 5 alcoholic extract, one or two table-spoonful three times daily.
For insomnia: Ashwagandha can be mixed with valerian root and oyster shell. As a general nerve tonic, especially for hypoglycemia or low blood pressure, ashwagandha is combined with Goksura.
For chronic fatigue: Ashwagandha is combined with another great Ayurvedic tonic herb, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), Licorice, Amla (emblica myrobalan) and multi-minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. If there is mild inflammation or low level fevers.
For impotence: It can be used alone or combined with fried Cow-hage seeds. The method is to remove the inside of the seeds and mix this with Ashwagandha and ginger.
For weak lungs: Ashwagandha is combined with Sida cordifolia (Bala). Milk, to stimulate production: combine with equal parts Dioscorea batatas (also available as Shan Yao, a Chinese herb) and licorice and make a decoction of 30 grams of the mixture. Take three times daily.
Nerve tonic: combine with Goksura (Hygrophila spinosa) in equal parts. This is especially good for hypoglycemia and low blood pressure.
Malnourished children: To improve nutrition make a paste of the root with ghee and milk. Administer three times daily.
Skin diseases: Make a salve of ashwagandha or mix the powder with sesame oil and apply topically.
