Ashwagandha

By John Douillard, DC, PhD

In a world where eighty percent of all disease can be attributed to stress it is not surprising that we are attracted to the Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha. Winter cherry, in English, Withania somnifera is sometimes referred to as Indian Ginseng making reference to its nervous system rejuvenative and tonic actions. Numerous studies have exhibited its anti-stress adaptogenic properties, many of which demonstrated superior adaptogenic properties than that of Ginseng. It is quickly becoming well known as an herb for energy, endurance and stress.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha balances both the Nervous System (vata = air) and the Musculo-Skeletal System (kapha = earth, water) simultaneously while it increases heat (pitta) in the body. In chronic conditions it is common to see Vata-Kapha imbalances that are usually long standing and difficult to treat. A classic example of such a condition is arthritis, which involves painful, dry joints (a vata condition) along with swollen and inflamed joints (a kapha condition). Ashwagandha would be the medicine of choice in such a condition as it balances both the vata and kapha aspects of this imbalance. Ashwagandha is also indicated in many other conditions that combine vata and kapha imbalances.

Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used to treat: general debility, arthritis, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depressed immunity, sexual debility, infertility, memory loss, breathing difficulties, hormonal imbalances and more.

It is used very effectively for insomnia, but not as a sedative. Its rejuvenative and nervous system restorative properties provide the body with the energy (prana), which is needed by the body to settle itself down and sleep. In this way its adaptogenic properties help the body deal with a stress related condition rather than mask it with a sedative.

In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered a sweet root. In ancient times herbs were classified by their taste. The sweet taste allows the herb penetrate into the deeper tissues of the body. The sweet taste would open the tissues rather than constrict them. Very bitter roots would constrict and cleanse but not deeply access and rejuvenate the body like Ashwagandha. Its secondary taste of bitter and astringent would stimulate a deep tissue cleansing and rejuvenation that would not be possible with an aggressive bitter herb. Also because of its sweet taste, Ashwagandha is considered a heavy herb and may be necessary to take it with meals or with ginger to effectively digest it. Toxicity is not usually encountered with Ashwagandha.

Further Information

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