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Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India, regard this
root, sometimes refered to as the Indian Ginseng and "ashwaganda",
is the Indian answer to
Ginseng for the male libido. It can
help treat impotence, male infertility, sexual function--particularly erection problems,
they claim.
It is the primary strengthening tonic in Ayurveda; used
for everything from general weakness, vitality, immunty, rheumatism, insomnia, infertility and
"weakness of the mind."
 What Is Ashwagandha Used for Today?
Modern herbalists classify ashwagandha as an adaptogen, a substance that
increases the body's ability to withstand stress of all types. (See the
article on ginseng for more information on adaptogens.)
Like other adaptogens, ashwagandha is said to improve physical energy,
strengthen immunity (against colds, flus, and other infections), and
increase sexual capacity. It has been suggested as a treatment for both male
and female infertility.
Highly preliminary studies suggest that ashwagandha may reduce the negative
effects of stress, inhibit inflammation, lower cholesterol, increase sexual
performance, produce mild sedation (an effect potentially useful for those
troubled by insomnia or anxiety), increase hemoglobin levels, raise thyroid
hormone production, and inhibit tumor growth.(1–5)
Further studies remain to be performed to evaluate these potential benefits.
Safety Issues
Although formal scientific safety studies have not been completed,
ashwagandha appears to be safe when taken in normal doses. However, because
some of the constituents of ashwagandha can make you drowsy, it should not
be combined with sedative drugs. The herb may also have some steroid-like
activity at high dosages. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing
women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been
established.
Interactions You Should Know About
If you are taking sedative drugs, you should not take ashwagandha at the
same time.
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Infusion: One to two cups
daily made with five teaspoons dried herb. |
| Powder: A
typical dosage of ashwagandha is 1 teaspoon of powder twice a day,
boiled in milk or water. Herbalists often recommend that those who are
young or especially weak should take a lower dosage.
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| Not to be used during pregnancy. |
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 Read More About
It
References
1. Devi PU, et al. In vivo growth inhibitory effect of
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) on a transplantable mouse tumour, Sarcoma
180. Indian J Exp Biol 30: 169–172, 1992.
2. Al-Hindawi MK, et al. Anti-granuloma activity of Iraqi Withania
somnifera. J Ethnopharmacol 37: 113–116, 1992.
3. Kuppurajan K, et al. Effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera
Dunal) on the process of aging in human volunteers. J Res Ayurveda Siddha
1: 247–258, 1980.
4. Bone K. MediHerb Professional Newsletter No. 30 Warwick, Australia, 1998.
5. Panda S and Kar A. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after
administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. J Pharm
Pharmacol 50: 1065–1068, 1998. |