Ashwaganda

( India Herb )

LATIN NAME:

Withania somniferous

Ashwaganda is also know as Winter Cherry, Withania, Asgandh, and Indian ginseng.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

What is Ashwagandha? It is a small shrub with clusters of tiny green-and-yellow flowers, and red raisin-sized fruits and is a member of the pepper family.

The small evergreen grows in the frost-free drier parts of western India, northern Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East and grows to a height of 2-3 feet.

All parts of the plant are used medicinally. Ashwaganda is from India and is believed to strengthen the body and serve as a source of energy and is a major herb in the Ayurvedic system of health and healing.

Ashwagandha is sought after for its berries, leaves, and roots and is thought to aid in restoring muscles, body tissues, and bone marrow. This herb is commonly prescribed as a medicinal supplement for patients recovering from an illness or suffering from excessive fatigue.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

This herb is an adaptogen that will do all the following:

* boost strength

* increase stamina and relieve fatigue

* enhance sexual energy and rejuvenate the body

* strengthen the immune system

* speed recovery from chronic illness

* strengthen sickly children

* soothes and calms without producing drowsiness

* clarify the mind and improve memory

* slow the aging process

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* anemia

* arthritis and rheumatism

* asthma and bronchitis

* cancer

* chronic fatigue syndrome

* colds and coughs

* depression

* diarrhea

* fluid retention

* indigestion

* infertility

* hay fever

* hemorrhoids

* hypertension

* hypoglycemia

* leprosy

* nausea

* sexually transmitted diseases

* stomach ulcers

* systemic lupus erythematosus

* tuberculosis

* tumors

PREPARATIONS:

Over the counter:

Available as tincture, dried roots and leaves, powders, capsules, decoctions, essential oils and teas at health food stores.

Preparation and Dosage:

At home:

Tea: Boil 1 oz. of the Ashwagandha root in 1 cup of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink up to 2 cup of this tea a day.

Milk Decoction: Combine 1 oz. of the Ashwagandha root, 4 cups of water, and 1 cup of milk. Heat over a low flame for 30 minutes to 2 hours or until the water has evaporated. Drinks 2 cups a day. Add raw sugar or honey to sweeten.

Medicated Oil: Combine 2 oz. of crushed Ashwaganda leaves, 1 cup of castor oil and 4 cups of water. Heat over a low flame for 4 to 8 hours, or until water has evaporated.

Tincture: Dosage is ½ to 1 teaspoon of tincture daily.

Capsules: Dosage is 300 mg. of powdered root, taken once or twice a day.

Compress: Soak a clean cloth in Ashwaganda tea and apply directly to the affected wound.

SIDE EFFECTS: No undesirable side effects expected.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* Ashwaganda is not recommended for use if you are pregnant.

* Ashwagandha berries should not be eaten because they can cause severe gastrointestinal pain.

* Ashwagandha has a sedative effect on the central nervous system and will enhance the effect of any other central nervous system sedatives (e.g., alcohol) that are taken at the same time. People operating heavy equipment or working require a high level of alertness should keep this in mind when using this herb.