Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha –Means smelling like a horse; Indian Ginseng; Winter Cherry; (Withania Somnifera). Root of the plant is used. It is available in the markets in syrup as Ashwagandharishta, in powder, tablet and capsule form.

1. Adaptogenic.
2. Anti-Stress qualities. Choice herb for those over 35 years with high stress jobs.
3. Improves Memory (cognitive ability).
4. Reduces nervousness and anxiety.
5. Helps treat diseases of the central nervous system.
6. Used in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson.
7. Helps in palpitation, and nervous breakdown.
8. Has a calming and mildly sedative effect on the mind.
9. Helps reduce Blood Pressure.
10. Helps improve sleep.
11. Helps to purify the blood, especially the berries.
12. Antioxidant qualities.
13. Helps recover from fatigue.
14. Improves immunity.
15. Helps tone liver and kidneys.
16. For increase in Strength and Vitality.
17. Nourishes the tissues, muscles and bones.
18. Helps in Anemia in combination with other herbs and Loh Bhasm (Ayurvedic Iron ash).
19. Helps improve growth of children.
20. Works as a rejuvenator.
21. Slows down the ageing process.
22. Slows down graying of hair.
23. Enhances physical and mental stamina.
24. Helps sportsmen improve performance especially in combination with Kappi Kacchu (Kaunch Beej) (Mucuna pruriens).
25. Enhances  reaction time and psychomotor coordination.
26. Treats impotency and infertility.
27. Anti-inflammatory therefore helps in Arthritis and Joint Pains.
28. Helps in Asthma and Bronchitis.
29. Has been used in a poly herbal preparation in treatment of AIDS.
30. Helps in preventing Cancer and in treating it.
31. Reduces sugar levels.
32. Used in Poly Herbal preparations for a number of problems especially related to sexual dysfunction in men and for numerous problems of women especially for strength, miscarriage, etc.
33. As an aid to weight loss; Leaves and stem of the plant.
34. Ashwagandha gives strength and helps tone up the male reproductive system. It is often called Indian Ginseng but unlike Korean Ginseng it is a calm herb. From the perspective of treatment, higher doses of Ashwagandha will calm the mind and relax the body, in comparison Korean Ginseng can cause sharp sexual stimulation especially in somewhat higher doses, often unneeded.