Free guide to Ashwagandha herb, it's uses, benefits, properties and applications, for both medicinal and magical use.

Ashwagandha - Properties, benefits, uses, applications

Withania somnifera is a strong upright, perennial shrub, and an evergreen member of the Solanceae family, which makes it a nightshade. It has a growth pattern similar to tomatoes and displays yellow flowers that form into scarlet red and or orange berries.

Ashwagandha has a rich, interesting history as a medicine, with it first appearing in ancient Ayurvedic writings, of the Charaka and the Sushruta Samhitas around three to four thousand years ago! It was classified as a "rasayan" herb, which means a treatment that releases emotional tension and physical discomfort, and creates a foundation of wellness and stability in the body. It is still considered one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic medicine today.

Many traditional uses of Ashwagandha among African tribes include fevers and inflammatory conditions. The Maasai people of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania use leaf juice for conjunctivitis, and fresh bruised berries applied topically for ringworm. In Yemen, Ashwagandha paste is used for treating wounds, and as sunscreen. In Lesotho, ashwagandha bark tea is used for asthma and bedsores, and it is now a popular western adaptogen too!

Name: Withania somnifera

Pseudo and nick-names:  Indian ginseng, Ayurvedia ginseng, Winter cherry

Interesting Facts:
  • Important Ayurvedic medicine, with first writings around 3,000-4,000 years ago. Classified as a "rasayan" herb.
  • Name in sanskrit means "smells like a horse".

Parts used: Roots and leaves

Plant descriptive: An upright, perennial, evergreen shrub member member of the Solanceae family with a growth pattern similar to tomatoes. Displays yellow flowers and red or orange berries.

Growing: Likes dry, hot climates, dry stony soil and full sun. Prefers alkaline soil. Grow from seed or propagate by heeled greenwood cuttings. Grows around five foot tall and spreads about three feet

Location: India, Africa, Asia, and throughout the Mediterranean.

Harvesting: Leaves are collected in spring and the root dug in autumn.

Constituents: Alkaloids (inc anaferine, isopelietierine), sterodial lactones (inc withanolides and withaferins), saponins, iron

 Energetics and properties: 

  • nervine
  • adaptogen
  • anti-inflammatory
  • slightly warming
  • moistening
  • anti-oxidant
  • anxiolytic
  • aphrodisiac
  • immunomodulator
  • cardioprotective
  • anti depressant
  • tonic
  • astringent
  • bitter

    Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Physical/Environmental

    • nervous exhaustion
    • adrenal fatigue
    • anxiety
    • depression
    • poor muscle tone
    • vitality
    • recouperation from illness
    • male sexual dysfunction
    • arthritis
    • asthma
    • fibromyalgia
    • insulin resistance
    • hypothyroidism
    • insomnia
    • degenerative diseases
    • adrenal tonic
    • energy
    • stamina
    • colds
    • digestion
    • cystitis
    • haemorrhoids
    • high blood pressure
    • wound healing
    • cognitive decline
    • liver protection
    • anti-tumour
    • immunity
    • ulcers
    • boils
    • rejuvenation
    • bedsores
    • conjunctivitis
    • ringworm
    Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Emotional/Psychological:
    • stress
    • low mood
    • worry
    • calming
    • healthy boundaries
    • stable relationships
    • compromise
    • constructive communication
    • mutual trust and respect
    • affection
    • harmony
    • rationality
    • Dealing with abandonment
    • belonging
    • comfort,
    • strength
    • engagement
    • homesickness
    • Intimacy

    Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Energetic/Spiritual:

    • grounding
    • meditation
    • inner truth
    • yang energy
    • root chakra
    • vata dosha energy
    • scarlet ray protection
    • water element - fruit
    • earth element - root
    • planet Jupiter
    • family
      Typical uses:
      • Powder and capsules: 1.000 - 3000mg, 3 times daily
      • Decoction: (4-8oz dried root to 1 cup water, brought to boil and simmered for 10 mins) 1 cup, 3 times per day
      • Tincture: Dried root (1 part herb to 4 parts alcohol) 60% ethanol content) 2-8 ml, 3 times daily 

      Cautions and Contraindications:

      Health conditions: Not safe for clinically unsupervised use  during pregnancy. Do not take if congested. Not safe for those with sensitivity to the nightshade family, 

      Moderate or Severe Medication Interactions: - This list is not exhaustive:

       Do not take with sedating or diabetic medications, blood pressure lowering or immunosuppressant medications or those that effect the thyroid.

      This medication list is taken from www.hellopharmacist.com and is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional. It does not reflect all of the possible interactions and instead, intends to give a flavour of the importance of checking with professionals prior to the use of herbal remedies.

      If you have a diagnosed health condition or are taking any medications, please speak with a qualified herbalist using the webchat function prior to purchase.

       

      *This information refers to the plant type in general and not any specific product made from or with it. It is based on folk lore and historical, traditional use only and does not contain scientifically proven health claims. It is for historic informative and entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as a suggestion that the products can treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. They are not a substitute for professional, medical advice. Always see your doctor.*

      (Sources: "Alchemy of Herbs" - Roasalee De La Forest, "Healing Herbs" - Neals Yard Remedies, Sungodmedicinals.com, starchild.co.uk, crystal vaults.com hellopharmacist.com)

       

      Browse our herb range, including Allspice and other herbs here:

      Herbal Remedies – HIPPIE Life UK

       

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