Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known by its alternate common name, Indian ginseng. It is a vital herb in the Ayurvedic medical system. The plant is a nervine, aphrodisiac, and adaptogen, with properties similar to ginseng. The species belongs to the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. The plant grows to a height of two meters and grows in drier regions of western India.
The shrub also grows in tropical Africa, from South Africa to the Middle East, Arabia, Sri Lanka, and southern China. It is cultivated in gardens in the warmer parts of Europe. It has become a naturalized weed in South Australia and New South Wales. In India, the plant is also cultivated for its medicinal properties. The root, which has a bitter taste, is used in medicine.
Ashwagandha is a widely studied herb popular in the USA. It contains steroidal compounds, such as steroidal lactones, withanolides being an example. The herb also contains phytosterols, alkaloids, various amino acids, and high amounts of iron.
Unlike other adaptogens, which are stimulating, Ashwagandha has a calming effect. It makes it particularly valuable for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients suffering from irritability. Some trials have shown that a 500 mg daily dose of Ashwagandha reduces stress symptoms, reverses forgetfulness, and helps improve concentration (Auddy B et al., 2008).
Withanamides, a molecule group found in Ashwagandha, blocked neuronal cell death triggered by amyloid plaques formed during AD progression.
The herb is also said to induce significant regeneration of the neuronal network. The steady degeneration of the neuronal network accompanies AD progress (Howes M J et al., 2003).
Ashwagandha in medicine
The plant has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to have a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies reveal that Ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound (Mishra, L D et ., 2000).
How to use ashwagandha
Ayurveda physicians prescribe ashwagandha as a male adaptogen to support vitality and overall well-being. They normally prescribe a combination that has ashwagandha powder or capsules, gokshura powder (Tribulus terrestris) and shilajit mineral capsules.
Ashwagandha is also used to improve physical endurance, reduce fatigue, and promote recovery. A combination of ashwagandha capsules, Shatavari powder (Asparagus racemosus), and Bala Taila (Sida cordifolia) infused oil is used to massage the body, mainly muscles and joints. These are general recommendations, and it is advisable to consult a natural medicine professional before consuming these supplements.
Planting and gardening
Seeds are used to propagate the plant. The seeds are best raised in a nursery bed that has been raised six inches above the ground level. The soil should be rich in organic compost and well-drained. The seeds germinate in five to seven days. Seedlings a little over a month after germination are transplanted in a garden pot or a cultivation field.
The seedlings are planted thirty centimeters apart on ridges in the cultivation field. The ridge-to-ridge distance is maintained at 60 centimeters. A plant population of 55000 seedlings per hectare is considered optimum. The plant does not require heavy doses of fertilizers or compost. The plants are ready for harvesting when the leaves start drying and yellow-red berries appear. The crop takes 150 to 180 days after sowing for maturity. The bioactive compounds are found in the roots. The roots, therefore, should be carefully dug out to prevent damage.
Berries are hand-plucked separately, dried, and crushed to remove the seeds. These are used for propagation only. Only root and leaves of the herb are prescribed for use as medicinal supplement.
Check out my books on herbs on Amazon (https://amzn.to/2Xyv78a)
#herbs and spices, #encylopedia of herbs, #alchemy of herbs, #detoxification-alternate medicine, #herbal medicine
Sudhirahluwalia, Inc. (https://bit.ly/4kS1Pg1) offers content creation and business consulting services.