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Medicinal Plants > Ashwagandha- Withania
somnifera.
- Ayurveda medicinal properties of ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha the Indian ginseng
- Ashwagandha- Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha (Sanskrit ) -Withania somnifera.
Ashwagandha is popularly known as Indian ginseng.
Ayurveda recommends the
use of ashwagandha in many health conditions. It is known to reduce stress
level, increase energy, boost immunity and reduce inflammation. This herb helps
in nervous debility and acts as a rejuvenator. Because of these properties ashwagandha is
used in
vajikarana preparations. It is commonly used in ayurvedic preparations which
help in erectile
dysfunction,
premature ejaculation and
low sperm
count and low sperm motility.
| BOTONICAL NAME |
Withania Somnifera. |
| FAMILY |
Solanaceae |
| STRUCTURE | Mature plant: Ashwandha
is a shrub which grows upto 1.25 m height . It has woody stem. Roots: Roots are fleshy and have a distinct odour of horse urine (ashwa- horse, gandha - odour) Flowers: Small in size and greenish in clour. Leaves - simple Ovate and 7-9 cms in length Seeds - red in color |
| HABITAT | Naturally occurs in moderate altitude and survives mild to moderate drought conditions. It is mainly found in subtropical region. |
| PHARMACOLOGY | Researches have shown that ashwagandha help to reduce tumour and stress. It has rejuvenating properties. It acts as a nerve tonic and improves function of nerves. It reduces stress level. |
| CHEMICAL COMPOSITION |
Pharmacological activity of
ashwandha is due to two main withanoloids (withaferin A and withanolide
D). Leaves contain -withaferin A Roots contain starch, glycosides, amino acids , withancil etc |
| World distribution: | India and other subtropical regions |
Ayurvedic Description of 'Ashwagandha - Withania Somnifera'
| SANSKRIT NAME | Ashwagandha , Varahakarni |
| LOCAL NAMES (in India) |
Hindi- asagandh; Bengali: ashwagandha; Marathi: aasangh, Dorgunj; Gujarathi: aasangh , ghoda aakuna; Tamil; aamkulaang; Telagu - paneru; Kannada ;ashwagandhi |
| PROPERTIES (ayurvedic) |
Guna: Laghu, Snigdha Rasa - Tikta, katu, madhra Vipaka: Madhura Veerya: Ushna |
| KARMA (Action) | Normalises Kapha and Vata. Ashwagandha reduces inflammation, pain and stress. It purifies blood and reduces blood pressure. Increases digestion. Helps in asthma and cough. It acts as best Vajikara and reduces inflammation of uterus. Helps to boost body energy level and immunity. Rejuvenates whole body and increases body energy level. An Excellent rasayana |
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