Winter Cherry (Ashwagandha)
Also known as
Latin : Withania somnifera
English : Winter cherry
Sanskrit : Ashwagandha
Hindi : Ashwagandha
Marathi : Askandha/Bhuikohala
Tamil : Amukkira
Telugu : Vajigandha, Pennerugadda
Malayalam : Amukkuram
Kannada : Veramaddinagaddi
Introduction�It is popularly known as Indian ginseng. Ashwagandha has an ancient history and acquired much folklore praise on its actions and uses. It is cultivated in China and
Korea etc.
How it looks�It is an erect branching undershrub with ovate leaves and greenish/ yellow flowers. The fruits are orange coloured when ripe and are rounded berries. The fleshy roots
are cylindrical, with a brownish white surface and white inside.
What we use�Roots, leaves
What it does�Roots-astringent, somniferous, stimulant, aphrodisiac, diuretic, thermogenic, tonic.
How we use it�
It is a widely accepted herb with a global market as "Indian ginseng". It is found in dry wastelands and is also cultivated extensively in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for its
much-in-demand tuberous roots. Its wide range of medicinal use is reflected in the Telugu proverb, " Peru leni vyadhiki pennerugadda" or "for a nameless disease ashwagandha is
the medicine."
In
impotence and low sperm count�Probably the most published use of Ashwagandha is its effect on the male reproductive system. Take a tsp of the root powder with warm milk everyday
for sexual vitality and to improve the sperm count.
In
low body weight and weakness�Ashwagandha can be prepared as a lehyam (confectionery) with sugar candy crystals, ghee and honey. A tsp of this lehyam should be taken everyday with
warm milk for tissue building and to enhance general strength.
As a
nervine tonic�The same lehya preparation can be taken in doses of a tsp twice a day for nervine disorders such as hysteria, epilepsy, and even parkinsonism.
In
leucoderma�It is a good supportive drug for treatment of leucoderma or white patches. Ashwagandharishta available in the market should be taken in doses of 20ml twice a day after
food.
In
painful joints and boils�Heat the leaves of Ashwagandha and apply on painful joints while still warm to relieve ache.
In
poisoning�Ashwagandha is given as an antidote for aconite poisoning and to eliminate toxins accumulated in the system due to syphilis or other chronic ailments. As a special use
it raises the lowered blood pressure to normal level.
Modern Studies
All the alkaloids and steroidal lactones present in the crude drug have been investigated for different biological activities.
1. Free radical scavenging activity of Ashwagandha root powder was found in 15 days of experimental studies on rats. This was suggested to be responsible for its pharmacological
effects.
2. Hepato protective and nephro protective (liver and kidney protective) roles of Ashwagandha were proved in metal- induced toxicity in experimental studies on mice in Indore.
3. Ashwagandha tablets improved the physical and mental health of pre-school children in clinical trials in Chennai.
