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ASHWAGANDHA
Withania
somnifera |
| Also
known as: Indian Ginseng, Winter
Cherry, Withania
Ashwagandha is a
popular Ayurvedic botanical known to enhance and
maintain overall health & well-being. The
rejuvenative tonic is used primarily to relieve
stress & exhaustion, as well as to enhance
immunity, vitality and virility.
Common
use: Energy,
chronic fatigue, anxiety, exhaustion, stress,
overwork, mental fatigue, improves mental function,
nervous disorders, hypertension, strengthens
body’s resistance to fight disease, arthritis,
convalescence, anemia, low sex drive. |
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Used for more
than a 1,000 years in India, Ashwagandha is said to be valued in
Ayurvedic healing tradition, as Ginseng is in Chinese Medicine.
In fact, Ashwagandha is sometimes referred to as "Indian
Ginseng". It too is an adaptogen used as a long-term
rejuvenative aid for the body to adapt to various types of
stress, such as stress-induced fatigue, ulcers & insomnia.
It is often times included in aphrodisiac formulas as it is
believed to improve erectile function, enhance sex drive and
improve lack of libido in both men & women, especially if
such is a result of general debility or lack of vitality. In
addition to its tonic abilities, Ashwagandha is also used along
with other anti-inflammatory herbs for arthritic symptoms.
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 Current
Traditional Use
Ashwagandha is perhaps one
of the most time-honored and popular Ayurvedic botanicals.
It comes from the roots & leaves of Withania somnifera, a
small branching shrub that grows in the arid regions of India.
The
translation of its name, "like a horse" is said to be
due to Ashwagandha's earthy flavor & smell. While most herbs
are not known for their palatable appeal, Ashwagandha is indeed
one of the least delectable botanicals. Fortunately, it is
available in capsule form, so it's many benefits can be enjoyed
without the need to find out if this herb lives up to it's name!
Interestingly, some herbalists note the reason for it's equine
reputation is due to it's ability to provide the energy &
virility of a horse...perhaps you'll agree after reading some of
its merits:
Tonic:
Ashwagandha is prized as an herb that acts to promote general
health, well being and vitality. Ayurvedic healers use it
to combat general weakness, whether caused by age, illness,
overwork, sleep deprivation or nervous exhaustion. One
source describes it as one of the best health tonics and
restorative agents, which leads us to the next related
benefit...
Stress
Reliever: Ashwagandha is commonly referred to as
"Indian Ginseng". Although less stimulating than
ginseng, this tonic herb is highly valued for its adaptogen
properties. An adaptogen is defined as a substance that
helps the body adapt to stress and are necessary for peak
physical performance.
Improved
Sexual Function: Natural healers concur that
sometimes sexual dysfunction is a result of physical fatigue, as
well as lack of stamina or energy. Ashwagandha is often
times included in aphrodisiac formulas as it believed to enhance
sex drive and improve low libido in both men and women,
especially if this condition is a result of general weakness or
lack of vitality.
Some
Additional Benefits:
Ashwagandha is becoming increasingly popular with athletes as
studies suggest it can increase endurance due to its ability to
reduce lactic acid build-up in the muscles. It also works
to regenerate the hormonal system and helps heal tissue, and has
anti-inflammatory properties, too
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Tea: Pour one cup of boiling water over 1/2 to 1
teaspoonful of herbs and allow to steep 4 to 7 minutes; strain.
Adults only, drink 1 to 2 cups daily; one before breakfast
and/or one at bedtime. If desired, add honey and/or lemon to
suit taste.
To prepare as
"instant" tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1/4 to
1/2 teaspoonful of herbal powder. Adults only, drink 1 to 2 cups
daily; one before breakfast and/or one at bedtime. If desired,
add honey and/or lemon to suit taste.
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 Capsules:
Take as an addition to the daily diet. Take 1 or 2 capsules
three times daily with water at mealtimes.
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