Ashwagandha Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients

The herb may not suit everybody. Please try out the herb before regular use. Some symptoms that the herb may produce in a human body are:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Abdominal pain
Shallow breathing
Lower blood sugar
Low blood pressure
High blood pressure
Abnormal heart rhythm
Do not use it while Lactating

Do not take Ashwagandha if you are allergic to it.
During Ulcers do not consume this herb on an empty stomach.
NOTE : If you are unable to digest tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, you will most likely not want to consume the herb.
CAUTION :
If you are taking medication for High Blood Pressure or Diabetes, be careful. It may enhance the effects, BP may fall drastically and Blood sugar may go too low.
Similarly, Blood Sugar may fall below normal.
Ashwagandha may render some medications ineffective. It may suppress the effects of Cyclosporine or Corticosteroids.

Ashwagandha is a no go if you have:
Autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and or rheumatoid arthritis,
Impending surgery
If you suffer from severe Congestion or, feel that you have a large amount of toxin in the body, abstain from the use of the herb.
People with high Pitta (heat in the body) are advised to use the herb with caution.
Ashwagandha may adversely affect the actions of some medications:-
Alcohol
Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates
Herbal products
Thyroid supplements

Pregnancy
Normally, Ashwagandha is safe for use during Pregnancy. However, high doses may cause miscarriage as it has spasmolytic effects on the uterus. Consult your health care professional if you have any questions.

Avoid use during Breast Feeding.
Avoid in case of and Leukemia and Hyperthyroidism.
Excess use may cause Diarrhea, Vomiting, or Intestinal Problems.
Before taking any herbs consult your doctor.

Do not take Ashwagandha with:
Antidepressants: Ashwagandha itself is a strong antidepressant herb. If Ashwagandha is taken with an Antidepressant medication, the effects are so strong they may cause serious health issues.
Barbiturates : Barbiturates is a sedative drug. Ashwagandha increases the effects of Barbiturates.
Thyroid Medication: Ashwagandha can contradict with thyroid medications. Therefore, a regular checkup is required to monitor the levels of thyroid hormones.
AntiDiabetics: Consuming ashwagandha with antidiabetic medication may reduce the blood glucose levels below normal. Keep a regular check on blood sugar levels. You can stop taking antidiabetic medication.
Ashwagandha is an effective herb in treating Thyroid problems. It balances the levels of thyroid hormones. It is beneficial in Hypothyroidism.
Intake of Ashwagandha with Blood Pressure reducing medication may lower the blood pressure below the normal level. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional is a must before use.

Precautions while Consumption:
Ashwagandha has no side effects. There is no restricted age for consuming Ashwagandha.
Generally, Ashwagandha is safe for long-term use. However, it is advised, take a break of one or two weeks after consuming for 2 straight months.
Ashwagandha is good for the whole body. There is no dietary restriction while consuming it. But it is recommended to avoid too much spicy and sour food. Take it in a moderate quantity.
Initially, Ashwagandha makes you feel refreshed, warmth and energy.
The actual benefits of Ashwagandha will come with continuous usage for a few weeks
People with a weak digestive system may not able to digest Ashwagandha. They may feel heaviness or Flatulence. If someone feel drowsiness after consumption, take it

Withania Somnifera is a shrub.
It is perennial.
It is hot in potency. It provides warmth to the body when taken.
It grows in a subtropical climate.
It grows up to 150 cm.
Best Used for Anxiety, Depression.
Withania Somnifera is a Trophorestorative for the Endocrine System.

Ideal Dosage:
Leaves in Powder: 3 to 5 gm.
Root in Powder form: Quarter to a half tablespoon.

In TCM:
Meridians Associated : Lungs and Kidneys.
Cancer Treatment: Useful in treating all types of Cancer.
It is used as a Yang tonic.
Yang tonic herbs provide relief to patients who are generally cold.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. It effectively improves the functioning of and ailments related to the Nervous system and Endocrine system.
It pacifies the Nervous system in situations of stress, anxiety, mood swings, and other mental ailments. It calms the mood and brings down the mind at ease.
It relaxes the body and minimizes Chronic Stress. It enhances the stamina, strength, and energy of the body.
It enhances the learning power and retains the memory.
It helps to overcome Anxiety, Manic Attacks, Schizophrenia, Depression, and Mood Swings. It calms down the stress and reduces the nervous tension.
It also promotes sound sleep and maintains a better state of your mind.
It has supportive effects on Alzheimer's disease. It enhances memory and increases learning power.
Ashwagandha has positive effects in the case of Parkinson's Disease. It gives relief from mental trauma and tremors that a person experience in Parkinson's Disease.
Ashwagandha increases the number of White Blood Cells in the body. It has a nutrient named, Sitoindosides, that increases the ability of white blood cells to engulf harmful substances. WBC's are a part of the Immune System that is the defense mechanism of the human body. More the count of WBC's more would be the capacity of the body to fight germs. Apart from this it also increases the number of platelets, which helps in blood clotting.
Ashwagandha is a natural pain killer. It helps in treating Arthritis and Rheumatism. It cures pain as well as inflammation. It provides nourishment to the nervous system.
It is effective in treating Hypothyroidism. It aids in converting Thyroid hormones to an active form and improves the functioning of the body.
It is a rejuvenating herb that provides strength to the weak muscles and in the case of Chronic Fatigue. It is beneficial in Aging and other degenerative disorders like Arthritis. It increases Vitality.
The leaves are bitter in taste that helps in Treating Alcoholism. The Antiinflammatory property of poultice help in healing Abscess and Carbuncles. Ashwagandha promotes youthful longevity.
It is effective in lowering Blood Sugar and Cholesterol. It keeps good care of the Heart.
Ashwagandha aids the proper development and growth of the body. It is good for those who have frail bodies and hindered growth.
It regulates the metabolism and clears the Phlegm from the lungs.
It improves Poor Blood circulation and reduces the risk of cardiac diseases.
It strengthens the physical body. It increases libido, fertility, and sexual ability. It is very effective in cases having conceiving issues due to stress. The root is safe and is used to treat Erectile Dysfunction, Low Libido, and Spermatorrhea. It improves the poor quality and quantity of semen and the sperms as well. It enhances the Reproductive functions and Sexual Potency in both sexes.
The Antioxidant properties prevent the damage caused by free radicals.
Ashwagandha tea is considered during pregnancy. It helps to improve the immunity of the mother and also purifies the blood.
Ashwagandha is good for women. It helps the women to get rid of Vaginal Itching, Uterus Swelling, White Discharge, and Drowsiness. It eases the painful menses and is good for physical weakness.
Nursing mothers may take a combo of Ashwagandha, Asparagus Racemosus, and Liquorice. It increases breast milk production.
It inhibits Tumor multiplication.
It is beneficial in killing Head Lice.
Ashwagandha is effective against Viral Fever, Cough, and Cold.
Ashwagandha helps to improve the quality of hair.
Its roots are used to cure Breathing problems and Tuberculosis. It is Good for Asthmatic patients also.
It is useful to increase hemoglobin levels.
It helps to cure severe Digestion problems like Constipation.
Ashwagandha is good to increase body mass and weight. It is used as a bodybuilder.
It can be used to treat Dry and Dull Skin as it is a good herbal remedy to improve the skin.
Withania Somnifera has the capacity to inhibit Skin Cancer.
It is beneficial as Skin Toner to keep the skin glow.
It is also used to treat Erysipelas.
It kills bacteria formed in the urinary tract and reduces the inflammation caused by Urinary Tract Infection.
Ways to optimize the effectiveness of Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha can be taken by Men and Women.
In Powder form. Take half a teaspoon of the herb with warm cow’s milk. May be taken twice a day.
Capsule form. One capsule twice a day after food.
Lehyam form. Grind Ashwagandha root to make a powder. Add ghee. Make a lehyam. Take one spoon daily. In India, this preparation is called Naatu Kadai.
To cure sexual debility. One spoon daily for a month. Then stop.
To Rejuvenate the Body and nerves. Consume one teaspoon of Lehyam with honey. If you have the slightest problem in urination or a problem with the prostate, add Gokshura. Of course, all this must be followed with warm milk.
For Intestinal Worms, Leaves of Ashwagandha are beneficial. Make a paste of leaves and extract the juice. Take it with water.
Anti Aging Recipe. Take Ashwagandha with Amla juice in the morning.
Note. Ashwagandha starts acting with a day or two. How long to take it? It all depends on whether it is being used as a remedy for an illness or as a maintenance supplement.
For Carbuncles Roots Leaves are used to heal carbuncles at a much faster rate.
For a normal adult, a week is adequate.
To cure a disease about 4 weeks should do.
In old age take it daily for two months. Then give a break for at least 15 days. Then take it again. The ideal would be, to take in say twice or thrice a week for life. Caution, you better be old for that.
Some people may face difficulty in digesting Ashwagandha. They may take Ashwagandha with digestive herbs like Pepper and Ginger. This will help them to digest Ashwagandha.
It is a good herbal remedy to treat Infections such as Salmonella.
Keywords: Memory Enhancer, Stress, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Cough, Fever, Cold, Infections, Inflammation, Pain in the Body, Constipation, Asthma.
It is known to ensure a stable pregnancy if the mother is weak or fatigued.

Ashwagandha is a Rasayana
Rasayana is a Sanskrit word that holds a prime position in Ayurveda. It is derived from two words Rasa means “essence” and Ayana means “source”. Rasayana increases the resistance of the body against diseases as well as enhancing the physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Ashwagandha is regarded as a Rasayana that helps to build overall health.

Ashwagandha For Cancer
The Anticancer property of Ashwagandha inhibits the growth of Tumor and Cancer cells. It prevents the mutagenic effect and development of Cancer.

In Ayurveda Ashwagandha is used for specifying the Vatta and Pitta Doshas.

When is Ashwagandha not recommended?
Ashwagandha is a great immunity booster. It enhances the activity of the immune system. It increases the ability of the body to fight against bacteria like Bordetella pertussis. This is a pathogen that is a culprit for the cause of Diphtheria. Ashwagandha may aggravate the symptoms of an autoimmune disease.
Thus, the intake of Ashwagandha is not recommended for a person with autoimmune disorders like Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and Crohn's Diseases.
For Skin Problems, it is not taken directly. It is beneficial in Skin Disorders that reduce the vividness of the body.
Do not use Ashwagandha during Stomach Ulcers. Ashwagandha may cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, this may worsen the condition.
Discontinue the intake of Ashwagandha 15 days prior to surgery. Ashwagandha may interact with anesthetic drugs and slow down the Central Nervous System.

Ashwagandha Synergy:
Ashwagandha's synergy with Rhodiola, Ginseng, and Arjuna increases endurance and vitality. The combination is effective for increasing concentration.
Maca combined with Ashwagandha is effective for Sexual Arousal. It reduces infertility issues.
Ashwagandha is a good immunity booster. When combined with Echinacea it enhances the immunity-boosting effects. Ashwagandha taken with Thyme or Eucalyptus increases the Antiviral and Antibacterial properties. It is effective against the bacteria such as Salmonella Typhimurium, S. Typhimurium, and E. coli.
Ashwagandha's synergy with Gingko Biloba is used for enhancing the functioning of the nervous system and brain health. It acts as a brain tonic that enhances the memory and functions of neurotransmitters.
To increase the Antioxidant property of Ashwagandha, add curcumin and silymarin. Where curcumin is the main component in turmeric and silymarin is a component in Milk Thistle.

Dosage:
Initially, begin with a small dosage. If it suits your body, continue.
Daily required dosage: 2 grams twice a day.
Initial Side effects: You may feel Stomach Distress, Diarrhea, and Vomiting.
High dosage: Large consumption may affect the Gastrointestinal tract. The crude powder of ashwagandha causes difficulty in digestion. This may cause Diarrhea, Vomiting, Nausea, and heaviness in the Abdomen.
Note : Withania Somnifera is hot in nature. You should be cautious if taking it in Summers.
Milk or Ghee are used for balancing the heat of Ashwagandha. You will find Milk in most of the Ashwagandha combinations given below in the Single Herb and Multiple Herb sections.

Some herbs increase the functionality or activity of an organ or a metabolic activity of the body. Conversely others decrease the functionality. But an Adaptogen balances the actions of the Metabolism. For example some herbs increase Blood Pressure, others decrease it, but Withania somnifera will correct Blood Pressure whether it is high or low.
There are some herbs that are the best in this field. When combined together, and consumed in moderation, they can prevent disease, improve the quality of life and prolong it.
Powder the following herbs. Mix them in equal quantities. Preserve the mixture, ( Churan in Hindi ) in an air tight jar. Consume a little every other day.
Tinospora cordifolia, Giloy in Hindi
Asparagus racemosus, Shatawari in Hindi
Emblica officinalis, Amla in Hindi
Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha in Hindi
Piper longum, Pipali in Hindi
Terminalia chebula, Harad in Hindi
Ocimum sanctum, Tulsi in Hindi
Tribulus terristris, Gokhru in Hindi