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5 parts of the 1st Herb dosha prakruti pratyanika: rasayanas to build up the constitution

(prakruti or genetic-karmic constitutional affinities)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, winter cherry – Not used in Chinese Medicine)

Ashwagandha is for vata (space and air – catabolic – ”wind” – skinny-thin ectomorph)

effect on doshas: decreases vata, does not disturb pitta, decreases kapha, does not decrease ama

Most important giver of strength Herb,

Good for mental and physical fatigue, stress, vata in mamsa, shukra.

Most important male reproductive tonic Herb.

Ashwagandha corrects weakness and tissue deficiency in children, the elderly and those dibilitated due to chronic diseases.

It strengthens muscle and marrow, and rejuvenates semen.

It makes a vitalizing drink when added to milk along with sugar, honey, pippali and a little basmati rice.

Its soothing effect promotes sleep.

It stabilizes the fetus.

guna: laghu, snigdha

rasa: madhura, kashaya, tikta

virya: ushna

vipak: madhura

dhatus: shukra, mamsa, meda, majja.

organs: primarily helps male reproductive, secondarily helps female reproductive .

Main actions: nervine, aphrodisiac (best for males), sedative, rasayana, analgesic, astringent

uses: infertility, sexual debility, stress, anxiety, overworked, emaciated, insomnia, nervine tonic, arthritis, sciatica, multiple sclerosis, best for spring allergies, to increase immunity and for debilitating diseases.

contraindications: pregnancy (can cause abortion secondary to inc. estrogen, avoid with barbiturates +effect).

Ashwagandhaa nila shleshma switra shodha kshaya apahaa balyaa rasayanee tiktaa kashayochaati shukralaa. Bhava Prakasha.

aswagandha checks vata, kapha leucoderma, dropsy and consumption. It improves strength, it is a tonic, bitter and astringent, stimulating (heating) and improves sperm.

Ashwagandha- withania somnifera (somn= sleep), winter cherry

ashwa = horse

aka Indian ginseng

Rasa: sweet, bitter, sl. astringent Virya: heating Vipak: sweet

Action on Doshas: V v P ^ K v

Hanuman- god of shakti & Ashwini Kumar have affinity for this herb

Properties:

• mild diuretic, anti-bacterial, digestive, used in general debility

• vasodilator, does not increase BP

• alterative tonic, nervine sedative, calms down anxiety

• active principle- somniferine, alkaloid, has depressive action, analgesic, does bruhana- anabolic, contains essential fatty acids, reduces cholesterol

• increases endurance, stamina, strength & virulence

• has stimulant- tannin that is why acts as aphrodisiac, stimulates sex energy

improves blood flow to genital organ

take 1 tsp. ashwaganda + cup of milk- 1 hour before sex will enjoy sex like a horse

generally masculine aphrodisiac (female one is shatavari)

• has double hormonal action, sweet rasa- increases testosterone

• heating- stimulates shukra dhatu agni- for spermatogenesis

• slightly narcotic tx insomnia, induces natural sleep

• rejuvenator to muscle tissue- tx neuromuscular dystrophy

• expectorant because of heating quality tx cold, congestion, cough

• has food precursors of tryphtophane

• food precursor for progesterone, promotes happy painless ovulation

helps form healthy endometrium, regulates menses, tx Vata dysmenorrhoea- spasmodic

• rich in potassium nitrate- acts like glycerin nitrate (sublingually tx angina pectoris pain)

has sedative, hypnotic action

• best geriatric tonic for males & females, tx senility

Tx:

• tx TB, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic swelling, female sterility, insomnia, fatigue, debility, cold, congestion, cough, high cholesterol

• 1 tsp. ashwaganda TID- massive dose for extreme low libido, menses problems- irregular menses

• insomnia- 1 tsp. ashwagandha + 1 cup milk→ boil + add pinch of nutmeg

• lactation-  tsp. ashwagandha +  tsp. yasthimadhu + 1 cup milk

• senile debility-  tsp. ashwagandha +  tsp. honey + 2 tsp. ghee- BID on empty stomach for 2 months

• spermatogenesis- 1 tsp. ashwagandha + 1 cup warm milk at bedtime

• tachycardia- ashwaganda + arjun

• anxiety neurosis- ashwagandha + bala

• pulmonary TB- ashwagandha (500 mg) + bala (500 mg) + vidhari (500 mg) + laghu malini vasant- lmv (200 mg) TID

• MS- ashwagandha, bala, vidhari

• enlarged prostate- ashwagandha (500 mg)- improves tone + shilajit (200 mg)- directs ashwagandha to prostate

• treats acne & boils topically or internally acne- stagnant male or female hormones, aka yavana pitika→ blooming youth

• leave on eyes when go to bed (for half hour)→ will make eyes bright

• best rasayana- to use for 6 months

CI- during pregnancy, will disturb fetal circulation, make fetus hyperactive

Certified Organic Ashwagandha root powder (Withania somnifera)

A well-known rejuvenating tonic used in Ayurveda for stress-induced fatigue, nervous exhaustion (neurasthenia) and general debility. Strengthens and nourishes both mind and body.

Source: http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/prodinfo.asp?number=6081&variation=&aitem=10&mitem=77

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Search MedLine PubMed for Withania somnifera http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Search&db=PubMed&term=Withania%20somnifera

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Search MedLine PubMed for Ashvagandha (altenate spelling) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Search&db=PubMed&term=Ashvagandha

ASHWAGANDHA ROOT

Latin: Convolvulus arvensis

Withania somnifera

Sanskrit: Ashwagandha

WHAT IT DOES:

Ashwagandha root is bitter (tikta) in taste (rasa), warming (ushna) in action (virya]), and a strong [[rasayana] [[tonic]. It calms and strengthens the [[nervous system (Vata); reduces stress; strengthens immunity and vitality; increases sexual energy; and improves cognition and memory.

RATING:

Gold] Not to be used during [[pregnancy. Do not use Withania somnifera with barbiturates due to potentiation effects. The Nepalese Convolvulus arvensis variety has no known safety issues, but Western relatives such as bindweedsare associated with severe toxicity in animals (Todd FG et al., 1995).

STARTING DOSAGE:

Dried powder: two grams two to three times per day

4:1 powder concentrated extract: one gram two to three times per day

1:5 tincture: 20-40 drops two to three times per day

There are two different plants known by the Sanskrit name ashwagandha. Both are effective. It is almost certain that the Convolvulus arvensis Himalayan mountain variety found in Nepal is the original one described in Sanskrit texts, and that Withania somnifera was discovered and used later by doctors in India. In our clinic we use both of these plants to strengthen the immunity and vital force (ojas) of weakened patients showing signs of anxiety or nervousness. Ginseng root, commonly used as a tonic, would not be a good choice in such case due to its excitatory action.

The Convolvulus arvensis variety of ashwagandha root is a perennial bushy plant with white roots that is usually found in tropical areas. It commonly grows at the base of wheat, spiraling around the stems, and Dr. Mana and I located specimens within minutes when we searched wheat farms in Nepal. The root is an aphrodisiac, and can be used to treat any nervous system disease. It is used to treat nervous exhaustion, poor memory, muscle weakness and impotence. The strength of ashwagandha root seems to penetrate into the core of one's being.

Withania somnifera has now taken over the common name of ashwagandha root throughout the world. Also an excellent plant, it seems to impart overall energy to the system, with a marked calming effect. It is commonly called the ginseng of India. The traditional way of preparing it for nerve diseases (Vataja) is to mix it into an approximate 50/50 ratio with ghee, and take one teaspoon two to three times per day.

Andrew Weil], MD, reported in a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) special the case of a woman with [[multiple sclerosis who saw marked improvement in her overall health using this herb.

Alan Keith Tillotson, 2001: p. 14

This tonic can be given to feeble children to increase their weight. It imparts a sense of well being and strength, as well as improved memory. In the interest of comparison, I have taken both forms of the herb. They are very similar in their calming effects, but the Nepalese variety has a much stronger aphrodisiac effect similar to that of Muira puama balsam.

Research highlights

A true adaptogen, investigators have demonstrated ashwagandha root's effectiveness in animal models against a wide variety of biological, physical and chemical stressors (Pandley et al., eds, 1996; Rege et al., 1999; Archana et al., 1999; Dhuley, 1998).

Pharmacological studies show it can prevent immunosuppression caused by exposure to strong chemical agents, and may be valuable in restoring immunity (ojas) after exposure to or treatment with such drugs (Ziauddin M et al., 1996). It also provides protection against some side effects of chemotherapy (Pandley et al., eds, 1996).

The alcohol extract of ashwagandha root has significant anti-inflammatory action in both acute and chronic types of inflammation, as demonstrated in rabbit, guinea pig, rat and frog animal models (Pandley et al., eds, 1996).

Citing a total of 31 studies, the Indian Central Council for Research on Ayurveda and Siddha tells us that ashwaganda root exerts its most powerful pharmacological influence on the reproductive system (shukra dhatu), neuropharmacological disorders, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, bacteria, fungi, inflammation and gastric acidity (Pandley et al., eds, 1996).

Alan Keith Tillotson, 2001: p. 15

ASHWAGANDHA

Common name Winter cherry (E), Indian ginseng (E), Ashgandh (H) Sanskrit Asvagandha Latin Withania somnifera - Radix (Solanaceae)

The irony of ashwagandha is that it is a tonic and sedative all in one. It strengthens an exhausted nervous system that can manifest with 'hyper' signs such as emotional instability, agitation or feeling stressed out. It has the dual action of energizing while calming. Its name ashwagandha meaning 'the smell of a horse', comes from the smell of the fresh root (like horse's urine), and also perhaps because it is renowned for imparting the sexual stamina of a horse.

ENERGETICS Rasa (taste) Bitter, astringent, sweet Virya (energy) Heating Vipaka (post-digestive effect) Sweet Guna (quality) Light, unctuous Dosha effect VK- Dhatu (tissue) Blood, muscle, fat, bone, nerve, reproductive Srotas (channel) Reproductive, nervous, respiratory CONSTITUENTS Alkaloids Ashwagandhine, with-anine, isopelietierine, anaferine Steroidal lactones Withanolides, withaferins Phytosterols Sitoindosides, (3-sitosterol Saponins Iron (Bone 1996, Williamson 2002) AYURVEDIC ACTION Vishaya Increases sexual potency Balya Increases strength Medhya Promotes the intellect Ojas vardhana Increases ojas Nidrajanana Promotes sleep

Shukrala Increases sperm production Shotahara Prevents consumption and wasting diseases Rasayana Rejuvenative Vata kapha hara Reduces kapha and vata Vedana sthapana Reduces pain Svasa Benefits breathing BIOMEDICAL ACTION Adaptogen, tonic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, anti-tumor, nervine, mild sedative, analgesic, reproductive tonic, aphrodisiac, anti-anemic INDICATIONS Tissues Debility, low body weight, emaciation, deficient hemoglobin, anemia, post-convalescent weakness, athletic exertion and with caution in pregnancy. It is useful for any imbalance in the muscles as it both reduces inflammation and strengthens muscle tone. It is a specific rasayana for mamsa dhatu and it is an anabolic muscle builder (Caraka, Bhavaprakasa, Venkataraghavan et al 1980). As it benefits all muscle tissue it is used as a heart tonic, uterine tonic, and a lung tonic, as well as for increasing muscle weight and tone in convalescents,

slow-developing children, and the elderly. Immunity Autoimmune conditions, neutropenia, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, cancer, and chronic connective tissue disorders. As a painkiller and anti-inflammatory it is commonly used in swollen or painful arthritic conditions. It can strengthen a weakened immune system and protect it from becoming depleted due to immunosuppressive drugs or lifestyle. Improves white blood cell counts. It appears to have both immunosuppressive and immunotonic abilities and is therefore a 'true' adaptogen (Tillotson 2001). Lungs Asthma, cough and allergic conditions from low immunity with high kapha and vata. Useful in hay fever, allergic rhinitis from aggravated vata and kapha. Nerves Neurosis, insomnia, anxiety, excessive thinking, 'hyper' symptoms and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Very useful in all conditions caused by 'stress' as it has a specific affinity for the majja dhatu and helps to regulate the movement of vyana vayu in

the heart. Its tropism for the nervous system benefits multiple sclerosis (Tillotson 2001). It both relaxes frayed nerves and tonifies the central nervous system to enhance tolerance to stress. It is a nourishing nervine as opposed to a heavy sedative. Reproductive Its rejuvenating effect on sukra dhatu helps to alleviate asthenospermia (increasing sperm motility), oligospermia (increasing sperm count), and poor sexual performance, and helps to reduce impotence (Bhavaprakasa, Paranjpe 2001). Its unique action or prabhava is to promote sexual potency and sperm production. External application of ashwagandha oil is used for impotence. Gynaecology Excellent tonic to the uterine muscles. Used in menstrual imbalance caused by a deficient condition with an aggravation of vata and uterine spasms; dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, weakness. Thyroid Very useful in hypothyroid disorders to regulate thyroid activity. COMBINATIONS * Pippali for enhancing tonic effect; useful in asthma and coughs. * Bala, licorice, shatavari in reproductive disorders. * Brahmi, mandukaparni, vacha in nerve disorders. * Guggulu, frankincense, turmeric in arthritic and congestive disorders. CONTRAINDICATIONS Caution in excess pitta and ama with congestion. Caution in pregnancy; although traditionally used in India during pregnancy to strengthen the uterus and health of the mother and child. Its spasmolytic activity on the uterus has led certain quarters of western phytotherapy to restrict its use in pregnancy (see McGuffin et al 1997). SAFETY No drug-herb interactions are known. There are some theoretical interactions between ashwagandha and immunosuppressant, thyroid, and some sedative medications, but these are not evidence-based (Braun & Cohen 2003, 2004, Harkness & Bratman 2003). As ashwagandha appears to have some hypogly-caemic activity in humans it is advisable to monitor blood glucose in susceptible individuals (Low Dog 2002). DOSAGE 3-9g per day dried root or 6-15ml per day of a 1:3 @ 45% tincture.

NOTES ■ Ashwagandha thrives in the sandy, loamy soils of the drier more temperate parts of India; Madhya Pradesh, Uttara Pradesh and Gujarat and Sri Lanka. ■ Commercially the roots are graded into four qualities; A is 7cm long and clear white inside, B is 5cm long and clear white inside, C is 3-4cm in length and D is small rootlets with a slightly yellow colour. ■ It is the best herb for nourishing vata and is used in all vata disorders affecting the bones, back, knees, hips, ears, and colon. Use internally and externally. ■ The botanical species suffix somnifera refers to its relaxing, sleep-promoting properties. ■ For maximum tonic effect it is taken with reproductive tissue building carriers; milk, ghee, almond milk and honey.

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