Actions and uses of Ashwagandha 

For hundreds of years, people have used the roots and orange-red fruit of Ashwagandha for medicinal purposes. The herb is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.

The name “Ashwagandha” describes the smell of its root, meaning “like a horse.” By definition, ashwa means horse.

Practitioners use this herb as a general tonic to boost energy and reduce stress and anxiety. Some also claim that the herb may be beneficial for certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and anxiety.

Ashwagandha is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. This is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and one of India’s healthcare systems.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana. This means that it helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically.

There is some evidence to suggest that the herb can have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation underpins many health conditions, and reducing inflammation can protect the body against a variety of conditions.

For example, people use Ashwagandha to help treat the following:

• stress
• anxiety
• fatigue
• pain
• skin conditions
• diabetes
• arthritis
• epilepsy

Different treatments make use of different parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, and fruit.

Ashwagandha is also used as an ‘adaptogen’ to help the body cope with daily stress, and as a general tonic. It is used to improve the ability to think, to decrease pain and swelling, and to prevent the effect of aging.

Additionally, Ashwagandha is used to treat anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic liver disease.

Active Constituents: Isopelletierine, Anaferine and Sitoindosides

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after food or as directed by physician.