Ashwagandha

“Ashwa” means horse and “Gandha” means smell. When you take the root of the plant or smash the leaves it smells like horse. Ashwagandha is a very famous Indian herb for physical well being. It is also called Indian “Ginseng” or “Winter Cherry”. It improves the sexual hormone production and when preserved, it nourishes the other components (Dhatu) of the body. It is also used for weight gain by skinny people. It boosts testosterone level in men which is used for both sexual activity and strength work. It also releases stress from brain and boosts body immunity against disease.

Its nature per ayurveda

 It has been called “Balya”, “Ruksh”, “Snigdh” and “Vaathar” in ayurveda. Herbs which are mentioned as “Snigdh” in ayurveda have a remedial effect in “Vaat  dosh” or gas problems. It is useful in “Kaffa Dosh” or cough problem as well because it is “Ruksh” or dry in nature. It creates dryness in the body which is why it should not be taken with water alone unless you are treating obesity. It increases “Pitta” in the body.

How can Ashwagandha be Used by whom?

1)   Leaves  

a)   Leaves are used to release joint pain and swelling. One suffering from joint pain should boil the leaves and add some rock salt to it. Tie around the pain area with help of a cloth.

b)  Leaves are also used to reduce obesity. An obese person should keep on light diet for nine days and eat one leaf per day after every meal with warm water.

2)   Root is used as a tonic in both men and women. Dried root is powered and is easily available in market. One tablespoon can be taken twice a day after meal with a glass of milk.

3)   Root works on women with miscarriage problem.

4)   Impotence and erectile dysfunction in men.

Preparation for person who is “Pitta Pradhan” in nature:

One who bleeds from nose or have a burning sensation in head, hands or soles,or during urination, who feel too much thirsty, do have “Pitta Dosh”. Person having “Pitta Dosh” or high B.P. should not consume Ashwagandha with water because it’s hot for the body and can further increase the B.P. Milk or clarified butter (Ghee) nullifies the hot nature of the herb. If someone is too sensitive to food (Like most of dry fruits) or herbs which heats up the body, then “Ashwagandha Avaleha” is the solution. "Avaleha" is available in market as well.

1)   50 gms of Ashwagandha is cooked in 750 gms of milk till it becomes thick paste.

2)   Add 2 gms powder of each of the below ingredient:

·       Tejpatra or Indian Bay Leaf

·       Daalchini or cinnamon

·       Choti Elaichi or green cardamom

·       Nagkesar or Mesua Ferrea

·       Kesar or saffron

·       Jaiphal or nutmeg

·       Gokshura or small caltrops.

·       Singhara or Water Chestnut.

·       Other herbs and dry fruits can be added but these are enough.

3)   Prepare sugar syrup with 750 gms of sugar or preferably sugar candy powder of one string thickness.

4)   Add the mixture to the sugar syrup. Add some clarified butter and simmer till consistency is obtained. 

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