By Andrée Noye
Reading Time: 5-7 minutes
Powerful adaptogen that improves body’s response to stress.
Systems
Nervous, Lymphatic, Reproductive, Endocrine
Indications
Anxiety, Sleep, Fertility, Stress
Actions
Nervine, Anti-Tussive, Antispasmodic, Antiseptic, Anti-Inflammatory, Alterative, Adaptogen, Anxiolytic, Bitter, Thermogenic
Energetics
Dry, Warming
Tastes
Bitter, Pungent/Spicy, Sweet
Methods
Capsule, Tincture, Powder, Suspension, Decoction
Uses
Tonic, Anti-Stress, Aphrodisiac, Cognition, Stimulant
Botanical Description
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Family: Solanaceae (nightshade)
Other Names: winter cherry, withania, asgandh, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry
Description: Ashwagandha is a resilient evergreen shrub native to sub-tropical, dry, and desert regions. Known for its drought resistance, it does not thrive in moist soils. The plant reaches a height of about two feet and features light green flowers with small, spherical, bright red berries on top. Its leaves are dull green and elliptic in shape. The plant is covered with short, fine, silvery branched hairs. The alternate leaves are positioned opposite the flowering shoots. Both the leaves and roots have unique odors, with the roots emitting a strong scent reminiscent of green tomatoes or horse sweat, which inspired its Hindi name. Due to its potent aroma, the plant is also utilized as an insect repellent.
Parts Used: The root is primarily used, but the bitter leaves of ashwagandha are frequently utilized as a hypnotic to treat addiction and to ease lung spasms in asthma and emphysema cases. The seeds of the fruit have diuretic properties, while the flowers are both astringent and aphrodisiac. (Singh, 2011, as cited in Thompson, n.d.).
Native Region: India and Pakistan, in the Western Himalayan Province, and Kashmir. Also native to Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Plant Sustainability: Endangered in Pakistan.
Constituents & Pharmacology
Alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins. On its monograph, NatMed explains that sitoindosides and acylsterylglucosides in ashwagandha are anti-stress agents (n.d.), which would explain the adaptogenic actions of the plant. The ashwagandha extract is often standardized to withanolide content, named after its Latin nomenclature. Contrary to a previous research, ashwagandha has been proven not contain nicotine (NatMed, n.d.).
Historical Use
Ashwagandha, with a history spanning over 6,000 years, is one of the most esteemed and traditionally utilized herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. In its earliest mentions in ancient texts, the plant is recognized for its benefits in treating emaciation in people of all ages (including infants), its ability to enhance the reproductive system, and its advantages for arthritic and rheumatic inflammation.
The Maasai people of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania use juice from ashwagandha leaves to treat conjunctivitis and apply fresh bruised berries topically for ringworm. In Lesotho, an infusion of ashwagandha bark is used internally for asthma and externally for bedsores. In India, the tender shoots are often consumed as a vegetable (Thompson, n.d.).
Cultivation & Harvesting
Hardiness: Zones 8a to 12b but can be grown as an annual in zones 8 or colder (greenhouse or indoors).
Guidelines: Ashwagandha is relatively simple to grow and can be harvested after its first year. It thrives in pots and can be started from seeds, which should be planted 2 cm deep when temperatures stay above 21°C. The plant needs full sunlight and well-drained, slightly alkaline, sandy soil. Watering should only occur when the soil is dry to avoid wetting the roots. When grown from seeds, it will produce flowers and fruit in its first year. In cooler climates, the plant should be moved indoors or to a greenhouse when temperatures fall below 20°C.
The red berries are harvested in late fall, while fresh roots are collected between January and March (this information is relevant for international sourcing/buying, though it may not apply locally). The roots are either dried whole or cut into short pieces and dried directly under the sun.
Medicinal Uses
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Ashwagandha may improve symptoms of anxiety in patients with GAD. Indeed, clinical practice guidelines recommend ashwagandha root extract at doses of 300-600 mg/daily on its own, or as a complementary therapy. This recommendation is based on a review of three preliminary clinical trials with consistent results.
Insomnia: Ashwagandha may modestly improve sleep in patients with insomnia or nonrestorative sleep.
Stress: Ashwagandha seems to help reduce stress and may also reduce stress-related weight gain.
Other uses
Ashwagandha may be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, inflammation, and stroke prevention. Ashwagandha could be a potential antimicrobial agent, with antifungal and moderate antibacterial activities. Peer-reviews and further studies are required to confirm.
Medical Studies & Research
Anti-Aging: In a double-blind clinical trial, ashwagandha was tested at a dosage of 3 g/day for one year. A significant improvement in hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hair melanin, and seated stature was observed, and 70% of participants reported improvement in sexual performance (Bone, 1996).
Immunomodulation: A series of studies conducted on mice showed that ashwagandha has profound effects on the hematopoietic system, acting as an immunoregulator and a chemoprotective agent (Ziauddin et al., 1996).
Preparation & Dosage
Adult: Oral. Most often been used in doses of up to 1000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Standard dosage as a tonic is 3-6 g/daily in capsule format, 30 ml 2-4 times daily as tincture, or 1 tsp powder twice daily in herbal ghee, honey, or other form of suspension.
Children: Research is limited; typical dosing seems unavailable.
Contraindications & Warnings
Some individuals might feel drowsy. Use caution when operating heavy machinery, driving, or engaging in activities that require mental alertness. Theoretically, combining ashwagandha with antidiabetic medications could raise the risk of hypoglycemia, as preliminary clinical evidence indicates that ashwagandha may reduce blood glucose levels.
Clinical studies indicate that ashwagandha may decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, using ashwagandha alongside antihypertensive medications could increase the risk of hypotension.
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects, and might exacerbate autoimmune diseases by stimulating immune activity. Until more is known, avoid or use with caution in patients with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or others.
Plant Witchery & Spirituality
Similar to most adaptogens, Ashwagandha is a plant with a wide range of benefits. It aids in managing challenges, anxiety, and stress, and its healing properties are essential. Although not all claims are supported by peer-reviewed research, there are numerous anecdotal reports showing it can alleviate symptoms of arthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, menstrual issues, liver-related problems, and asthma. Additionally, it enhances cognition, particularly in older adults, and is recognized as an aphrodisiac.
It's no surprise that she is a potent magical ally. Diaz (2020) describes her magical attributes, noting how she awakens life force energy, nourishing, strengthening, and healing. She advises growing and caring for the plant. Additionally, the plant greatly assists in meditation, whether by holding a root during meditation or drinking her tea for support (pp. 72-73). The plant is an ideal ally for grounding oneself, particularly after spell work, to feel rooted. Adding roots to a bath aids in cleansing the auric field, with her qualities being absorbed through the skin.
References
Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Monographs for the Western Herbal Practitioner. Australia: Phytotherapy Press; 1996:137-141.
NatMed. (n.d.). NatMed-Ashwagandha-Sample-Monograph. Retrieved from https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/media/25855902/NatMed-Ashwagandha-Sample-Monograph.pdf
Singh, Narendra. An Overview of Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines via US National Library of Medicine, 2011.
Thompson, K. (n.d.), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Retrieved from https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/ashwagandha
Ziauddin M, Phansalkar N, Patki P, et al. Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha. J Ethnopharmacology 1996;50:69-76.
Bibliography
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