Ashwagandha Benefits and Medicinal Uses

What is Ashwagandha?

Withania Somnifera, popularly known as Ashwagandha is used as a single herb or used in polyherbal or herbomineral formulations in Ayurveda.  The word ashwagandha in Sanskrit means ‘horse’s odor’ because of the characteristic odor of the herb similar to horse’s sweat.  It can also mean that the herb bestows the strength and vitality of a horse to the user.   Lots of studies are going on worldwide to test and verify the various healing properties of this herb.

Also known as Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda to treat various disease conditions like epilepsy, tumors, gout, lumbosacral stiffness, stiffness of joints, cardiac failure, vitiligo, ulcers in genital area, diseases of the urinary tract in women, abscess, depression etc.  It has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, cardioprotective properties.  It is used as a mild tranquilizer because of its sleep inducing property.  It has excellent thyroprotective and hypoglycaemic properties.  It is regarded as a broad spectrum remedy for various disease conditions.  Ashwagandha benefits all parts of human body and can be taken in powder, tablet or capsule form.  Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha Health Benefits

 Ashwagandha Root Powder

Ashwagandha is also called winter cherry and grows as a small evergreen shrub to a height of 4 or 5 feet. It belongs to the Solanaceae family of which the tomatoes and eggplants belong. It is cultivated widely in central and north western India and used in more than 100 Unani, Siddha and Ayurveda formulations.  All parts of this wonder herb have medicinal value.  Ashwagandha leaves have anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antibacterial properties.  The fruits and seeds of the plant are used as diuretic.  It is the root that is mainly used in Ayurvedic formulations.  The root has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in treating swellings, tumors, rheumatism etc.

Chemical Constituents of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has steroidal lactones called withanolides.  The pharmacological activity of the herb can be attributed to these steroidal lactones.  In addition to that, Ashwagandha also contains 18 fatty acids, some of which are sedative and hypnotic.  It has amino acids aspartic acid, glycine, tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid and cysteine present in its roots.

Ashwagandha as Adaptogen

Adaptogens help our bodies to adapt to the stresses they are subjected to on a daily basis. They help normalize the physiological functioning of our bodies.  Ashwagandha is clinically proven to have excellent adaptogenic capabilities.  Double blind trial involving 60 healthy children of 8-12 years with oral intake of 2 gm a day of root powder showed an increase in mean corpuscular haemoglobin, total protein and body weight of the children.  No toxic effects were observed even after eight months of daily consumption.  Another study conducted on adults showed increase in haemoglobin and red blood cell count. There was a good reduction in ESR levels and improvement in sexual performance.  Thus Ashwagandha is found to be very helpful in restoring and maintaining general health. 

Ashwagandha for Skin

Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha root powder was tested in highly stressed individuals and found to safely and effectively increase an individual’s threshold levels to stress, thereby improving his/her quality of life.  Ashwagandha is found to be effective in treating insomnia.  It helps the body generate the necessary energy to settle and sleep and act as a rejuvenator and nervine tonic.  Thus it helps overcome stress related conditions in a positive way.  It rejuvenates the nervous system, eases out stress and takes care of insomnia.  Ashwagandha root powder can be taken with cow’s ghee or sugar to cure sleeplessness.  How much ashwagandha should I take for anxiety?  The usual ashwagandha dosage for anxiety is 3-6 grams a day.

Ashwagandha’s Diuretic, Hypoglycaemic and Hypocholesterolemic Effects

Ashwagandha was found to decrease blood glucose levels comparable to that of an oral hypoglycemic drug. It helps normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.  Ashwagandha is an excellent diuretic and complements weight loss efforts.  A decrease in serum cholesterol levels was also observed on regular consumption of ashwagandha root powder.  Ashwagandha lowers blood pressure and is found to arrest formation of stress induced ulcers.

Ashwagandha and Cancer

Growth Promoting Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is well known for its growth promoting effects in children.  Studies showed that a 60-day consumption of ashwagandha root powder 2 gm/day along with punarnava 2gm/day had a marked increase in haemoglobin levels, serum iron, MCV and increase in body weight of participants.  Ashwagandha root powder is an excellent growth promoter in children.  It is a well known memory booster.  Children can benefit from drinking a glass of warm grass-fed cow’s milk mixed with a spoonful of ashwagandha root powder every day morning after breakfast.

Ashwagandha has anti-arthritic effects and brings down arthritic pain in joints when taken regularly. A painful, dry, swollen and inflamed joint is taken care of with Ashwagandha herb.  One teaspoon of the root powder is taken in warm milk to reduce the arthritic pain.

Ashwagandha for Young and Old

Ashwagandha Benefits for Weight Loss

When used along with other weight loss supplements, Ashwagandha is found to improve their weight reduction capabilities.  This is due to its adaptogenic property of stabilizing stress related fluctuations.  This helps people who gain weight due to overeating. 

For weight loss efforts to succeed a strong immune system is imperative.  A vibrant immune system facilitates the body to continue its fat burning activities as the general tendency of the body in an immuno-compromised situation is to move away from fat burning mode as fighting the pathogens takes priority.  Hence a strong immune system is necessary for an effective weight loss regimen.  Ashwagandha comes in handy with its immunity boosting capabilities.  Ashwagandha reduces inflammation commonly observed in overweight people.

When adrenal glands produce cortisol in excess in a stressful condition, and when this happens day in and day out, it leads to weight gain, nervous eating, muscle loss etc.  Cortisol being a survival hormone, also stimulates production of glucose and triggers a hunger response in the brain.  Ashwagandha is known to bring down cortisol to reasonable levels thus protecting the adrenal glands and helping weight loss.

How to take Ashwagandha Powder for Weight Loss?

Ashwagandha powder is either mixed in milk or honey, and taken in the mornings after food.

Ashwagandha boosts Immunity

Ashwagandha Leaves for Inflammation

A paste made of ashwagandha leaves is applied topically on local inflammation for quick relief from pain.  Ashwagandha oil (made by adding ashwagandha powder to coconut oil) is used as massage oil for paralysis, sleeplessness etc.

Ashwagandha for Skin

Ashwagandha oil is also used in treating certain skin conditions.  Vitiligo responds favorably to the action of ashwagandha.  Paste made of ashwagandha powder is used in treating keratosis.  It is also an excellent skin toner.  For this purpose, a spoonful of fine ashwagandha root powder is mixed in organic coconut oil and made into a thick paste.  This is applied as a thin layer on affected areas of the skin.

Ashwagandha for Debility and Weakness

Regular intake of Ashwagandha churna helps improve old age weakness, brain fag, tiredness, spermatorrhea, loss of muscular energy etc.  Ashwagandha is very much helpful in patients suffering from chronic diseases like rheumatism, syphilis, and post-surgery recuperation etc.  It rebuilds the system that has been ravaged by the disease.  It is found to be very effective in treating retinopathy and conjunctivitis.  It is also recommended for treating uterine fibroids in women. 

Ashwagandha for Men and Women

Ashwagandha churna taken with honey and ghee in the prescribed format helps improve semen quality.  When taken regularly it helps overcome erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.  It boosts libido and heightens sexual experience while promoting a calm state of mind.  It also benefits the female reproductive system and increases weight of the ovaries.

Ashwagandha and Cancer

Studies done in 2003 and 2007 have shown that ashwagandha is found to be beneficial in inhibiting the growth and spread of breast, lungs and colon cancers.

Ashwagandha an Excellent Anti-oxidant

Ashwagandha neutralizes and eliminates free radicals in our body’s immune system.  It is these free radicals that wreak havoc and cause breakdown of tissues which leads to rapid aging.  Lactating mothers can improve their breast milk’s nutritive quality with consumption of ashwagandha tablets.

Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

Ashwagandha is found to enhance memory and stabilize mood.  It improves the capacity to learn.  Further research in this direction is ongoing.

Though not many studies have been conducted with regard to bipolar disorders, a very limited study has shown promise in the mood stabilizing capacity of ashwagandha.  Mood and anxiety score levels remained stable in the subjects during the period of intake of ashwagandha.  Ashwagandha also benefits people with ADHD and ADD disorders.

The health benefits of ashwagandha are well known in the Ayurvedic world for thousands of years.  It has been used to treat a range of disease conditions.

Ashwagandha Dosage

There no recommended dosage of ashwagandha but it is safe to take 3 to 6 gm a day.  For better results fresh ashwagandha powder should be used, preferably organically grown.  Due to the increase in demand for the herb, commercial cultivation has gone up considerably.  Hence it is wise to look out for organically grown ashwagandha to reap full benefits of the herb.

How to take Ashwagandha Churna?

The term churna means powder and Ashwagandha can be taken in powder, tablet or capsule form. 

Side Effects of Ashwagandha Root Powder

Caution should be exercised when taking Ashwagandha along with barbiturates or sleep inducing compounds.  It is advised not to take Ashwagandha in such conditions.  Similarly, consumption of Ashwagandha when under the influence of alcohol is not advised.  No toxic effects were noted on regular ashwagandha root powder dosage of up to 6 gm per day.  Excessive consumption of the herb can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea.  It has a tendency to induce abortion in women, hence pregnant women should desist from taking this herb.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Health Benefits of Ice Apple (a.k.a. Palm Fruit)

One fascinating aspect of Mother Nature is her myriad ways of taking care of the living beings that inhabit the earth.  During the summer season we can see plenty of cucumber, water melon, tender coconut, ice apple etc everywhere that help human beings combat the ill effects of the soaring temperature of a hot summer.

Freshly cut Ice Apple cluster

Ice apple, also known as palm fruit or Nungu in Tamil is a delicious jelly like fruit that beats all the others for its cooling effect on a hot summer day.  This seasonal nungu is the tender fruit of the palmyra tree.  This tree is found in plenty in the villages of South India lining the paddy fields.  It is the official tree of the Tamil Nadu State.  It is a native to South and Southeast Asia.  You can also find these trees in Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Java and other Southeast Asian countries.

During summer you can find clusters of palmyra fruit in the tree hanging down below the palm leaves.  They have a thick violet black husk.  The top greenish covering is cut to reveal the three sockets in which the fruit is located.  The jelly has a tender brownish-yellow skin.  Watery fluid is found inside the jelly which has excellent cooling properties.

Ice Apple with skin

The fruits of the palmyra palm grow in clusters. The tender, pale white, translucent jelly like fruit is seasonal and can be found in plenty in summer.  Ice apple is rich in vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin etc.  Children love ice apple for its taste and softness.  Pregnant women can overcome constipation and related difficulties with the help of ice apple.  Dieters who are on a weight loss regimen can take ice apple.  It does not contain fat or carbohydrates.

Seasonal problems like prickly heat affect children and grownups alike in summer.  Ice apple is an excellent remedy for prickly heat.  This has been my personal experience.  In my childhood days I was prone to prickly heat of the summer.  Come the month of April and my chest and back would be covered with prickly heat.  My mom used to coat me with a thin layer of ice apple jelly.  The soothing effect of the ice apple provided an immediate relief to that nasty itch.  This application was continued for two to three days and the prickly heat boils would vanish in no time.

Ice Apple skin removed

To reap maximum benefit out of ice apple it should be consumed along with its tender pink, brownish skin.  Though taking the fruit with the skin may taste a bit sour it can heal stomach ulcers.  So take a few fruits along with the skin for your benefit.  The jelly part is cut to pieces and added to milk and honey.  This preparation cools the body and helps tackle the hot summer.  People suffering from chicken pox can take ice apple regularly to bring down the intensity of the disease condition as well as aid rapid healing.

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Medicinal Benefits of Curry Leaves

Indian cuisine makes use of mint, coriander leaves, curry leaves etc to add flavour and aroma to the spicy recipes. Though not a part of the greens, curry leaves has all the nutritive value found in greens and more.

Also known as sweet neem leaves, curry leaves has vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B2, vitamin C, calcium and iron in plenty. This is an ideal herb for people suffering from the ill effects of diabetes. Diabetes patients often suffer from frequent vertigo. There may be aches and pains in the upper and lower limbs coupled with impaired vision. These patients should take curry leaves at frequent intervals to overcome these problems. Kashayam made of curry leaves dried in shade and powdered is a very potent remedy that helps stabilize glucose levels in a diabetic patient.

An excellent remedy made using curry leaves is found to be very effective in treating diarrhea. For this purpose 40 gm of curry leaves and 10 gm of cumin seeds are ground to a fine paste and taken orally. This should be followed by drinking a glass of warm water. A teaspoon of honey is taken after 10 minutes. This regimen is continued three to four times a day.

Cholesterol levels in edible oils can be reduced to a large extent by making use of a handful of curry leaves. One kilogram of the oil is boiled with 15-20 curry leaves and then filtered. This is said to bring down cholesterol level in oils. This oil can then be used in preparing food stuff. Increase in cholesterol can lead to obesity, increase in blood pressure, lethargy and other ill effects.

The young generation of this decade consume a lot of junk food which have no nutritive value. Due to chemicals and other spurious additives found in foodstuff, no wonder a sizeable portion of youngsters both male and female suffer from premature graying of hair. Curry leaves come as a boon in such situations. Youngsters should not throw away curry leaves found in various Indian food recipes. Eating these curry leaves and making it a practice will help to ward off gray hair. Children should be taught to eat curry leaves at a tender age.

I would like to share a popular remedy, a hair oil for premature graying. Heat a litre of coconut or sesame oil and drop 10 to 20 curry leaves into the oil. Remove from heat when it reaches boiling point. This oil is then stored in bottles and used as hair oil before bathing. Apply this oil liberally on the scalp and allow it to soak for about 15-20 minutes. Wash the hair with a mild shampoo or shikkakai powder. Follow this regimen once or twice a week.

Curry leaves can be used to treat a tasteless tongue. Excessive use of antibiotics, indigestion etc can result in loss of taste. A handful of curry leaves along with ginger, salt, garlic, tamarind and chillies, is ground to a fine paste. This is then mixed with hot rice. A few helpings of this mixture help arouse the taste buds. This is repeated two to three times a day till the condition improves.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of 'Touch Me Not' Plant - Part 1

Medicinal Uses of 'Touch Me Not' Plant

The ‘Sensitive Plant’ (Touch-me-not) ‘thotta chinungi’ in Tamil and ‘thotta vaadi’ in Malayalam has been the subject of extensive studies over the recent years for its medicinal properties.

This plant is effective in treating a wide range of disease conditions ranging from allergy, asthma, menstrual problems, hemorrhoids, premature ejaculation, to hypertension, cholesterol, snake bite and more. Research has shown the plant to be effective in treating cancer, especially of the mouth and lungs. One of its compound mimocin is found to inhibit DNA replication in cancer cells.

The botanical name of ‘touch-me-not’ is Mimosa pudica. Though native to South and Central America, this plant is found in the tropical regions the world over. It is also called ‘humble plant’, ‘shameful plant’ because of the tendency of the leaves to fold inward when touched or shaken.

The thotta vaadi plant is an Ayurvedic home remedy for diabetes and hypertension. People suffering from diabetes can take 30 ml juice of thotaa vaadi plant in the mornings and evenings to bring down elevated glucose to normal levels. This remedy can also be used to keep diabetes at bay.

For those suffering from hypertension the remedy would be to take 15 ml of juice obtained from the leaves of this plant. This can be taken in the mornings and evenings to the keep blood pressure levels normal.

One Ayurvedic home remedy for arsas (hemorrhoids) is taking 8 gm of the dried and powdered root of thotta vaadi. This powder is added to warm milk and taken at nights for a period of two to three months. This is found to cure hemorrhoids or piles.

Some of the chemical compounds found in thotta vaadi are mimocin, galactose, mannose etc. These are more potent than the tricyclic anti-depressants and hence can be used in treating depression and other related disorders.

The plant has a tendency to bring down swellings and vata pain in the joints. The thick paste obtained from grinding the whole plant is taken in a piece of cloth and placed over the painful joint swellings and tied with a piece of cloth to hold it in place. This is done a couple of times. This relieves and pain and reduces the swelling. Similarly the paste can be used to treat delayed wound healing. The paste is applied over the wound to help in rapid healing.

The plant is a herbal natural remedy for asthma and asthmatic conditions. For this purpose 15 ml juice from thotta vaadi leaves is collected. Hot water is added to this juice and taken every two hours for quick relief from asthmatic troubles.

One of the problems of old age is insomnia. One excellent natural remedy for insomnia is the thotta vaadi plant. For this 5 gm of leaves is taken and boiled in a glass of water and taken at night before going to bed. Repeating this for a couple of days will help in curing insomnia.

Wheat congee made with thottavaadi juice, guava leaf, curry leaf and horse gram broth is a well known preparation for lowering elevated cholesterol levels.

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Ayurveda, Coconut and Cholesterol

Coconut oil has come back with a bang into the kitchens world over. What was once shunned as cholesterol causing, is now prescribed for reducing cholesterol.

People like Dr. Mercola and Dr. Harindran Nair prescribe a spoon of coconut oil every morning for reducing cholesterol (reduction of LDL and regulation of HDL).

Coconut and coconut oil have excellent medicinal and antioxidant properties. Our ancestors knew that for a fact. People of Kerala use coconut and coconut oil extensively in their daily life. The coconut milk was used in preparing very delicious dishes. The advent of vegetable and sunflower oils etc., into the Kerala lifestyle was sudden. Almost immediately sprung up stories of increase in “cholesterol” levels due to usage of coconut oil and coconut. Coconut was thus pushed forcefully down from its position of preeminence.

Now history has repeated itself. Studies now show that the level of cholesterol is on the increase even after stopping usage of coconut oil. And then came the shocking truth, the new oil which was supposed to reduce cholesterol and ‘good for heart’, has increased the cholesterol levels.

So now coconut is rich in antioxidants. Eating coconut is good for stomach ulcers. Tender coconut water is good at reducing ‘heat’. And coconut oil helps in lowering cholesterol.

Virgin coconut oil is useful in treating simple skin problems. It also helps you lose weight.

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