Known Ashwagandha Side Effects

General Description

Ashwagandha is an indigenous Indian herb, which is popular in the west as the Winter Cherry. The Indian name of the herb literally means ‘horse smell’ (ashwa = horse, gandha = smell). It is called so because its root smells like horse’s urine when wet. Ashwagandha is a small to medium sized herb, growing up to 1.5 meters at a maximum with small green flowers growing in clusters of about 25 in number. This herb is found in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, apart from India.

The main medical constituent of ashwagandha is somniferine, an alkaloid which is present in all parts of the herb. The oil extracted from its roots is composed of two constituents – a water soluble part and a water insoluble part. The water soluble part contains some sugar, while the water insoluble part contains fatty acids among other vital substances. Besides that, ashwagandha oil is also rich in tannin, glucose, potassium nitrate and several alkaloids.

Properties

The following curative properties of ashwagandha are made use of in Ayurvedic medicine:-

(i) Ashwagandha is best known for its stimulating properties on the libido. It is used as an aphrodisiac in men. For this reason, ashwagandha is also referred to as the Indian ginseng.

(ii) Ashwagandha is a mild hypnotic. It can be used in allaying pains.

(iii) Ashwagandha is effective in treating urinary ailments. It can facilitate easy flow of urine. Also it helps in opening the sweat pores, which make it possible to expel liquid wastes through perspiration.

(iv) Ashwagandha is an antibiotic and an antibacterial agent.

Uses

Ashwagandha is indispensable in various constituents of Ayurvedic medicine. The following are some ways in which it is used in treatment of diseases.

(i) Common Cold

Ashwagandha is used in opening up the respiratory tract and treating diseases that originate in the chest cavity. If a person has a common cold, then the powdered root of ashwagandha is taken in quantities of three grams. Decoction of the ashwagandha root is also popularly used. In a similar fashion, the berries and seeds of the ashwagandha are also used for resolving chest complaints.

(ii) Conjunctivitis

The leaves of the ashwagandha are boiled in water and the steam is used to foment the eyes. This relieves the pain and the itchiness of sore eyes.

(iii) Digestive Disorders

Both dyspepsia and loss of appetite can be treated with ashwagandha. For this purpose, the roots of the herb are used. Ashwagandha pacifies the pitta dosha which is responsible for digestion and brings the body to a state of normalcy.

(iv) Insomnia

Due to its hypnotic properties, ashwagandha is prescribed to people who are not able to sleep soundly at nights.

(v) Loss of Libido in Men

Ashwagandha is an aphrodisiac, mostly for men. This is the curative property for which it is renowned all over the world. In order to increase sexual performance of men, Ayurvedic doctors prescribe taking three or four grams of the root with a vehicle like milk or ghee at least half an hour before performing the sexual act. For permanent treatment of these problems, a preparation of ashwagandha is made with sugar, honey, pepper and ghee. This is administered to the person once daily. In addition to increasing libido, ashwagandha can also treat male problems like spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation.

(vi) Rheumatism

Ashwagandha is taken in doses of three grams per day for the treatment of geriatric problems such as rheumatism. The root of the ashwagandha is used for this purpose.

(vii) Skin Problems

Ashwagandha has very effective properties in the treatment of problems of the skin. Its roots and leaves are ground into a paste and applied externally for the treatment of carbuncles, ulcers and swellings. In case of boils and swelling, its leaves are warmed in water and used to foment the affected parts. For bedsores and wounds, ashwagandha leaves are boiled in fat or ghee and applied.

(viii) Sterility in Women

Ashwagandha can treat sterility in women and help them conceive a child. Its roots are powdered and taken in quantities of six grams with milk. This is taken for a week continuously after menstruation.

(ix) Syphilis

Ashwagandha has antibacterial properties, which are made use of in the treatment of syphilis. A paste of its leaves is applied on the syphilitic sores continually. This relieves the itchiness of the sores and treats the disease eventually.

(x) Tuberculosis

In the treatment of tuberculosis, ashwagandha is used in the following manner. A decoction of its root is prepared with pepper and honey. This decoction is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is found to be especially beneficial in the treatment of scrofula, which is a painful tuberculosis of the lymph glands that manifests itself in the neck region.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

The following are some Ayurvedic preparations in which ashwagandha is the main ingredient:-

(i) Ashwagandha lehya

Ashwagandha is made into a fine paste known as linctus. This is ashwagandha lehya which is taken for all the diseases that can be cured with the consumption of ashwagandha.

(ii) Ashwagandharishta

Ashwagandharishta is a very valuable extract of ashwagandha with several other herbs such as manjishta, yashti, arjuna, chandana, etc. It is used as a general tonic in several medical problems including debility, digestion problems and psychotic problems like hallucinations.

Precautions

Ashwagandha is a very beneficial herb, but it must never be prescribed to pregnant women. The various chemical constituents of ashwagandha can lead to abortion of the fetus. Though it is used to correct sterility itself, its use must be discontinued as soon as the woman conceives.

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For anyone who suffers from overwork, overindulgence, nervousness, chronic fatigue, low libido or restlessness, the medicinal herb, ashwagandha, may be a good choice for you, as a general herbal tonic.

Ashwagandha, also known as “Winter Cherry” has been used in traditional Indian and African medicine for centuries. The plant contains chemicals that work as a restorative element, to help combat the effects of daily stress and to strengthen the immune system after an illness.

Ashwagandha is a unique herb with anti-stress adaptogenic action that helps us cope with the stress of everyday life. It promotes the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis, resist stress and stimulate the immune system. Ashwagandha prevents or minimizes imbalances from; poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment, which can lead to disease. It is especially beneficial in stress related disorders such as hypertension, high blood pressure and insomnia.

ashwagandha benefits

The literal meaning of the name, ashwagandha, is from the Sanskrit language. It is a combination of the word ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell or sweat. The symbolic meaning indicates that the herb possesses the virile spirit and power a horse. It is often referred to as “Indian ginseng” even though, botanically, ginseng and ashwagandha are unrelated.

Although the ashwagandha plant is cultivated in many of the drier regions of India, northern Africa, and the Middle East it is now being cultivated in milder climates, like the United States, as well. It is a short shrub with leaves that are covered with a dense matte of wooly hairs, small green flowers and orange-red fruit (the size of a raisin) with coagulating properties. The tuberous roots are more common in Western herbal remedies, but the leaves and flowers also possess beneficial therapeutic applications. Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides, (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars.

The rejuvenating properties of ashwagandha help nourish tissues, particularly muscle and bone, while supporting the proper function of the adrenal glands and the reproductive system. It has been used as mild muscle relaxer and as an anti-inflammatory for a variety of ailments including arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, backache, fibromyalgia and menstrual discomfort.

Ashwagandha has been used to balance, strengthen, and calm the nervous system. Researchers at the University of Texas found that the extract of ashwagandha performed in a similar manner to GABA. Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system and plays a role in regulating neuronal excitability. In humans, GABA is also directly responsible for the regulation of muscle tone. This might explain why ashwagandha is so effective in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. It has been used as an herbal treatment for mental ailments, convulsions, seizures, panic attacks, mood fluctuations, lowered mental power, mental retardation, phobias, schizophrenia, psychosis, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, insomnia and alcohol paranoia.

Not surprisingly, ashwagandha is a wonderful aphrodisiac. Since prehistoric times, it is believed that Ashwagandha has the ability to enhance sexual activity. It is mentioned in the kama sutra and is a common herb used in ayurvedic medicine for impotency. Ashwagandha strengthens both male and female reproductive systems, increases lactation, increases sperm count and helps with infertility while increasing libido.

However, the most common cause of functional male impotency is often accompanied by a low sperm count and low sperm mobility. Male impotency can be physiological, psychological, or both. Ashwagandha has been found to effectively reduce oxidative stress and is traditionally used as a sexual tonic for men for this reason. Ashwagandha is a powerful aphrodisiac that helps in enhance sexual powers and physical endurance and promotes fertility.

The applications for overall wellbeing that can be managed with ashwagandha are endless. It is a tonic for overall good health and stamina. To slow the debilitations of aging, as a mild sedative and muscle relaxer, as an antioxidant, to improve respiratory, memory and brain function to strengthen the nerve tissue and to promote restful sleep and an overall sense of wellbeing, ashwagandha may be just what you have been looking for.

Contraindications: Do not use Ashwagandha Herbal Extract if you are taking anxiety or anti-seizure medication. This herb may potentiate the sedative effect of barbiturates. You may feel as if you want to sleep more if you take this herb and pentobarbital (medicine used to help you sleep). Pregnant women should avoid this herb and if you are breastfeeding consult your doctor before taking. Do not take Ashwagandha if you have leukemia and are being treated with chemotherapy. Symptoms of allergic reactions are: feeling cold (decrease in body temperature) or upset stomach.

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

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By Steve Mathew

Ashwagandha, a traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medical herb,is thought of as “Indian ginseng.” It is often marketed simply as “Withania” and is also called winter cherry or Dunal. The berries, fruits, and roots have been used traditionally. In Western herbal medicine, most preparations are made from the root of the shrub.

Ashwagandha Uses and Benefits

 As is the case with ginseng, ashwagandha has been employed for numerous conditions in traditional Asian therapies, and lor additional disorders in contemporary herbal practice. A major traditional use of the herb is in “balancing life forces,” which may be regarded as an adaptogenic or anti-stress tonic effect. rhus, ashwagandha is considered to be a general promoter of health, or a “rasayana” that promotes rejuvenation according to traditional Ayurvedic practice.

Purported anti-inflammatory benefits have led to use in tuberculosis, liver disease, rheumatic disorders, and skin problems. The herb’s “panacea” reputation has expanded its repertoire to include therapy for weakness, stress, sexual debility, aging symptoms, and anemia, among many other conditions. It is claimed to he effective in infections, particularly those caused by fungi. The Latin species name is a tribute to its supposed effectiveness in promoting somnolence and improving sleep. Recently, AIDS and cancer have been added to the list of its proposed immunostimulant uses, although clinical evidence is lacking.

Pharmacology

Much of the pharmacologic literature on ashwagandha is in foreign journals or consists of older reports or studies carried out on rodents; or employs techniques that are difficult to evaluate. Over 35 active chemicals have been identified in the herb, including steroidallactones (such as withanolides and withaferins), alkaloids (such as somniferine, scopoletin, withanine,and anaferine), saponins, and glycosides. Additional chemicals of possible importance include choline, beta-sitosterol, flavonoids, tannins, an essential oil called ipuranol, a crystalline alcohol called withaniol, and several acylsterylglucosides or sitoindosides.

Several specific withanolides and withaferins have been shown to have antineoplastic effects in animals.Withaferins have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial actions. Withanolide-D and withaferin-A appear to contribute immunoactive effects. Somniferine is a hypnotic, while scopoletin is a smooth muscle relaxant in guinea pigs. The adaptogenic properties of the characteristic glycosides (sitoindosides VII and VIII) and other derivatives of Withania are sometimes explained as resulting from a state of “nonspecific increase in resistance,” resulting in enhancement of survival when under stress ; however, this concept fails to convey any insights into its action.

Clinical Trials

 There are few controlled clinical trials that con­firm the multiple claims that are made for ashwagandha. Many of the published studies only evaluate multiple-herb preparations. In one double-blinded, cross-over clinical trial of osteoarthritis, 42 patients were randomized to 3 months on uncertain doses of ash­wagandha combined with other herbs or to a placebo. The herbal combination was reported to significantly reduce pain (p Adverse Effects: Based on a long history of traditional use, .ashwagandha appears to be well tolerated without significant adverse effects. There is little data from clinical studies. It is claimed anecdotally that large doses of ashwagandha products or the berries may cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Side Effects and Interactions

As a potential sedative-hypnotic, it may theoretically potentiate other sedatives; this has not been reported or studied, and such effects are unlikely to be significant.

Cautions

The herb has not been studied in nursing or pregnant women, but it has been anecdotally reported to have abortifacient properties. Like echinacea, its potential immunostimulant effect may be contraindicated in patients with autoimmune disorders; this has not been reported or studied, and significant effects are unlikely.

Preparations & Dosage

A typical daily dose is 3-6 g of powdered root, but up to 30 g/day of the herb has been advocated by commercial herbalists. Pill extracts are also available, as are tinctures and numerous herbal mixtures.

Summary Evaluation

Ashwagandha is promoted for many different uses. It is taken to improve immune function and as a rejuvenator, aphrodisiac, and Ionic for general health. It is inappropriately promoted by some marketers as a treatment for serious diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancers, and AIDS. It is often employed as a sedative and antiarthritic for self-therapy. However, its value has not been adequately established for any of the numerous clinical conditions to which it has been applied.

Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on herbal medicines and ayurvedic medicines for common ailments and diseases. Visit us for more information on herbal remedies and ayurvedic medicines.