Ashwagandha offers herbal rejuvenation

Ashwagandha offers herbal rejuvenation

For anyone suffering from overwork, overindulgence, nervousness, chronic fatigue, low libido, or restlessness, the medicinal herb ashwagandha can 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 act as a restorative element to combat the effects of daily stress and strengthen the immune system after illness.

Ashwagandha is a unique herb with adaptogenic anti-stress effects 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 of; poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical stress, or chemical toxins in the environment that can lead to illness. It is particularly beneficial for stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood pressure and insomnia.

The literal meaning of the name Ashwagandha comes 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 masculine spirit and the power of a horse. It is often referred to as “Indian ginseng,” although ginseng and ashwagandha are not botanically related.

Although the ashwagandha plant is grown in many of the drier regions of India, North Africa, and the Middle East, it is now also grown in milder climates such as the United States. It is a small shrub with leaves covered with a dense woolly felt, small green flowers and orange-red fruits (the size of raisins) with coagulating properties. The tuberous roots are more common in Western herbal remedies, but the leaves and flowers also have useful therapeutic uses. Ashwagandha contains many beneficial medicinal chemicals including withanolides (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids and a variety of sugars.

Ashwagandha's rejuvenating properties help nourish tissues, especially muscles and bones, while supporting the proper functioning of the adrenal glands and reproductive system. It has been used as a mild muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory agent for a variety of ailments, including arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and menstrual cramps.

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

Not surprisingly, ashwagandha is a wonderful aphrodisiac. Since prehistoric times, ashwagandha has been believed to have the ability to increase sexual activity. Mentioned in the Kama Sutra, it is a common herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for impotence. Ashwagandha strengthens both the 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 impotence is often accompanied by low sperm count and low sperm motility. Male impotence can be physiological, psychological, or both. Ashwagandha has been found to be effective in reducing oxidative stress and for this reason is traditionally used as a sexual tonic for men. Ashwagandha is a powerful aphrodisiac that helps increase sexual power and physical stamina and promote fertility.

The general wellness uses that can be managed with ashwagandha are endless. It is a tonic for general health and stamina. To slow the debilitations of aging, as a mild sedative and muscle relaxant, as an antioxidant, to improve breathing, memory and brain function, to strengthen nervous tissue, and to promote restful sleep and general well-being, Ashwagandha may be just what you have been looking for.

Contraindications: Do not use Ashwagandha herbal extract if you are taking anti-anxiety or anti-epileptic medications. This herb can enhance the sedative effects of barbiturates. You may feel like you want to sleep longer when taking 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 it. Do not take ashwagandha if you have leukemia and are being treated with chemotherapy. Symptoms of allergic reactions include: feeling cold (lowering body temperature) or upset stomach.

Disclaimer: The information presented here 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 any disease. Individual results may vary and it is always advisable to consult your own doctor before using any supplements.