Ashwagandha

Question 1

What does Ashvagandha mean in Sanskrit?

Answer 1

Ashva means horse and gandha means smell - the fresh root smells like horse urine, but the meaning also realtes to a horse being a strong animal that is a symbol of viltality and virulence.

Question 2

What is it’s rasa?

Answer 2

bitter, astringent

Question 3

What is it’s virya?

Answer 3

Ushna

Question 4

What is it’s vipaka?

Answer 4

Sweet

Question 5

What other gunas does it have?

Answer 5

heavy, unctuous, stable, slow

Question 6

What is it’s prabhava?

Answer 6

Aphrodisiac and energizer, but also sedative and tranquilzer

Pacifies V and K, excessive amounts (1 tablespoon per day) may increase P

Question 7

To what dhatus does it have an affinity?

Answer 7

Nourishes all seven tissues, especially mamsa and shukra

Question 8

What are it’s 12 actions?

Answer 8

Rasayana, restorative tonic, muscle builder, aphrodisiac, energizer, gives vigor and vitality, nervine, sedative, mental tranquilizer, induces natural sleep, antibacterial, promotes lactation

Question 9

In what 15 conditions is it indicated?

Answer 9

Emaciation, consumption (or tuberculosis), muscle weakness, muscle fatigue, muscle wasting, sexual debility, oligospermia, insomnia, unmad (psychosis), chronic dry cough, epileptic seizures, anxiety, tachycardia, ungroundedness, various neuromuscular disorders

Question 10

In what 5 circumstances is it contraindicated?

Answer 10

Drowsiness, coma, severe toxic conditions, high P, if taking babiturates such as diazepam