Ashwagandha Flashcards
What is the botanical name, English name and Hindi name of Ashwagandha?
Botanical: Withania Somnifera
English: Winter cherry
Hindi: Ashgandh
What part of the plant is used?
The root
What is the Qualities, Rasa, Virya and Vipaka?
Qualities: Light and oily
Rasa: Sweet, bitter and astringent
Virya: Heating
Vipaka: Sweet
What Doshas are pacified or increased?
Pacifies Vata and Kapha
Increases Pitta and AMA if taken in excess
What is the Prabhava (main actions) of ashwagandha?
Aphrodisiac (stimulates sexual desire)
Sedative (calming and sleep inducing)
Rasayana (rejuvenating and life enhancing - the path of essence)
Tonic (gives vigour and well-being)
Anti-ageing (increases quality of life and the lifespan)
Nervine (calms nerves and acts therapeutically on nerves)
Analgesic (pain relieving)
What are the topical/local benefits of Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha paste is beneficial for treating enlarged lymph glands when applied topically.
Ashwagandha oil is beneficial for all Vata diseases and ailments
What are the benefits of Ashwagandha on the nervous system?
Ashwagandha is very effective on the nervous system
Improves sleep and treats insomnia
Reduces stress, anxiety, nerve pain and muscle pain
Reduces vertigo (dizziness/loss of balance/spinning),
Beneficial for treating insanity (mental illness)
Increases strength and reduces emaciation (weakness/debility)
Increases energy and reduces fatigue
What are the different forms of Ashwagandha used?
Arishtas, powders, avalehas, decoctions and ghritams
Which tissues does it have the greatest effect on?
Mamsa (muscle) - greatest nourishment
Meda (fat)
Asthi (bone)
Majja (marrow/nerves)
Shukra (reproductive) - greatest nourishment
Which systems does it have the greatest effect on?
nervous system, respiratory system and reproductive system
What are the benefits of Ashwagandha on the reproductive system?
Increases low sperm count
Reduces premature ejaculation
Beneficial for treating infertility
Increases sexual desire (aphrodisiac)
Strengthens the uterus and growing foetus
Reduces vaginal pain
Beneficial for treating leucorrhoea (white or yellow vaginal discharge)
What conditions is Ashwaghanda beneficial for treating?
Arthritis
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Sciatica
Rheumatism
Paralysis
What are the benefits of Ashwagandha on the respiratory system?
Bronchitis, asthma, cough and difficulty breathing
What are the most common uses for Ashwagandha?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrom (CFS)
Rejuvenation and nourishment
Debilitating diseases
Immunity
