posted January 18, 2009 10:53 PM           

"Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) is one of the world's most powerful adaptogens, used traditionally in Ayurvedic herbalism to help the body adapt to phyiological and psychological stress."

Ashwagandha or Indian winter cherry is considered one of the most important herbs in ayurvedic system of medicines. As because of its vast area of application, ayurvedic physicians have used it extensively in curing people from their ailments. Due to its properties it has gained lots of respect in the eyes of herbal healers.

Following are its indications:

· It is considered as most important adaptogens in ayurvedic system of medicine.
· It works in suppressing pains of any sort. It possess this property due to its ushan virya potency, which helps in eradicating vata that is the reason of initiation of pain in body.
· Good results have been seen in diseases like Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis), sandhi gata vata (Osteoarthritis), vatarakt (gout), gridhasi (sciatica) and other vata dominant diseases.
· Works as anti-inflammatory substance therefore helps in reducing swellings and restoring blood supply.
· Its local application also has tremendous results in lymphadenopathy, goiter and on any body part which is supposed to have inflammation and pain
· Possess great healing properties therefore has great effects in healing wounds and injuries
· It relieves stress due to presence of vata suppressant properties which helps in nurturing nervous system
· Helps in promoting calmness and mental satisfaction in mind due to its good penetrating powers, which helps to counter negative adaptogens.
· It helps in relieving from the feel of numbness and burning sensation in extremities.
· Helps in providing nourishment to the brain for its better function and greater ability to work.
· It is often given in a person who regularly suffers from vertigo, uncautiousness, and depression as it helps in curbing mental and physical weakness.
· Improves mental ability, helps in gaining retaining power and improves mental concentration
· Increases muscular endurance and helps in building up of stamina.
· Revitalizes body and decreases untimely fatigue caused due weak body strength accumulation of negative energies in the body.
· Works as a rasayan i.e. a substance that helps in preventing early aging and rejuvenates whole body to provide youth.
· It works as powerful immune booster that helps in fighting any foreign invasion in the body.
· Its antioxidant properties helps in avoiding symptoms of early aging
· A powerful aphrodisiac thereby helps in enhancing the sexual powers and long lasting endurance
· It also helps in increasing sperm count and also the quality of sperms.
· It gives good results in leucorrhoea, as it possesses the properties that suppress kapha.
· It is considered as one of the most commonly used herb in relieving hypertension with excellent results.
· It has also been found excellent supplement that helps in proving strength to heart muscles and keeps heart working normal
· It also possess the properties which helps it to behave as an diuretic therefore is very helpful in treating urinary tract infections (UTI)
· Wonderful remedy in increasing physical endurance is used extensively in physically weak people or people who are recovering from long illness as in case tuberculosis or surgeries.
· Good results have also been seen in upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and in asthmatic condition with wonderful results.

posted January 18, 2009 10:57 PM         

Sounds promising!! I noted the part about hypertension in there, something I need a bit of assistance with.....

I've been drinking Tulsi Tea (holy basil), another adaptogen in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia -- but I will definitely check into this one some more -- thanks!!

posted January 18, 2009 11:00 PM           

Ashwagandha Extract helps reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used in India for more than 3,000 years and is often referred to as “Indian Ginseng.

Ashwagandha and research

Latest researches reveal that Ashwagandha, if given in proper dose, can restore the neurotransmitters and hence can be useful in various mental disorders. Ashwagandha can be used by both men and women and it acts to calm the mind and promote sound, restful sleep. Ashwagandha works as an adaptogen, promoting the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and resist stress. It prevents or minimizes imbalances that may lead to disease, whether from poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment. It is especially beneficial in stress related disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility, etc. It has also shown impressive results when used as a stimulant for the immune system. Ashwagandha is a unique herb with anti-stress adaptogenic action that leads to better physical fitness and helps to cope with life's daily stress.

What does Ashwagandha extract do?

posted January 18, 2009 11:04 PM           

The form I take it in is tablets. The brand I got is Planetary Herbals, Full Spectrum Ashwagandha.

I think it's a powerful, helpful herb. Sometimes I take supplements and am not quite sure if they are "working" or not. With this one i'd have to say yes. I notice on the days that I take it I'm much more relaxed. Please let me know if it works for you and how you feel.

posted January 19, 2009 05:41 AM         

Thanks for the info.

posted August 01, 2009 11:32 PM         

I've tried a couple different brands -- this is the one I like best:
http://www.organicindiausa.com/product_info.php?products_id=36

posted August 02, 2009 01:34 PM         

p.s. WHAT is BOGO?? oh i see it now, duh!

posted August 02, 2009 01:49 PM         

Buy One Get One
Twice -- one when I get up and one at lunchtime..... it gives me energy/zest in the afternoon!
Or maybe I'm just an afternoon person

posted August 02, 2009 02:50 PM         

i will report after a little time lapse on the ashwagandha.

posted August 06, 2009 03:00 AM         

I like to know what a particular plant looks like and a bit more information about it, so here is a link for Ashwagandha: http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/ashwagandha.htm

It just helps me to imagine the plant and feel a connection with it while taking something that might not resemble it in the least, like a pill.

posted August 06, 2009 05:08 AM         

its very inexpensive
at the indian grocery store.

$1.19 for a two ounce bottle!

posted August 06, 2009 01:34 PM         

quote:

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i take a tablespoon every morning

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