Ashwagandha

The word Ashwagandha in Sanskrit means “the smell of the horse”… the smell of the root is similar to the smell of horse dung. Otherwise known as“Indian Ginseng”, it increases immunity and is a potent aphrodisiac.It is a branched erect shrub up to 4 feet long, with greenish, yellow flowers and red berries.It grows abundantly in areas with good tree shade and is widely cultivated in certain areas of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

	Botanical Name :	Withania Somnifera
	Family :	Solanaceae
	Part used :	Root
	Effective uses :		Predominantly used as a Nervine tonic.
			Acts as a potent aphrodisiac
			A pain reliever
			Rejuvinator
			Used also in bronchitis
			It is a good health tonic for children
			Utilised for uterine disorders, mainly menorrhagia and leucorrheea and effective in toning the uterus.
	Home Remedies		The dried stem can be boiled with little milk and consumed providing strength to the body, relaxing the mind and inducing good sleep.
			Ashwaghanda powder (1tsp) when boiled in milk or the powder of the root mixed with sugar acts as a good revitaliser for sexual activity.
			The poultice of the leaves applied in cases of inflammation due to arthritis.
			Ashwaghanda powder (1tsp) in hot water can be used for osteoarthritis
			Ashwaghanda 3-4 leaves can be pounded, made into a ball and used for cough.
			Ashwaghanda powder (10 gms) boiled in 50 ml of sesame oil for a period of 15 minutes on low fire, the oil can be used for massaging purpose for children
	Usage in other formulations:		Chywanprash
			Nishamalaki
			Triphala
			Triphala Ghrita
			Dhatri Lauh