Ashwagandha also known as Withania somnifera / Indian Ginseng / Ajagandha / Vajigandha / Winter Cherry / Varahkarni / Asgandha is an important herb of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The root of the herb has a distinctive smell that resembles the sweat of a horse, giving it the name Ashwagandha.

Properties of Ashwagandha

In the Ayurvedic textbook ‘Bhavaprakasha’, the properties of Ashwagandha are symbolized in below shloka:

गन्धान्ता वाजिनामादिरश्वगन्धा हयाद्वया। वराहकर्णी वरदा बलदा कुष्ठगन्धिनी ||
अश्वगन्धाऽनिलश्लेष्मश्वित्रशोथक्षयापहा । बल्या रसायनी तिक्ता कपायोष्णाऽतिशुक्रला ॥

Ashwagandha is fragrant with horseshoe and destroy mucus and inflammation. It is strong, rejuvenated, bitter, and hot.
Ashwagandha is known to provide aid in managing problems associated with stress and anxiety due to its Rasayana (Rejuvenating) and Vata balancing properties.
It also has Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property which helps in improving stamina and treats conditions like erectile dysfunction.

Ashwagandha Benefits

Reduces Stress & Anxiety

Stress arises due to an imbalance of Vata dosha, and often links with irritability, insomnia, and fear. Taking Ashwagandha helps in balancing Vata and thus reduces the stress & anxiety.

Enhances Male Sexual Health

Ashwagandha might help in stress-induced male infertility by improving the level of testosterone. Ashwagandha has antioxidant property and fights against the free radicals. This prevents damage and death of sperm cells leading to better sperm quality and count. Ashwagandha helps to enhance male sexual health.

Cures Diabetes

Ashwagandha improves insulin sensitivity and increases glucose utilization by the cells. Ashwagandha protects and increases the number of the insulin-producing cells thus increasing insulin secretion. Also, it helps to manage the risk of diabetes. It is best source for diabetes care.

Controls High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is known as Rakta Gata Vata in Ayurveda which means elevated pressure of the blood in the arteries. Stress or anxiety is a root cause of hypertension and taking Ashwagandha helps to reduce stress or anxiety and thus control high blood pressure.

Helps in Arthritis

Arthritis leads to pain, swelling, and joint mobility. Ashwagandha has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of arthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.

Reduces Risk of Parkinson Disease

Parkinson’s disease is due to damage of the nerve cells which affects movement, muscle control and balance of the body. Taking Ashwagandha balances Vata and also helps to reduce the degeneration of cells which controls the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.