What is Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera?

Ashwagandha is an important herb of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The root of the herb has a distinctive smell that resembles the sweat of a horse, giving it the name Ashwagandha. In the Ayurvedic textbook ‘Bhavaprakasha’, the properties of Ashwagandha are illustrated in below shloka.

Ashwagandha is known to provide aid in managing problems associated with stress and anxiety due to its Rasayana (Rejuvenating) and Vata balancing properties. These properties may also help in diabetes management. It also has Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property which helps in improving stamina and treats conditions like erectile dysfunction. Root powder of Ashwagandha can be taken with milk to help manage male infertility and erectile dysfunction. It is used as a nervine tonic for various nerve-related problems.

Ashwagandha provides aid in the management of stress and anxiety. It stabilizes the body's response to stressful conditions.
One important precaution with Ashwagandha is that it should be avoided during pregnancy as it might increase uterine contractions.

Ashwagandha might control blood sugar in diabetic patients by increasing insulin production and improving insulin sensitivity.
Studies state that Ashwagandha makes the cells less resistant to insulin. This improves insulin sensitivity and increases glucose utilization by the cells. Ashwagandha also protects and increases the number of the insulin-producing cells thus increasing insulin secretion. Together, it helps to manage the risk of diabetes.

- Recommended Products by Dhanwantri Pharmaceutical to cure Diabetes-
Use Sundri Sudha to cure Diabetes. Sundri Sudha has Ashwagandha as one of its major composition.

2. Male infertility

Ashwagandha is a potent aphrodisiac and 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 count and quality. Thus Ashwagandha helps to lower the risk of stress-induced male infertility along with enhancing male sexual health.

3. Arthritis

Ashwagandha might reduce pain associated with arthritis.
Studies state that Ashwagandha has analgesic property. It is seen that the roots and leaves of Ashwagandha contain withaferin A which inhibits the production of pain mediators such as prostaglandins. This reduces the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

- Recommended Products by Dhanwantri Pharmaceutical to cure Arthritis-

Use Nirogya Sundri Powder to cure Arthritis and irregular periods. Nirogya Sundri Powder has Ashwagandha as one of its major compositions.

4. Parkinson's disease

Ashwagandha might be useful in Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is due to damage of the nerve cells which affects movement, muscle control and balance of the body. Ashwagandha prevents damage of nerve cells due to its antioxidant property. This reduces the risk of Parkinson and its associated problems.