The term Ashwagandha is derived from Sanskrit—ASWA meaning horse and GANDHA meaning smell. The root of the plant has a strong odor similar to that of a horse. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it is used for arthritis, insomnia, stress, asthma, rejuvenation, fibromyalgia, and more. In the Western world, it is popularly known as an aphrodisiac and energy booster and is often called “Indian Ginseng.”
Advantages of Using Ashwagandha:
According to Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is used to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. It offers a unique dual function: it promotes energy while simultaneously calming the body. This makes it ideal for strengthening the nervous system and managing agitation, frustration, and irritability.
Benefits:
- Rejuvenation and revitalization
- Stress adaptation
- Promotes healthy sleep patterns
- Supports healthy reproductive functions
- Enhances vigor and vitality
- Immunomodulatory effects
Traditional Uses:
- Pacifies Vata and Kapha—used in conditions caused by imbalances of these doshas
- Vajeekarana: Increases sexual desire
- Rasayana: Promotes cellular function and tissue health
- Balya: Boosts energy
- Sukrala: Improves sperm quantity and quality
- Shwitropaha: Used in treating skin conditions like Leucoderma (white patches)
- Shothahara: Helps manage inflammation and edema
- Kshyapaha: Treats weakness and promotes nourishment
Ayurvedic Pharmacotherapeutics:
- Rasa (Taste): Bitter, Pungent, and Sweet
- Guna (Properties): Light and Unctuous
- Veerya (Potency): Hot in nature
- Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Sweet
Current Evidence:
- Helps manage stress and cholesterol levels
- Acts as an immunomodulator in cancer treatment
- Supports neuro-regeneration
- Adaptogenic properties
- Improves sperm quality
How to Find Good Quality Ashwagandha?
High-quality Ashwagandha is primarily sourced from India and is available in powder, capsule, or traditional Ayurvedic formulations. At AYUNA, we use premium Ashwagandha extract in our products like REVIVE–M and S-Enhance. All extracts are tested for quality in TGA-certified laboratories to ensure identification and purity. Our products are made in Australia and are TGA listed.
References:
- Narendra Singh, Mohit Bhalla, Prashanti de Jager, and Marilena Gilca – “An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda”. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011; 8(5 Suppl): 208–213.
- Dhuley JN – “Effect of Asgand on lipid peroxidation in stress-induced animals”. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998; 7(2): 173–78.
- Aggarwal R, Diwanay S, Patki P, and Patwardhan B – “Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation”. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 97: 27–35.
- Bhattacharya SK, Muruganandam AV – “Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: An experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress”. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003 Jun;75(3):547-55.
