Ashwagangha

The image above is from the class lesson.

This is a very interesting herb and has left me asking myself, "why am I not using this?".  Now I need to find my lab sample.

Been a busy day and I don't think it will slow down any.  Love and Light!

On to ashwaghandha

Constituents: Petersen (2018) says steroidal lactones (withaferin A and withanolide D) and steroidal alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine, somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine, pseudo-withanine, tropine, pseudo-tropine, 3-a-gloyloxytropane, choline, cuscohygrine, isopelletierine, anaferine, anahydrine) (p. 185-6). Balch (2010) says alkaloids, beta-sitosterol, chlorogenic acid, scopoletin, withaferin, amino acids, choline (p. 103). Chevallier (2010) says alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides), and iron. The withanolides are strongest in the leaves and these are anti-cancer by inhibiting cancer cell growth (p. 152). Winston (2007) says steroidal lactones (withanolides A-Y), sitoindosides, withaferins, and alkaloids (somniferine, withanine, and anaferine) (p. 34, 158).

Therapeutic Actions: Aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial (Petersen, 2018, p. 186). Balch says anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, immunomodulator, and immune stimulating (p. 103). Chevallier (2010) says adaptogen, anti-cancer, tonic, and mild sedative (p. 152). Bown (1995) says astringent, warming, sedative, rejuvenative, and aphrodisiac (p 371). Winston (2007) says adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, immune amphetic, diuretic, immune amphoteric, nervine, anthelmintic, and thyroid stimulant (p. 158).

Indications: Arthritis, anxiety, chronic liver disease, insomnia, tuberculosis, tumors, inflammation, emaciation, fibromyalgia, hiccups, Cognitive function, infertility, menstrual disorders, cancer, cardiovascular damage, cholesterol and blood lipids, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, neuro-protection in stroke, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, anemia, aging. Topically, backache, hemiplegia, and ulcers (Petersen, 2018, p. 184, 186-191). It’s good for strength and vitality, nourishes/strengthens the nervous, adrenal, thyroid, immune function, and decreases inflammation. Good for libido, chronic pain, vigor, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Also helps with sleep (Groves, 2016, p. 50-51).  Balch says rejuvenates and energizes the nervous system, may prevent or help with stress-related illnesses and stress-related reduction in Vitamin c and cortisol as well as increases physical endurance and sexual function (p. 103). Chevallier (2010) says chronic stress, anxiety, tension, male fertility, muscle strength, mental function, arthritis, immune function, fatigue, psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory illness, and anemia. The root is best for strengthening and calming, powdered. Berries help with convelescence (p. 103). Bown (1995) says debility, reproductive and nervous systems, convalescence, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, geriatric complaints, wasting diseases, failure to thrive, impotence, infertility, joint/nerve pain, multiple sclerosis and usually given in milk with raw sugar or honey (p. 371). Winston (2007) says stamina, prolonged life, mental stimulation, vigor, sexual prowess, malnutrition, paralysis, coughs, edema, cognitive function, asthma, infertility, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, fevers, lower back pain, lumbago, arthritis, dyspepsia, decubitus ulcers (bed sores), boils, glandular swelling, alcoholism, low sperm count, debility, prevent osteoporosis, muscular wasting, heavy menstrual bleeding, convalescence, chills, colds, uterine tonic, syphilis, typhoid fever, diarrhea, infections, eruptive diseases, conjunctivitis, endocrine function, thyroid, testes, adrenal glands, stress-induced insomnia, headaches, anorexia, irritability, nervousness, cancer, chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome, autoimmune diseases, polymyositis, fibromyalgia, and neck pain (p. 158-60). Heinerman (1996) says sports injuries, inflammation, arthritis, cancer tumors, mental health such as anxiety, panic attacks, mood phobias, delusions, depression, hallucinations, agitation, alcoholic paranoia, schizophrenia, learning enhancement, and memory retention (p. 35-6).

Safety: Petersen (2018) says in thyroid tests it suppresses TSH and increases T3 and T4 values. Do not use with sedatives or anxioletics or stomach ulcers. It may also be abortifacient, reduce male sexual function though it has been used for enhancing sexual function in the historical days. It may also have adverse effects in patients with hypotension. At prescribed doses, it’s well tolerated (p. 193). She continues on page 194 the American Herbal Products Association has this listed as class 2b, not safe for pregnancy. Groves (2016) says there may be allergic reactions with those who have allergies to nightshades but is generally safe (p. 51).

Have a Great Day!