Withania somnifera – Indian princess of health

It is said that Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also called Indian ginseng, is a plant of “agelessness”. It has been known and used for many ages, especially in the Ayurvedic medicine. It comes from India, but it is also common in the Central and Southern Asia. Recently it has been becoming more and more renowned because of its positive effects on health. Nowadays it is very popular with women who are conscious about how important their good mood and life forces are.

The list of therapeutic properties of Withania somnifera is really long. Regarding its wide spectrum of use we could even call it a „panacea”. In the traditional Indian medicine Withania was used first of all to fight rheumatism, cough, general exhaustion and skin diseases. Today it is used not only as a drug, but also as a cosmetic and an ingredient for cheese manufacturing. In Sanskrit Ashwaganda is called „Vajigandha”, which means „smelling like a horse”. Firstly, this is because of smell of stable spreading around while drying it and secondly, because it was believed that it gives you the strength of a horse and makes you be as healthy as a horse.

Ashwagandha is mostly known for its relaxing, quieting and soporific properties. It helps deal with stressful situations, anxiety disorders or depressive episodes. It boosts concentration and knowledge acquisition, which is especially appreciated by students. It is also recommended to people who have problems with adaptation in a new environment and with shyness.

Furthermore, Withania has rejuvenating effects – it slows down the aging processes of human body, prevents greying of hair, boosts physical efficiency, improves psychomotor functions and shortens reaction time. For this reason it is recommended to sportspeople. It also regulates endocrine system boosting the thyroid gland function, so it can be used as a natural drug against underactive thyroid gland. Withania also neutralises the menstrual disorders, has positive effects on reproductive system, boosts libido and sexual prowess by men. It has a very good influence on blood parameters (increases the haemoglobin level, lowers the level of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and sugar – it has antidiabetic activity, increases the level of HDL cholesterol).

It is scientifically proved that „Indian ginseng” protects your heart, prevents hypertension and coronary artery disease. It strengthens muscle fibres – stimulates muscle tone and reduces inflammatory conditions. It also has anabolic properties and boosts muscle recovery by convalescents. It improves the function of respiratory system – helps by treating asthma and allergy. It neutralises rhinitis and cough, can boost the function of kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Nature gives us plenty of herbs with unusual power. They provide life energy, prevent diseases and have rejuvenating effects. Choosing phytotherapy it is definitely advisable to regularly use Ashwaganda of a good quality.