Summary

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. It is sometimes called " Indian ginseng " because it acts primarily as an adaptogen to help mitigate the harmful effects of stress. Like many adaptogens, it affects hormones and is commonly used for low libido and infertility.

Unlike some adaptogens, ashwagandha has a sedative effect, and is often used for stressed individuals who are overexcited, nervous and having difficulties with sleep.

Indications

Used as an adaptogen in ayurvedic medicine; however, it is calming rather than stimulating.

Nervous
• overstimulated states
• insomnia
• anxiety
• nervous exhaustion
• poor cognition
• memory
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, ADD)
• neurodegenerative disorders
• dementia
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• drug withdrawal
• smoking cessation

Cancer
• chemotherapy and radiation side-effects
• fatigue
• immunosuppresion (leukopenia, neutropenia)

Respiratory
• chronic respiratory conditions
• bronchitis
• asthma

Musculoskeletal
• myalgia
• rheumatic diseases and connective tissue disorders
• muscle weakness
• fibromylagia
• ostearthritis
• gout

Reproduction (male)
• sexual debility
• erectile dysfunction
• impotence
• infertility

Endocrine
• hypothyroidism
• chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS )

Actions

• Adaptogen
• Sedative
• Antiepileptic
• Nootropic
• Sexual Tonic
• Antiinflammatory
• Anticancer
• Immunomodulator
• Antispasmotic
• Neuroprotective
• Hepatoprotective
• Nephroprotective
• Antiaging

Constituents

• Terpenoids
• Steroidal Glycosides (Withanolide)
• Alkaloids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5): 2 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:2): 2-4 ml tid
• Decoction (dried herb): 3-6 g qd

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Caution: Hyperthyroidism; may stimulate thyroid function.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002