Organic Ashwagandha And Its Uses

Organic Ashwagandha is sometimes known as "Indian ginseng." Although the plant itself

is no relation to the ginseng plant native to northeastern Asia (it is actually a relative of the tomato plant and a member of the nightshade family), organic ashwagandha root is used in India's Ayurvedic system of medicine as ginseng is in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Indian physicians consider organic ashwagandha root to be rasayana, which is analogous to the characteristic of yang in TCM; in other words, it is associated with heat, dryness and masculine energy.

The botanical name for organic ashwagandha is withania somnifera. It is native to the dry regions of south central Asia, and thrives in a Mediterranean-type climate such as Southern California. The Sanskrit name is descriptive of the smell of organic ashwagandha root, which is similar to that of a sweaty horse. The plant bears a superficial resemblance to its relative, the tomato plant, producing green leaves and yellow flowers that eventually turn into small red fruit.

Ayurvedic doctors of ancient India relied a great deal on organic ashwagandha; bulk quantities were stored for use in treating patients for a range of conditions, including low libido and infertility.

Today, herbalists may keep organic ashwagandha bulk quantities on hand to treat many of the same conditions; unlike true ginseng, organic ashwagandha root does not appear to have the effect of rainsing blood pressure.

In herbal medicine, organic ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen, which are believed to relieve the effects of physical and psychological stress while strengthening the immune system.

Current research on organic ashwagandha suggests that it works by increasing blood flow and improving circulation. There is apparently some chemical compound contained in organic ashwagandha root that inhibits the growth of cancer. Research on this aspect of this herb was carried out by a team of Japanese and Indian physicians and published in the 2006 issue of the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies in Japan and the U.S. are showing a keen interest in organic ashwagandha. Bulk quantities are being processed in order to obtain extracts that are being marketed as treatments for sexual dysfunction, skin problems, infertility and memory loss.

Organic ashwagandha bulk supplies are also available to individual consumers. However, no claims can be made about its effectiveness in the treatment of any particular disease or condition; it is strongly recommended that such individuals consult with a naturopath or licensed herbalist before using organic ashwagandha for therapeutic purposes.

by: Anne Harvester

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