Herbs & Supplements:
Ashwagandha
Withania somniferum
Principal Proposed Uses
•
Adaptogen (Improve Ability to Withstand Stress)
Other Proposed Uses
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Improve Exercise Ability, Immunity, Sexual Capacity, and Fertility, Reduce Cholesterol, Prevent Colds and Flus, Treat Insomnia and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is sometimes called "Indian ginseng," not because it's related botanically (it's closer to potatoes and tomatoes) but because its traditional uses were similar. Like ginseng, ashwagandha was thought to be a "tonic herb" capable of generally strengthening the body. However, it was traditionally considered to be milder and less stimulating than ginseng.
What Is Ashwagandha Used for Today?
Modern herbalists classify ashwagandha as an adaptogen, a substance said to increase the body's ability to withstand stress of all types. (See the article on ginseng for more information on adaptogens.) Like other adaptogens, ashwagandha is supposed to improve physical energy, exercise capacity, and overall health; strengthen immunity (against colds, flus, and other infections); increase sexual capacity and improve fertility; and normalize cholesterol. As its name "somniferum" suggests, it is also sometimes said to produce mild sedation (an effect potentially useful for those troubled by insomnia or anxiety). However, as yet the evidence for these and other potential benefits is limited to highly preliminary studies at best.1–11
Dosage
A typical dosage of ashwagandha is 1 teaspoon of powder twice a day, boiled in milk or water. Herbalists often recommend that those who are young or especially weak should take a lower dosage.
Safety Issues
Although formal scientific safety studies have not been completed, ashwagandha appears to be safe when taken in normal doses. However, because some of the constituents of ashwagandha cause drowsiness, it should not be combined with sedative drugs. The herb may also have some steroid-like activity at high dosages. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Interactions You Should Know About
If you are taking sedative drugs, you should not take ashwagandha at the same time.
View References
Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board
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