Medicinal Powers of Withania Somnifera – Ashwagandha/ Indian Ginseng
June 1, 2009
Withania somnifera- ASHWAGANDHA / Indian Ginseng
Indian Ginseng is a very good herb that can be used as a remedy for many health problems. It has many medicinal properties like anti stress, anti cancer, anti anxiety. So it can be called as a versatile herb. The roots and leaves of the herb are mainly used for medicinal purpose and it contains alkaloids which impart the medicinal value to the herb.
Active Ingredients in Indian Ginseng
The major ingredients present in Indian Ginseng are different types of alkaloids. It contains about 13 different types of alkaloids. Some of them are tropine, anaferine, isopelletierine, anahygrine, cuseohygrine etc. Indian Ginseng also contains somniferine which is seen in almost all parts of the herb and is a bitter alkaloid. It also comprises saponins, steroidal lactones, iron, resin, sugar, phyosterol, tannin, ipuranol etc. Oil can be extracted from the roots of Indian Ginseng and is rich in fatty acids like hentiroctane, vithenyle, phitosteryl and potassium nitrate, sugar, tannin, somniferine etc.
Uses of Indian Ginseng
1. Immunity Boosting Herb
Indian Ginseng is found to be boosting the immunity of our body. It affects the macrophages and imparts the immunity stimulating effect. It raises antibodies against diphtheria and is also beneficial in aging and chronic fatigue syndrome.
2. Aphrodisiac Herb
It imparts the aphrodisiac action through its nervine and rejuvenates property. It can give a healthy elasticity to the nervous and can strengthen them. In men it will improve the quantity and quality of the semen and is equally good in women. It increases the ovarian weight and improves the maturation of ovarian follicles. Indian Ginseng is a good remedy for physical weakness associated with painful menstruation.
3. Rejuvenate Herb
It has good rejuvenative property which can be used for strengthening weak muscles and nerves and also for treating diabetics, hypertension, and arthritis which are degenerative disorders.
4. Anti-carcinogenic Herb
Indian Ginseng inhibits the formation of new blood vessels and also the proliferation of cells and hence it is used for treating and preventing cancer. It also weakens the mutagenic effect on the cells and is also a powerful chemotherapeutic agent.
Indian Ginseng is also used for treating depression, stress and panic disorders.
I would like to know about the contains of ashwagandha.