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Common Name
Withania, Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng
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Botanical Name
Withania somnifera
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Part Used
Root
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
45%
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Dose
15 to 40mL weekly
In recent years withania has been used by Western herbalists for its ability to both strengthen those who are weak and calm those who are stressed and anxious. It enhances the function of the brain and nervous system and improves the memory. It improves the function of the reproductive system promoting a healthy sexual and reproductive balance. Being a powerful adaptogen it enhances the body's resilience to stress.
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Traditional Use
Withania is a revered medicinal plant that has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine for millennia to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration. In Ayurveda withania is referred to as a rasayana. Most of the rasayana herbs are adaptogen and anti-stress agents. Among the Ayurvedic rasayana herbs withania holds the most prominent place.
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Actions
Adaptogen, anxiolytic, nervine tonic, tonic, mild sedative, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective
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Indications
• Anxiety, insomnia, stress especially with debility and nervous exhaustion, wasting disorders, especially in children and the elderly, exhaustion associated with reduced iron levels, anaemia
• Longevity and conditions associated with aging such as memory loss, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease (combines well with Terminalia arjuna).
• Chronic and degenerative diseases, especially of an inflammatory nature, such as arthritis, hypothyroidism and insulin resistance
• Reproductive health, low libido, impotence due to stress and poor vitality
• Possible prophylactic in cancer and adjunctive treatment during chemotherapy
• Assistance in the withdrawal of addictive drugs -
Energetics
Warm, moist, sweet, astringent, bitter.
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Use in Pregnancy
Withania is used as a tonic to support pregnancy and lactation, and to prevent miscarriage, in the Ayurvedic tradition. However Western texts urge caution in pregnancy due to reputed abortifacient activity and antifertility effects when taken in large doses which were noted in early animal studies despite there being no evidence of foetal damage.
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Contraindications & Cautions
Use with caution in peptic ulcer disease as withania may cause gastrointestinal irritation. People who are sensitive to the Solanaceae family should use this herb with caution.
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Drug Interactions
Caution with benzodiazepines antidiabetic, central nervous system depressant and immunosuppressant drugs. Monitor with antihypertensive drugs. Combination may be beneficial with antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol, clomipramine and chemotherapeutic agents. Medical supervision is recommended.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Siberian Ginseng, Korean Ginseng (More Stimulating), Reishi, Astragalus, Shatavari, Rhodiola, Schizandra