Introduction
<< To use herbs, or to apply effectively any form of therapy, it is necessary to know the unique constitution of the individual, as well as the specific nature of the disease. Western medicine, and to some extent western herbalism, lacks this science of individual constitution. The same disease may occur in different constitutions, and as such must be treated differently. >>
(The Yoga of Herbs, Drs. Frawley and Lad)
Since, over time, I have already written about several other commonly used herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, I thought I would turn my attention today to Ashwagandha (Sanskrit: ashva = horse, gandha = smell). This Sanskrit word refers to the herb’s striking ability to strengthen and vitalize multiple organ systems, organs and tissues of the body, to give the patient “the vitality and sexual energy of a horse”.
Ashwagandha grows in dry areas of India, the Middle East and Africa, and has been widely used for therapeutic purposes in the 3,000-5,000 year history of Ayurvedic medicine. It is a rasayana, a restorative elixir or a rejuvenating medicine to counter chronic fatigue, debility and promote youthfulness and increase longevity.
Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen. What is an adaptogen? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an adaptogen is “any of a group of natural substances, esp. of plant origin, believed to help the body adapt to stress or to return to a more normal functional state”.
Believed to help? Classifying an herb as an adaptogen is common in today’s herbalism, whereas the scientific and medical establishments call into question any such claimed benefits. We recognize this as a usual tactic to put people off looking beyond the beliefs and validity claims of today’s mainstream scientific and medical theory and practice.
The OED goes on to state that the term adaptogen has been borrowed from the Russian and was first in use in English in the 1960s.
Ashwagandha is enjoying increasing popularity around the world as a non-pharmaceutical-industry medicinal product, while sometimes being marketed as a nutritional supplement. When you consider the increasing quality and quantity of stressors in people’s daily lives as social and environmental conditions worsen, you will come to understand why, once you learn more about the psychological and physical health benefits of ashwagandha.
AI-generated Content via WordPress (formal tone)
Suddenly I find an AI-assistant feature available as a tool on my WordPress hosted site and have decided to investigate what it yields and share this with the interested reader capable of critical thinking.
Based on search “benefits of ashwaganda”:
<< Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng, is a popular adaptogenic herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for centuries to promote wellness and support overall health.
Some potential benefits of ashwagandha include:
- Stress management: Ashwagandha may help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by regulating cortisol levels in the body.
- Improved sleep: It has calming properties that may support better sleep quality and help with insomnia.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Ashwagandha has been suggested to improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
- Boosted immune system: It may promote a healthy immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells.
- Increased energy levels: Ashwagandha is believed to help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
- Balancing mood: It may have mood-stabilizing properties and help promote a sense of well-being.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies suggest that ashwagandha has potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hormone balance: It may support hormonal balance in both males and females.
Please note that while ashwagandha has shown potential benefits in various areas, more research is still needed to fully understand its effects. If you are considering taking ashwagandha or any other herbal supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage and ensure it is suitable for your individual needs. >>
What are the sources of this information? Are they accurate? Have you ever looked into who owns the major fact-checking corporations, for example? In today’s world, as much as humanly possible, one does have to practice healthy skepticism. Which sources are trustworthy, is all or only a part of the information a given source presents reliably true?
I can say straight off that this short AI-article treats the herb ashwagandha from the perspective of materialistic natural science and today’s official mainstream medicine. It is based on a belief system that limits human cognition and perception to information gathered by the five senses and interpreted by the intellect. We can also assume this AI-generated content is largely based on data and conclusions originated by the for-maximum-financial-profit medical industrial complex, which is responsible for generating the vast, vast majority of medical information any search engine, for example Google or Bing, will prioritize in its page rankings.
Based on search “ashwagandha use in Ayurvedic medicine”:
<<In the practice of Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha holds a significant role and is believed to offer a wide range of benefits. Here are some common uses of ashwagandha in Ayurveda:
- Stress Management: Ashwagandha is renowned for its adaptogenic properties, which means it may help the body adapt to stress and promote a sense of calmness.
- Energy and Vitality: It is used to enhance energy levels, combat fatigue, and increase overall vitality.
- Cognitive Health: Ashwagandha is believed to support cognitive function, memory, and concentration. It is also used to promote mental clarity and focus.
- Sleep Aid: Due to its calming properties, ashwagandha is sometimes used to support healthy sleep patterns and improve the quality of sleep.
- Immune System Support: Ashwagandha is believed to have immunomodulatory effects, helping to strengthen and support the immune system.
- Mood Balancing: It may be used as a natural mood enhancer and to promote emotional well-being.
- Joint and Muscular Health: Ayurvedic practitioners utilize ashwagandha to support joint health and help manage discomfort related to the musculoskeletal system.
- Hormone Balance: Ashwagandha is considered to be an adaptogen that may help balance hormones, particularly in relation to stress-induced hormonal imbalances.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Its potential anti-inflammatory properties may support healthy inflammatory response in the body.
- Male Sexual Health: Ashwagandha is sometimes used to support male reproductive health and vitality.
It is important to note that while ashwagandha has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, individual experiences may vary, and it is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine. >>
I will take a look into a few reference texts on Ayurvedic medicine in my office to see what they offer that has not been included above in the AI-generated content. These same bookshelves also have a good many authoritative reference texts I frequently consult on the traditional European and Asian medical traditions, as well as on Anthroposophic Medicine.
In order to more fully present the multidimensional benefits of ashwagandha, one would have to present the fundamental ideas underpinning Ayurvedic medicine, which exceeds the possibilities of this article: Purusha, Prakriti, Mahat, buddhi, manas, the three gunas, the three doshas, the seven dhatus, agni, ojas, ama, the five pranas, srotas, etc.
In our discussion here, we will limit ourselves to four important concepts in Ayurveda: seven dhatus (body tissues), ojas (vigor, vitality, life essence, subtle energy that nourishes the body and mind), ama (accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes) and srotas (body channels).
AI-generated Content via WordPress (formal tone) based on search: “dhatu, ojas, ama, srotas”:
- Dhatu: Dhatu refers to the seven fundamental tissues or elements in the body. These are considered the building blocks of the physical body. According to Ayurveda, the body is nourished through the transformation of food into these dhatus. The seven dhatus are:
- Rasa (plasma)
- Rakta (blood)
- Mamsa (muscle)
- Meda (fat)
- Asthi (bone)
- Majja (bone marrow)
- Shukra (reproductive fluids)
- Ojas: Ojas is the vital energy or essence of both physical and mental vitality. It is often described as the ultimate product of digestion and represents the subtle form of all the dhatus. Ojas is responsible for maintaining immune function, strength, and overall well-being. When Ojas is strong, it helps protect the body from diseases and enhances longevity.
- Ama: Ama refers to toxins or waste materials that accumulate in the body as a result of incomplete or impaired digestion. It is seen as a sticky, toxic substance that can disrupt the proper functioning of the dhatus. Ama is considered a major contributor to various diseases and imbalances in Ayurveda. Removing ama and promoting proper digestion are important goals in Ayurvedic treatments.
- Srotas: Srotas are the channels or pathways through which substances move in the body. These channels carry nutrients to the dhatus and waste materials out of the body. There are numerous srotas in the body, including the digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, and more. Maintaining the health and proper functioning of these srotas is crucial for overall well-being.
Understanding these concepts in Ayurveda can provide insights into the interconnectedness of various bodily functions and their influence on health and disease.
Ashwagandha Boosts Ojas
The following contribution by Dr. Mayank S. Vara, in his text Rasayana: The Fountain of Life, will serve to illustrate how an Ayurvedic perspective on ashwagandha differs from the Western materialistic natural scientific and medical view informing much of today’s evaluation of the psychological and physical health benefits of herbs:
<< One of the special properties of ashwagandha is that it will boost ojas:
Ojas is the most subtle, refined level of the physical body and is the end result of properly digested healthy food. It is a by-product of healthy, efficient, contented physiology.
Ojas is the essence of the seven dhatu (body tissues) manufactured by the body: lymph, blood, bone, muscle, fat, nerve and reproductive tissues.
Ojas allows consciousness to flow within the body. With decreased ojas, we are less in touch with ourselves and more prone to diseases and having a feeling of disharmony. >>
In Ojas: The Power of Immunity in Yoga and Ayurveda, Dr. David Frawley writes:
<< Ojas is the ultimate resort of strength, patience and endurance for body and mind. Ojas is cultivated in Ayurveda for disease prevention, deep healing, rejuvenation and longevity. Ojas is cultivated in Yoga for inner strength, determination and vitality, steadiness and focus of mind, and a more powerful prana for higher meditation practices. Developing Ojas is the key to warding off all diseases and pathogens and promoting rejvuentation. >>
Counter-Indications for Taking Ashwagandha
According to numerous sources, ashwagandha is counter-indicated for people experiencing congestion and an accumulation of metabolic wastes (Sanskrit: ama) due to an unhealthy diet and poor digestion. They should first go through a detoxification regimen to remove toxins and impurities in the body.
In order to protect their own health and that of their fetuses or newborn babies, pregnant woman and nursing mothers should be extremely cautious about what foods, drink, nutritional supplements and medications they take in. Ashwagandha is no exception.
Conclusion
In doing research for this article, I have come across various print, broadcast, digital and social media material related to the recent Ashwagandha craze, of which I had had no idea.
Through my training as an Ayurveda practitioner and experience in my healing practice over decades, I understand Ashwagandha’s medicinal value. I have also recommended its use, usually after the patient has gone through a detoxification regimen.
Joseph Michael Contrada
Divine-Spiritual Healer and Energy Therapist
Heilpraktiker (Lic. German Alternative Medicine and Psychotherapy Provider)
Medical Historian and Philosopher