Slimming, Anxity, Aswagandha

[Guest guest]

Under Topic of the month, Nervous system Vatic Disorders, the issue

of anxiety and also a major herb which treats it is addressed in this

post. The use of Aswagandha leaves for slimming is touched upon.

 

Anxiety, is a very common occurrence, often accompanies depression.

It is characterized by a feeling of impending disaster and an

inability to deal with the pressures of everyday life. Insomnia also

accompanies anxiety. For poor sleepers following website offers

simple and good tips:

 

http://www.well.com/user/mick/insomnia/insomnia.html

 

Anxiety attacks come especially while adjusting to a new situation,

for which mind was not able to do any rehearsal. Quite often anxiety

is stress-related. For instance, if you normally get up at 6:30 AM

and one day if you need to get up at 04:45 AM to catch an early

morning flight, the mind imagines all mishaps like alarm clock

failure, traffic jam, car breakdown, your oversleeping, etc. and does

not allow you to sleep. Catching that flight is a question of life

and death. The palpitations are caused while taking an examination,

facing an interview and it is the mind which makes you fail.

Similarly, butterflies in stomach while making a business

presentation or presenting a paper in a large audience.

 

The anxiety disorder is divided into different types and modern

medications available along with their side effects can be studied on:

 

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/anxiety.cfm

 

The modern medication may control the symptoms but may not cure the

disease, as noted on above site. The reason why this state arises,

according to author, is inability of the mind to stop thinking and

intellect feeding the mind all possible options. The most wonderful

and intricate creation of God is the human mind. All the yogis on the

path of self-realization are spending years and births to go to that

no-mind situation.

 

The persons engaged in intellectual professions (IT, medicine,

finance) and "burning to succeed" have to keep reading much

information. Many possible options which can be present based on

information at hand have to be weighed carefully and most likely

outcome has to be chosen. This is the filed of investigation. Medical

diagnosis using modern medical science is often this type. The person

gifted with "medha", on the other hand studies the situation like an

experienced chase player, who grasps the board quickly and makes a

move subconsciously. His brain has all data and makes the decision

based on artificial intelligence developed through the experience.

When brain, though using its faculties full steam, lacks the adequate

nutrition, mental fatigue results. Thinking ability is the gift

Almighty has given to everyone to a varying degree; it is only when

the nutrition does not provide toning cranial nerves, then problems

arise. Before studying Ayurveda recommendations, a cursory glance at

herbal proposals from other countries may be useful, since ayurvedic herbs from

India are often difficult to obtain elsewhere. The herbs used

provide a tranquilizing effect.

 

Chinese herbalist recommend herbs with the unusual names of zizyphi

seed and ligustrum. Ligustrum is one of the herbs commonly used to

support the adrenal glands when a person is under stress. Studies

conducted in China showed that these herbs are successful anti-

anxiety agents. In the same studies, both herbs proved even more

potent when combined with licorice and the Chinese herbs poria and

bunge root. This ancient Chinese combination is known as

Suanzaorentang. A 1986 study showed that this treatment is almost as

effective as the anti-anxiety drug diazepam (known commercially as

Valium) in dealing with anxiety, weakness, irritability and insomnia.

When taken three times a day, the herbal combination, unlike the

drug, improved psychomotor skills and produced no side effects. In

another 1986 study done in Europe, this same combination helped

people whose anxiety attacks were so severe that they often

experienced heart palpitations, chest pains and shortness of breath.

Valerian has also been compared with various prescription drugs. It

is no wonder, considering that this herb affects the same nerve

receptors as benzodiazepines. The most popular of these tranquilizers

is Valium, which doctors have long prescribed to relieve symptoms of

anxiety. The drug is also used to lessen the anxiety, agitation and

tremors that occur during alcohol and nicotine withdrawal.

 

Physicians in Germany commonly prescribe valerian in place of Valium

or Xanax (another very common anti-anxiety drug) for mild and even

moderate cases of anxiety. Some recommend fairly large doses—up to

two teaspoons of the tincture at least twice a day. If you are

taking Valium, Xanax or related drugs on the advice of a physician,

do not discontinue them without your doctor's approval. No

prescription drug should be discontinued before the prescribed stop

date without consulting a doctor. They are addictive. You may see

drugawareness.com

 

The results of one study conducted in 1993 showed that valerian and

hops combination calms the central nervous system. When volunteers

took this combination, several measurements showed that they

experienced less depression and anxiety. In fact, the herbs worked

faster than if the subjects had been given prescription drugs—hops

and valerian worked in only two weeks, as opposed to the six weeks

required for drugs. The herbs also caused far fewer side effects. If

you are used to strong prescription sedatives, herbs such as valerian

seem to have a harder time taking effect.

 

Motherwort—recognized today as a heart herb that also increases blood

circulation in the brain—was recommended by the seventeenth-century

herbalist Nicholas Culpeper to prevent melancholy. In modern times,

it has been studied in Germany, where it is recognized as a mild

sedative effective for treating anxiety and sleep disorders.

Modern herbalists find that both lemon balm and motherwort help

alleviate depression, especially when combined with other

antidepressant herbs. And aromatherapists commonly use the scent of

lemon balm to treat depression.

 

For relieving depression and anxiety capsules of GLA, which is found

in evening primrose, borage and black currant seed oils can also be

taken. In studies done at the London Children's Hyperactive Clinic in

England, evening primrose oil was shown to reduce depression and

nightmares in children.

 

In Ayurveda commonly prescribed herb is Ashwagandha commonly referred

as Indian ginseng. In a 1990 study, ashwagandha was given to people

who had been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Ashwaganda treatments

improved the mental condition of most participants in only three

months. This herb is used to such an extent in India, that it is

worthwhile studying many other usages for it as well.

 

The city dweller is subjected to both body and mental stress these

days. The nervous debility causes fatigue, insomnia and weakness.

Coughing, asthma attacks, water retention and even leucodema are

likely when such a debility continues for a long time. Other than

physical weakness, waist pain and uterus pain can occur for ladies.

In many cases, they loose libido after birth of one or two children.

Aswagandha is indicated in all such cases. In India it is available

round the year, more so after monsoons. It strengthens all seven

dhatus. It is atonic for both men and women. If ladies are suffering

from menstrual disorders causing unnatural discharges and back pains,

Aswagandha provides amazing results. For underweight persons, it

causes weight build up.

 

Aswagandha is an aphrodisiac, especially when libido needs to be

built up. Semen debility, premature ejaculation, wet dreams are

common situations wherein just a teaspoon of following mixture helps.

Aswagandha, Satavari, Gokharu, Vidarikand, Yeshtimadhu, Kapikachhu

Seeds. Grind all six in equal proportion and take one tsp of the

mixture daily morning evening along with honey, sweet milk or

Ghee+Sugar. In ayurveda, whereever Ghee is mentioned, treat it as

Indian Cow Ghee and Sugar means crystal sugar.

 

Author has used this mixture for childless couples. Aswagandha tailam

has been used for massage. It increases fleshy tissues. Girls with

inadequate bust before marriage, can use it to develop those glands.

Aswagandha Avaleha is similar to Chyvanprasha, a nervine and body

tonic. There are eighteen items used while preparing this Leha. It

can be prepared at home also, provided one has energy and patience.

By taking 1-2 tsp of this "Leha" followed by a cup of milk, Waist

pain, fatigue after the loss of dhatu during sex gets reduced.

 

One can prepare Aswagandha Pak also. Take Indian Cow Milk, four times

by weight of aswgandha powder. Mix both and slow boil while stirring

to make khoya. This khoya is mixed with cow ghee and heated till

golden brown. Add crystal sugar syrup. When growing children are

fed "Pedha" made from this aswgandha pak, they build up muscles

proportionately and strength. The intellect also builds up in case of

teenagers as aswagandha is a nervine tonic. Those who are underweight

and suffer from anxiety, can use this Pak beneficially, 1 tsp morning

evening.

 

After locking the house and starting the car, one often has a doubt

whether he closed all the taps, switched off lights, etc. This kind

of forgetfulness can be corrected by Aswgandha. It is also a

galactogogue, where lactating mothers can use an equal mixture of

aswgandha and vidarikand (1-1 tsp 2x daily) to increase milk supply.

The nervine weakness during oldage gets corrected by this mixture.

This experiment can be done round the year and year after year. No

side effects.

 

An arishtam made by aswagandha is known as "Aswagandharishtam". 2 tsp

with equal water at bedtime causes deep sleep, after the usage for

about a month. Overworking intellectuals should often use it to

offset nervous debility due to hyperactivity.

 

Aswagandha can be taken along with dates and shilajit or dates+ghee+

shilajit strictly under the supervision of a vaidya. Health and

beauty both can be increased by this experiment. Many vaidhyas add

aswagandha to Chyavan prasha. Aswagandha Lepa can be used on aching

joints as pain reliever. The patients suffering from sciatica can

benefit by taking aswgandha formulations. It is also useful as tonic

during convalscence after T.B.

 

Other usages include Aswgandha kashaya along with ghee and milk to

pregnant women to improve their strength and body tone, its powder

along with Amla juice and licorice powder for improving eyesight.

Juice of its fresh leaves, when applied on external swellings and

tumors it causes them to become soft and less sore. It appears to

reove water on a limited use.

 

Aswagandha is brain nutrient, shodhak, vata pacifier, rasayan (anti-

ageing). Harmless and cheap herb. If a lady takes its 1 tsp powder

with cow milk for three days morning evening after the completion of

menses, the chances of conception increase. On the other hand, ½ tsp

turmeric powder along with honey kill those chances. Aswagandha

powder reduces the phosphates being rejected through kidney. The

author used it successfully to cure such a genetic kidney defect for

a teenager boy. Aswgandha can also be used by combining it with

Shankhpushpi, Brahmi, raisins to enhance its nervine tonic effects.

 

The scan of several ancient texts and discussion with practitioners

indicates that no mention/experience exists on use of aswgandha

leaves for slimming. The herb builds rather than reduces. The roots

are extensively used rather than leaves.

 

Dr. Shirish Bhate

[Guest guest]

Thank you Dr. Todd and Dr. Bhate for a detailed analysis of Ashwagandha. I too

have come accross some research studies suggesting use of Ashwagandha leaves for

inflamation, especially arthritic but not for slimming. At the same time I have

also come accross a widely held belief particularly in Madhya Pradesh and

Chattisgarh about the use of Ashwagandha leaves for slimming.

 

Vinod

[Guest guest]

-

> ageing). Harmless and cheap herb. If a lady takes its 1 tsp powder

> with cow milk for three days morning evening after the completion

of

> menses, the chances of conception increase. On the other hand, ½

tsp

> turmeric powder along with honey kill those chances. Aswagandha

> powder reduces the phosphates being rejected through kidney. The

 

 

Dear Dr Bhate, why does taking 1tsp turmeric with honey decrease

chances of conception? Is it because it is pitta(which honey is and

turmeric in excess) aggravating??

 

-yogaman