Ashwaganda - question about metabolism and weight

March 30, 2005

Dear Doc,

It is soooo great to see you posting again! I have missed your love

and wit!!! I just wanted to add to your post on Ashwaganda. I

am " mostly " a " Western " herbalist, but do use a few herbs that are

considered TCM and Ayervedic. I started studying Ashwaganda a few

years ago thanks to Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, a frequent contributor

to Herbs for Health magazine and an adjunct faculty member in the

botanical medicine department of Bastyr University. He had suggested

its use to several people in a column he writes for in the magazine,

so I decided to get more in depth understanding of this herb. There

was a very informative article published in the Herbs for Health,

June 2004 issue written by Singh Khalsa, titled " All About Ayurveda, "

which did not go into any depth but gave a good " at a glance " view of

Ayurveda. What I found most helpful was the Ayurveda Resources

listed in the article. I hope this leads to others doing their own

research into herbs used in other cultures. I have found the herbs

of Ayurveda very facinating! Warm Regards, Lori

herbal remedies , " Dr. Ian Shillington "

<DocShillington@K...> wrote:

> Welllllllll, this is another example of where Hveragerthi has

gotten awful technical on us, and leads me to question his " science "

and the " bad news " he puts out on the difficulties of handling

Hypothyroidism. If you're not Don or Greg, I'd love to know who you

really are HV. LOL ;-)

>

> There is however, one piece of interesting advice that HV wrote

which inspired me to do a little research and that is when he

mentioned the herb Ashwagandha. I am always interested in any new

herb that I haven't had any experience with so this one little blurb

caused me to do a little research on the herb just to see #1. if it

really did exist, and #2. if it was worth a further investigation

because of reported benefits.

>

> It just so happens that this IS the case with this herb, and I WILL

be looking further into it. I did a Google search on it and what I

found was interesting. The below was written by Dr. Michael Tierra

who I have a great respect for.

>

> Soooooo, thank you HV, you've made my day. LOL :-)

>

> Love,

>

> Doc

>

> Ian " Doc " Shillington N.D.

> 727-447-5282

> Doc@A...

>

> Ashwagandha: Wonder Herb of India

> By Dr. Michael Tierra

>

> There is an herb regarded as a 1st class adaptogenic

tonic in one of the world's greatest herbal medical systems, an herb

which can compare favorably to the world's most renowned herbal

tonics such as ginseng (Panax ginseng) , astragalus (Astragalus

membranaceus) , dang gui (Angelica sinensis), reishi mushroom

(Ganoderma lucidum) and South American suma (Pfaffia paniculata) and

like these has been held in high regard by generations of people over

the course of millennia for its ability to increase vitality, energy,

endurance and stamina , promote longevity and strengthen the immune

system without stimulating the body's reserves. In fact having the

ability to nurture the nervous system, counteract anxiety and stress

to promote a calm state of mind. this same herb, having powerful

anti-inflammatory properties, is specific for treating arthritic and

rheumatic conditions. As if all of this were not enough, it is easily

the most potent tonic aphrodisiacs in the entire botanical kingdom.

With all of these uses, Withania somnifera, better known in India as

ashwagandha, is destined to rise significantly and take its place

with all the other better known tonics.

>

> In 1978, as part of a tour to India, I had the

opportunity to live in a small South Indian village outside of

Bangalor, for three weeks. One day my gracious host and I were

walking at sunset along the dirt road adjacent to a cultivated field

of rice, and knowing my interest in native Indian herbs and the

ancient traditional system of medicine called Ayurveda, he casually

pointed out a few non-descript plants growing on the border of a rice

field as Ashwagandha. I was very excited to see this remarkable plant

which I had only recently studied in various books in the United

States. I made way walking along the drier border of the rice field

and picked several of the seed laden red berries to bring back to my

residence and herb school in Santa Cruz, called the Garden of

Sanjivani.

>

> It was early in my career and I was so linked with my

identity as an herbalist that I often mused whether I could serve as

an herb doctor in a country where the native plants were unfamiliar.

So far, in the village where I stayed, ashwagandha and the neem tree

were the only native herbs I knew. Notwithstanding this fact, many

local villagers, wanting to meet their esteemed visitor from America,

hearing that I was involved in healing, came to the abode where I was

staying seeking advice for a wide variety of problems. Fortunately,

most of these were of a chronic type associated with aging and it

just so happened that the single native herb to which I was recently

introduced, ashwagandha, was perfect.

>

> One of the important lessons I was to learn from this

experience was that being an herb doctor meant more than a knowledge

of a particular set of familiar herbs. It also included the ability

to 'think like an herbalist' to be ever vigilant and watchful for the

gifts that nature abundantly provides everywhere in the form of both

botanicals as well as the local knowledge and wisdom of the use of

plants.

>

> One man in his early 80's came complaining of chronic

pain in his lower back and elbow. I directed him to my new found

patch of ashwagandha and he sent one of his sons out to dig some

roots for him to make tea. Three days later, he came to thank me

since he had already showed considerable improvement. Another young

child was suffering from a severe adverse reaction to a recent polio

vaccine. The arm that had been injected with the vaccine only a few

months previous hung limp and malformed from lack of proper

maturation. The villagers commented that every time the local medical

core visited their village to administer vaccinations, there were

always a few such casualties. I remember thinking how in a more

alienated society such as the Western world, such things may also

happen, but our neighbors have no opportunity to witness such

reactions because our lives are so separate compared to that of a

South Indian village. Once again, ashwagandha was the perfect herb to

give for non-inflammatory childhood mal-development.

>

> A young boy around the age of 14 was brought to me with

chronic bronchitis. After taking ashwagandha for only a week, he was

completely cured. I must confess that I was a little trepidatious of

becoming known as the " one herb doctor from America " . Since no one

else seemed to care and everyone was getting such positive results

from ashwagandha. I took consolation in the famous axiom of the late

Dr. Christopher, " it is better to know one herb well, than a

smattering of many " .

>

> During my stay, I had the opportunity to prescribed

ashwagandha for a wide variety of conditions ranging from male

impotence, for which Withania is a near specific, to chronic vaginal

discharge. For many of these I was not there long enough to directly

observe the results, but I was later told that everyone to whom I had

recommended the herb had either experienced significant improvement

or in more had completely recovered from their chronic condition.

>

> Interestingly, the people took no notice of the fact

that I was recommending the same herb to everyone. In fact, it was a

local herb with which they were all very familiar. Its a curious

thing that I had observed when living in proximity with the Karok

Indians of Northern California that some native people, having

recently fallen under the seduction of Western ways including Western

medicine, actually appreciated being reminded, especially from a

representative of much envied and powerful country such as the US, of

the powerful yet much safer effects of their native medicine. Placebo

effect notwithstanding, it seemed that the fact that I recommend it

seemed to make it all the more powerful and effective in their eyes.

>

> Three months later I returned to the Garden of

Sanjivani in Santa Cruz and planted my ashwagandha seeds. I was

amazed at how easily they germinated and continue to re-seed

themselves year after year in the area bordering the San Lorenzo

river, long after I had moved away. Despite this, one need not be

concerned about its becoming an invasive pest. Since it is as easy to

control as another more famous Solanaceae representative, the tomato

to which it is closely related.

>

> Over the years I have noticed how herbs with more

complex, seemingly opposite properties, such as ashwagandha, are

generally the strongest and most useful. Unlike many tonics,

Ashwagandha is also anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-anxiety

calmative and aphrodisiac. To herbalists, this seems strange since it

is also a member of a family of plants that include the familiar

belladonna and henbane, also well respected anti-inflammatory

nervines but toxic not particularly known for their nutritional tonic

properties. This certainly qualifies ashwagandha as one of the most

paradoxical herbs. Perhaps it is for this reason that so far it has

not yet established itself with the equal esteem of the other more

well known tonics mentioned above.

>

> There is still one other highly significant and

practical fact about ashwagandha. Most tonics like ginseng, require

special growing conditions and several years to develop their tonic

properties (ginseng requires 7 years). Ashwagandha is unique as a

tonic herb in that it is exceptionally easy to cultivate and is ready

for harvest after only one year of growth. This represents a very

real consideration that if ashwagandha were used more, would relieve

some of the threat of extinction from the wild of other highly

popular herbs such as wild ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), golden seal

(Hydrastis canadensis) , suma (Pfaffia paniculata) and lady's slipper

(cypripedium pubescens) for instance. This is not to say that any

tonic can be substituted for each other, but too often, because of

excessive commercial promotion, people are induced to overuse and

just as often, misuse certain endangered herbs for purposes that

another more common herb may be even more effective.

>

> The unique properties of ashwagandha [1] , while being

an energy tonic like ginseng or codonopsis for instance, is uniquely

more beneficial for calming the mind, relieving arthritis and

building sexual energy while ginseng and codonopsis (Codonopsis

pilosula also known as " bastard ginseng " because it is an acceptable

milder substitute) is more specifically effective for low energy

caused by digestive weakness. Astragalus, classified as another Qi or

energy tonic in Traditional (TCM), is stronger as an

immune tonic. Again, these properties are equally shared by ginseng,

codonopsis and ashwagandha, but more indirectly because of their

effects on other physiological systems. Ashwagandha is also useful

for strengthening the female reproductive system for which it is

commonly combined with another Ayurvedic herb called shatavari

(Asparagus racemosa) but the Chinese herb, dang gui (Angelica

sinensis and A. acutiloba), renowned as a blood tonic, is especially

beneficial in gynecology for deficient blood conditions, anemia and

irregular menstruation. The uniqueness of Ashwagandha is that it

achieves its results through strengthening the nervous system and

potentiate reproductive hormones.

>

> Also known in English as winter cherry, Ashwagandha is

one of the most highly valuable herb in the Ayurvedic medical system.

On another trip to India I met with several Ayurvedic doctors and

heads of prominent Ayurvedic pharmacies. I decided to ask them the

kind of inane [2] question that I am often asked, " what do you think

is the most valuable Ayurvedic herb? " There was an unequivocal

answer that ashwagandha was at least equally regarded in Ayurvedic

medicine as ginseng is in TCM.

>

> In order to appreciate the traditional uses and

properties of ashwagandha it is necessary to offer a brief

description of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Ayurveda, translated

as Science of Health, is probably the oldest existing system of

natural healing in the world. Dating back over many millennia, it is

likely to be even older than Traditional (TCM) and

may be its origin, as it certainly is the origin of Tibetan medicine,

Middle Eastern Tibb medicine and our own ancient Greco-Roman

medicine. Nearly suppressed by the English during their occupation

of India through the 19th and first part of the 20th centuries,

Ayurveda is finally making significant inroads of acceptability

throughout all countries of the Western world.

>

> Ayurveda is based on a system of Tridosha or Three

Humours which classifies all Dating back over many millennia, it may

go back even further in antiquity than TCM and is certainly the basis

for Traditional Tibetan Medicine [3] , Middle Eastern Tibb or Unani

medicine which form the basis for much of ancient Greco-Roman

medicine [4] . Nearly suppressed in India by the occupying English

during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ayurveda is gaining in

popularity throughout many Western countries.

>

> Ayurveda is based on a system of Tridosha or Three

Humours which classifies all individual constitutions of people,

diseases, herbs and other non-herbal remedies and therapies according

to whether they are Vata (air or nerve oriented), Kapha (water or

mucoid type) or Pitta (fire type) [5] . Herbs that have pungent, sour

and salty flavors stimulate fire; herbs that are astringent (drying)

and bitter stimulate vata-air, or the nerve centered humour; herbs

that are sweet, salty and sour stimulate or increase Kapha-water, or

the mucoid humour. In contrast, herbs that are sweet, sour and salty

flavored ameliorate Vata-air, which means that they have a particular

affinity for the nervous system. Herbs that are astringent, sweet and

bitter ameliorate Pitta-fire, meaning that they are soothing and anti-

inflammatory. Finally herbs that are pungent, bitter and astringent

ameliorate Kapha-water, which means they tend to increase digestive

fire, expel and dry excessive fluid build up in the system, including

clearing excessive fat from the body, and the accumulation of

cholesterol and other fatty deposits in the veins and arteries of the

body.

>

> Because the primary quality and flavor of ashwagandha

is sharp and pungent, this indicates that it is warming, raises

metabolism, stimulates digestion, clears mucus, improves circulation.

Unlike TCM, Ayurvedic also identifies a secondary post-digestive

flavor, which for ashwagandha is sweet. It is this effect, which is

not necessarily directly identified by one's sense of taste, that

occurs when a substance is converted into a still purer nutritive

extract [6] . Following this, the post digestive sweet flavor of

ashwagandha represents its deep nutritive, hormonal properties as

well as its ability to strengthen and nourish the nervous system.

>

> An even deeper and more profound transformation of food

occurs after 7 days. This is when food is transformed into blood.

Only after a month does the most refined essence of food transform

into semen. It is at this deepest level that ashwagandha exhibits its

profound aphrodisiac properties.

>

> In the TCM system, ashwagandha would be used as a

Kidney Yang tonic because of its warming, aphrodisiac properties. In

this, it is deeper acting than other herbs, such as the African

yohimbe, the South America muira puama or the milder Central American

damiana. One may have to take ashwagandha longer, at least a month,

to notice its aphrodisiac effects.

>

> The distinctive earthy odor and flavor of ashwagandha

is due to the presence of certain steroidal lactones or Withanolides

[7] . It is from this characteristic odor which its Sanskrit

name, " like a horse " , derives. While the largest majority of

medicinal herbs are not particularly prized or known for their

appealing flavor, ashwagandha for most may be promoted to the

forefront of those herbs with the least taste-smell appeal.

Fortunately, it is possible to formulate ashwagandha into pills,

capsules and alcoholic extracts to create greater public acceptance.

>

> Traditionally, herbs are classified organoleptically

according to their smell, flavor, texture, shape and even their color

[8] . This has been the traditional way for herbalists in older times

to come to a recognition of the unique biochemistry and therapeutic

actions of plants. It is only in recent times that this is being

replaced by complex laboratory analysis. The post digestive flavor of

Ashwagandha is not so much sensorially identified, but because it

exhibits tonic nutritive properties. The classification of herbs,

foods and substances into the category of flavors, may not always be

based on individual sensory experiences but also according to

function.

>

> Different people will have different reactions but for

most, at first the reaction to taking ashwagandha even after a few

days is a sense of increased warmth and more energy. As stated,

eventually this further transmutes to heightened libido. For this

reason, tonics like ashwagandha or ginseng are seldom prescribed to

otherwise normal and relatively healthy adolescents or for that

matter, otherwise normal individuals under the age of 40 years. Given

specific signs and indications of chronic weakness and deficiency,

ashwagandha is, however, specifically indicated for individuals of

all ages. For such conditions, it is best to take ashwagandha in

powder or alcoholic extract with warm scalded milk and honey.

>

> So why is it that more people do not know or use

ashwagandha? Mainly because it has not yet permeated the arena of the

largely fad-driven natural supplements industry of the West. An

important second reason is that many, including most Western

herbalists, as yet do not fully understand and appreciate the many

diametrically opposed and therefore, confusing therapeutic properties

of this valuable herb. Supplements become best sellers when the

industry can latch onto one specific attribute of a particular

substance to popularize. This, unfortunately, has happened to many

herbs such as Feverfew and St. Johnswort (Hypericum perfoliatum),

both herbs having more extensive therapeutic properties than that for

which they have become popularly known.

>

> The issue of herbal marketing poses some further

serious reservations among herbalists, not only because it can create

a demand for a particular herb that can threaten its survival, as in

the case of wild golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis), American ginseng

(Panax quinquefolium), osha (ligusticum porteri) and ladies slipper

(Cypripedium pubescens), but also because of the y to create

concentrated extracts to heighten certain drug-like effects. This

has certainly been true of Chinese ephedra also known as Ma Huang

which has epinephrine and pseudo-epinephrine alkaloids that are very

similar to adrenaline. Ma Huang is traditionally one of the best

herbs for treating asthma. However, by overly concentrating its

herbal constituents, it is more drug-like with properties similar to

meth-amphetamine, and it is in that form that it is abused in the

popular herb market place included as a stimulant in herbal pep

pills, diet formulas and even in pseudo-mind altering formulas. When

prepared in this way, Ma Huang can be more of a health risk than a

benefit. As a result of incidents implicating it as the cause of

certain adverse reactions, the popular availability of the herb may

be threatened as a result of stepped up legal restrictions.

>

> Given the sensational tendency of marketeering, the

aphrodisiac effects of ashwagandha may take precedence over all its

other outstanding properties. Ashwagandha should be considered as the

premiere herb for all negative conditions associated with aging [9] .

This includes its use for the prevention and inhibition of senile

dementia and Alzheimer's Disease [10] , low energy and arthritis

[11] .

>

> The other important properties of ashwagandha includes

its traditional use as an alterative for detoxification, anti-

inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive (alleviating coughs), bitter

(in small doses, stimulating appetite), sedative and as an overall

rejuvenative.

>

> Ashwagandha is specific for a wide range of conditions

including arthritic inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, respiratory

disorders including emphysema, asthma bronchitis and coughs, nervous

disorders, gynecological disorders, especially functional female and

male infertility and impotence. From this it would seem that

ashwagandha should be considered for all immuno-compromised diseases

including TB and AIDS, chronic upper respiratory diseases,

degenerative symptoms attendant to aging, juvenile mal-development

and growth, chronic neurological diseases especially anxiety,

nervousness, depression and insomnia, weak digestion, fluid retention

caused by lowered body metabolism and last but certainly not least,

for low sexual libido.

>

> Other Species and Parts of the Herb that are Used

>

> So far, all discussion is about the use of the root

which possesses the most valued tonic properties. However, the bitter

leaves are used as a hypnotic in the treatment of alcoholism and to

relax the spasms of the lungs for the treatment of asthma and

emphysema. They can also be made into an anti-inflammatory poultice

and topically applied for boils and carbuncles. Internally, as with

so many other strongly bitter herbs, they are anthelmintic (clearing

worms). The seeds of the fruits are diuretic and can be used as a

substitute for rennet to curdle milk.

>

> Ashwagandha Coagulans, a related species and occasional

adulterant, primarily uses the inside kernel of the seed capsule

containing " withanin " which is similar to rennet to curdle

milk. " About a tablespoon of the mixture of seeds with a little milk

(1 in 40) is enough to coagulate a gallon of milk in approximately a

half an hour. " [12] Alcohol will destroy the coagulating principle

but the dried capsules can be used. A. coagulans is also

therapeutically used as an alterative and emetic.

>

> History, Description and Pharmacology

>

> The use of ashwagandha in Ayurvedic medicine extends

back over 3000 to 4000 years to the teachings of an esteemed rishi

(sage) Punarvasu Atriya [13] . It has been described in the sacred

texts of Ayurveda, including the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas where

it is widely extolled as a tonic especially for emaciation in people

of all ages including babies, enhancing the reproductive function of

both men and women. It has also been used for inflammations

especially for arthritic and rheumatic conditions and as a major

tonic to counteract the ravages of aging and promote youthful

longevity. Some of its other traditional uses have been as a mild

purgative for chronic constipation and for the treatment of swollen

glands.

>

> Ashwagandha is a small woody shrub or herb in the

Solanaceae family that grows usually about 2 feet in height and is

naturally found in diverse areas ranging from Africa, the

Mediterranean and East into India. Because of its wide range, there

is considerable morphological and chemotypical variations in terms of

local species. Considering its powerful healing properties, except

for the bright red fruit, it is a fairly plain, nondescript plant.

The fruit is harvested in the late fall and the bright yellow seeds

are dried for planting in the following spring. The cultivated Nagori

species of Ashwagandha seems to be significantly larger, one source

describing it as a shrub growing from 5 to 7 feet tall. However, the

primary alkaloids of both the wild as well as the cultivated species

are the same.

>

> The commercial supplies of ashwagandha are obtained

from both wild and commercial sources. The fresh root of one year old

plants are harvested from January to March. It is either dried whole

or cut in short transverse pieces and dried directly in the sun.

Quality is determined by the size of the main tap root as well as its

color, odor and flavor.

>

> The major biochemical constituents of ashwagandha from

which its primary medicinal properties emanate, are based upon the

actions of certain steroidal alkaloids and steroidal lactones in a

class of constituents called withanolides [14] . These serve as

important hormone precursors which the body is then able, as needed,

to convert into human physiological hormones. If there is an excess

of a certain hormone, the plant based hormone precursors occupy the

so-called hormone receptor sites, without converting to human

hormones, to block absorption. In this way, ashwagandha, like other

adaptogenic tonic herbs, is amphoteric and can serve to regulate

important physiological processes, increasing or decreasing as needed.

>

> The term adaptogen was first defined by the Russians

[15] as a result of their extensive research on the tonic, Siberian

Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). The definition of adaptogen is

based on the following, according to Brekhman: 1). Safety of the

adaptogen's action on the organism; 2). A wide range of regulatory

activity, but manifesting its action only against the actual

challenge to the system; 3). Act through a nonspecific mechanism to

increase the nonspecific resistance (NSR) to harmful influences of an

extremely wide spectrum of physical, chemical and biological factors

causing stress; 4). Has a normalizing action irrespective of the

direction of foregoing pathological changes.

>

> An adaptogenic herb of which ashwagandha would be a

first rate example [16] , allows one to adapt to a variety of is a

class of herbs that allows one to adapt to a variety of heightened

stressful circumstances. This will result in heightened stamina and

endurance for athletic competition, the workplace and conditions of

inclement environment and weather conditions.

>

> With its ease of cultivation, there is hardly a reason

that most people and certainly old age nursing homes does not have

its own garden patch of ashwagandha as a hedge, so to speak, against

the ravages of aging decrepitude. Given the fact that for better or

worse, more people are living longer in the world than any other time

in its history, trying to save enough money in long term retirement

accounts for a comfortable old age and at the same time sensing real

concerns at the thought of dwindling governmental entitlement

benefits, it seems imperative that everyone grow their personal

supply of ashwagandha and learn how to prepare and take it.

>

> Besides over 3000 years of empirical experience,

numerous studies on both animals and humans have attested to the anti-

arthritis and mind calming properties of crude preparations of the

herb. The combined alkaloids seem to exhibit calming, anti-convulsant

and antispasmodic properties against many spasmogenic agents on the

intestinal, uterine, bronchial, tracheal and blood-vascular muscles.

It is described as similar but considerably weaker that papaverine

and phenobarbitone [17] . Other constituents, namely the

sitoindosides enhance pathogenic devouring phagocytes. Even anti-

tumor properties have been found based on the use of the crude

extract on mice both in living specimens as well as against cancer

cells in the petri dish.

>

> PREPARATIONS:

>

> Ashwagandha is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a powder,

decoction, medicated wine, mixed with clarified butter, combined with

honey or sugar syrup or as a medicated oil. The most common form is

as an alcoholic extract or capsules, of the powdered root.

>

> Dosage is as follows:

>

> Powder:

> 3-6 grams daily or up to 5 to 10 grams as an occasional tonic

>

> Decoction:

> 16 to 31 grams added to heated cow's milk

>

> Alcoholic Extract:

> 2 Tblsp., 2-4 times daily.

>

> Mixed with ghee or honey:

> 1 tsp. 2 times daily

>

> Narayana Taila Oil:

> Internally, 3-10 drops; or freely applied externally to

painful, arthritic joints.

>

> Contraindications and Toxicity:

>

> Large doses of ashwagandha may possess abortifacient

properties so that it should not be taken drink pregnancy unless

under the direction of an experienced health professional. It is also

contraindicated in conjunction with sedatives or anxioletics (a

substance that reduces anxiety) or if one is suffering from stomach

ulcers. Traditionally, like other tonics such as ginseng, ashwagandha

should not be taken when there are signs of inflammation or advanced

arterial congestion. For this reason is may be best to precede or

accompany taking it with a general detoxifying herb or formula such

as Yogaraj guggul.

>

> Ashwagandha is relatively safe when taken in the

prescribed range of dosage. [18] Large doses, however, have been

shown to cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and vomiting.

Finally, because ashwagandha has been found to potentiate the effects

of barbituates, it is generally recommended that it be not taken

under such conditions.

>

> Ashwagandha according to the TCM model:

>

> Because of its actions and flavors, ashwagandha would

be classified as a Yang tonic with particular affinity for the

Kidneys, because of its hormonal action, and the Heart, because of

its ability to calm the mind and relieve anxiety and insomnia. As an

anti-arthritis and antispasmodic, it has wind dispelling properties.

Ashwaganda is used by herbalist Alan Tillotson and his Chinese

herbalist wife, Naixin, for cases where ginseng is too stimulating or

hot and the patient appears nervous and fragile. For fatigue caused

by overwork without nervousness, he prefers to use Siberian

ginseng.

>

> Some Traditional and Non-Traditional Ayurvedic Combinations Using

Ashwagandha are as Follows:

>

> General Use: The root is taken in 30 gram dosage for general

debility, consumption, mal -nourishment in children, senile debility,

rheumatic and arthritic conditions, nervous exhaustion, fatigue,

brain-gag, memory weakness, senile dementia, muscular weakness,

spermatorrhea and leucorrhea. Normally this can be taken as a powder

10 grams three times daily mixed with warm milk or water, or as a one

to 5 alcoholic extract, one or two tablespoonsful three times

daily.

>

> For insomnia, ashwagandha can be mixed with valerian root and

oyster shell.

>

> As a general nerve tonic, especially for hypoglycemia or low blood

pressure, ashwagandha is combined with Goksura.

>

> For chronic fatigue ashwagandha is combined with another great

Ayurvedic tonic herb, shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), licorice, amla

(emblica myrobalan) and multi-minerals, especially calcium and

magnesium. If there is mild inflammation or low grade fevers Dr.

Mana, a prominent Nepalese Ayurvedic doctor gives a separate formula

to reduce inflammation along with the ashwagandha preparation.

>

> For impotence it can be used alone or combined with fried Cow-hage

seeds. The method is to remove the inside of the seeds and mix this

with ashwagandha and ginger.

>

> For weak lungs, ashwagandha is combined with Sida cordifolia (Bala).

>

> Milk, to stimulate production: combine with equal parts Dioscorea

batatas (also available as Shan Yao, a Chinese herb) and licorice and

make a decoction of 30 grams of the mixture. Take three times daily.

>

> Nerve tonic: combine with Goksura (Hygrophila spinosa) equal parts.

This is especially good for hypoglycemia and low blood pressure.

>

> Nutrition of malnourished children, Improving: Make a paste of the

root with ghee and milk. Administer three times daily.

>

> Skin diseases: Make a salve of ashwagandha or mix the powder with

sesame oil and apply topically.

>

> Sterility, Female: Boil a decoction of 30 grams in water down to

half a cup, add mild and one tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter)

and a teaspoon of honey. Take three times daily for two weeks after

menstruation.

>

> Ashwagandha is available from Planetary Formulas Online Store. For

further information about Michael Tierra's East West School of

Herbology please visit our website: www.planetherbs.com.

>

> References

>

> American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium,

Ashwagandha Root Monograph, coordinated by herbalist Upton, Roy,

President of the American Herbalist Guild, et al. 1996 (pending

publication).

>

> Arseculeratne, S.N. " Studies on Medicinal Plants of Sri Lanka Part

14: Toxicity of some Traditional Medicinal Herbs " Journal of

Ethnopharmacology 13(3):323-35; 1985.

>

> Atal, C.K.; Gupta O.P.; Raghunathan, K.; Dhar, K.L., " Pharmacognosy

and Phytochemistry of Withania Somnifera " , Central Council for

Research in Indian Medicine and Homeopathy, New Delhi, 1975.

>

> Bhatnagar, S.S.et al., eds, The Wealth of India: A Dictionary of

Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products. vol. 10. New Delhi:

Publicity and Information Directorate, Council of Social and

Industrial Research; 1976:582-585.

>

> Bector, N.P., Puri, A.S., Sharma, D.; " Role of Withania somnifera

(Ashwagandha) in various Types of Arthropathies " , Indian Journal of

Medical Research, 56, 10 October, 1968.

>

> Bhattacharya, S.K et al. " Anti-Stress activity of Sitoindosides VII

and VIII, New Acylsteryglucosides from Withania somnifera " .

Phytotherapy Research 1(1):32-37; 1987.

>

> Kapoor, L.D. CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, Boca

Raton, FL:CRC Press, Inc.; 337-8; 1990

>

> Karnick, C.R. " A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study on

the Effects of Withania somnifera and Panax Ginseng Extracts on

Psychomotor Performance in Healthy Indian Volunteers. " Indian

Medicine 3(2,3):1-5; April-July, 1991.

>

> Nadkarani, A.K., Indian Materia Medica, Bombay Popular Prakashan,

vol. 1, pp. 1292-94; 1976.

>

> Rao, Prabhu, M.Y., Karahth, K.S., " Neuropharmacological Activity of

Withania Somnifera, " Fitoterapia, Vol. LXI, No. 3; 1990.

>

> Rahman, A.U., et al., " New Withanolides from Withania spp., "

Journal of Natural Products, vol. 56, No. 7, pp. 1000-06; 1993.

>

> Schwarting, A.E., et al., " The Alkaloids of Withania somnifera, "

Lloydia 26(4):258-73; 1963.

>

> Shibnath, G., et al., " Immunomodulatory and CNS Effects of

Sitoindosides IX and X, Two New Glycowithanolides from Withania

Somnifera, " Phytotherapy Research 3(5); 1989.

>

> Subramanian, S. " Ashwagandha--An Ancient Ayurvedic Drug, " Arogya-

Journal Health Sciences VIII:135-39; 1982.

>

> Wagner, H. et al. " Plant Adaptogens, " Phytomedicine 1(1); 69-70;

1984.

>

> --

------------

>

> [1] Grandhi, A., " Comparative pharmacological investigation of

ashwagandha and ginseng " , Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Ireland),

1994: vol. 3, pp 131-135

>

> [2] " inane " because the most valuable herb is always the one that

will be the most effective.

>

> [3] Rinpoche, R. Tibetan Medicine, University of California Press;

1976: 14:15)

>

> [4] Frawley, D,; Ayurvedic Healing, Passage Press, 1989:

Introduction xv-xvi and Svobada, R.; Lade, A. Tao and Dharma: Chinese

Medicine and Ayurveda, Lotus Press, 1995: 80-92.

>

> [5] Dash, V.B., Junius, A.M. M., A Handbook of Ayurveda, Concept

Publishing, New Delhi, 1983: 15-25

>

> [6] Sharma, P.V., Introduction to Dravyaguna, i.e. Indian

pharmacology; Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1976: 38-41)

>

> [7] Bhatnagar et al., 1976 also Schwarting et al., 1963)

>

> [8] Tierra, M., Planetary Herbology, 1988: 3-34; also Frawley, D.,

Lad, V., The Yoga of Herbs. Santa Fe: Lotus Press; 1986:28-35)

>

> [9] Kuppurajan, K., et al. " Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania

Somnifera Dunal) on the Process of Aging in Human Volunteers, "

Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Saddai: 247-258, 1980

>

> [10] Effect of Glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera on an

Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease and Perturbed Central Cholinergic

Markers of Cognition in Rats

>

> [11] Kulkarni, R.R., Treatment of osteoarthritis with a

herbomineral formula: double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over

study, Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Ireland) Citation: 33 (1-2

1991):91-95

>

> [12] Nadkarani, 1976)

>

> [13] Upton, R. et. al, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1996

(unpublished to date)

>

> [14] Schwarting, 1963

>

> [15] Brekhman, I.I., " Man and Biologically Active Substances " , The

Effect of Drugs, Diet and

>

> Pollution on Health; Pergamon Press, 1980: 1-89

>

> [16] Badmaev, M.D., Ph.D, Majeed, Muhammed, Ph.D., Ayurvedic

Adaptogens and " Bioprotectants " , ?

>

> [17] (Bhatnagar, 1976; Ral et al., 1983)

>

> [18] When the entire plant was administered to mice as 25% of the

diet, microscopic lesions were found in various organs including the

liver and lungs along with vascular congestion and tubular congestion

of the kidneys. Considering the widely recognized benefits of taking

the herb, and that tonic dosage levels are not really comparable to

its experimental administration to animals, it should be considered

generally safe, especially when taken with other herbs

(arseculaeatne, 1985)

>

> -

> hveragerthi

> herbal remedies

> Tuesday, March 29, 2005 1:47 AM

> Herbal Remedies - Re: question about metabolism and

weight

>

> The problem could have a lot to do with your thyroid. The thyroid

> plays a major role in the metabolism of fats including

cholesterol

> and triglycerides. And even though you are taking Synthroid you

can

> still be hypothyroid. Synthroid is a replacement for thyroxine

(T4).

> It does not replace the more active thyroid hormone

triiodothyronine

> (T3). Therefore you can have normal T4 levels by taking

Synthroid,

> and still be hypothyroid due to low T3 levels. And unfortunately

lab

> tests for thyroid function are notoriously inaccurate and almost

> always miss hypothyroidism.

> To make matters worse, T3 is produced from T4. Though high stress

> levels, something many people have, can block the conversion of

T4 to

> T3. This is why the herb ashwagandha is used to help increase T4

to

> T3 conversion since it helps reduce stress through supporting the

> adrenals.

> The second problem caused from stress is that this leads to an

> elevation of what is known as reverse T3 (rT3). rT3 is

biologically

> inactive. Though it can lock up T3 receptors inhibiting the

action of

> T3. Therefore you can also be hypothyroid even with normal T4 and

T3

> levels.

>

> herbal remedies , Brennan07@a... wrote:

> > After a long struggle to lose weight, I have been able to

maintain

> my weight

> > at the reccomended level for four years. I am on synthroid for

a

> thyroid

> > problem, and have been told I have 'familial hypertriglycemia " ,

a

> tendency towards

> > elevated triglycerides and must be very careful to keep my

weight

> and diet in

> > check.

> >

> > I have found that eating over 1200 calories a day causes me to

gain

> weight.

> > I exercise moderately (every day) and am a bit frustrated by

this

> because I

> > find I do get hungry a lot.

> >

> > Is this likely a metabolism issue? I am relatively new to the

> study of

> > natural remedies and improving my health.

March 30, 2005

Dear Lori,

Great to be back if only for a day or two. I'm currently working on my second CD lecture which is entitled, "Nutritional Secrets and the Total Body Cleanse" (how's that for a catchy title?? ;-) LOL

Any who, this herb Ashwaganda sounds totally facinating and I will be looking into it when I get the chance.

Good to hear from you hon.

Much love,

Doc

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.727-447-5282Doc

-

Lori

herbal remedies

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 12:01 AM

Herbal Remedies - Ashwaganda - Re: question about metabolism and weight

Dear Doc,It is soooo great to see you posting again! I have missed your love and wit!!! I just wanted to add to your post on Ashwaganda. I am "mostly" a "Western" herbalist, but do use a few herbs that are considered TCM and Ayervedic. I started studying Ashwaganda a few years ago thanks to Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, a frequent contributor to Herbs for Health magazine and an adjunct faculty member in the botanical medicine department of Bastyr University. He had suggested its use to several people in a column he writes for in the magazine, so I decided to get more in depth understanding of this herb. There was a very informative article published in the Herbs for Health, June 2004 issue written by Singh Khalsa, titled "All About Ayurveda," which did not go into any depth but gave a good "at a glance" view of Ayurveda. What I found most helpful was the Ayurveda Resources listed in the article. I hope this leads to others doing their own research into herbs used in other cultures. I have found the herbs of Ayurveda very facinating! Warm Regards, Lori