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Ashwagandha
FACTS
Known
as Indian ginseng, this herb is derived from the
roots and leaves of the Withania somnifera shrub
and is part of the traditional Ayurvedic system
of medicine. In the West, researchers have
focused on isolating the one or two active ingredients
within each herb. In the Ayurvedic tradition,
however, the entire plant is used on the assumption
that all the compounds in a plant are meant to
work together. For more than 1,000 years, ashwagandha
has been highly prized as a treatment for impotence,
stress, infertility and arthritis. Because of
its wide range of activity on many different body
systems, ashwagandha is reputed to be an overall
tonic that can promote health and vitality, much
like ginseng. Also like ginseng, ashwagandha is
reputed to increase stamina, physical peformance,
and mental acuity. The concept of tonic herbs
is difficult to describe in western terms because
we so not have anything comparable in our system
of medicine. In general, tonics such as ashwagandha
are believed to strengthen and fortify the body
so that it is better able to withstand stressful
situations. In other words, these herbs help the
body to maintain its equilibrium, even during
difficult times.
Today,
ashwagandha is included in many combination formulas
of Ayurvedic herbs to treat a variety of ills.
In particular, ashwagandha is now being heavily
promoted as an aphrodisiac and sex-enhancing supplement.
It is sold in combination with other herbal supplements
that are reputed to improve sexual desire and
function, such as puncturevine (Tribulas). Ayurvedic
healers say that ashwagandha can improve sex drive
and the ability to maintain an erection.
A
natural anti-inflammatory agent, ashwagandha may
help to reduce discomfort associated with arthritis.
One study conducted at the University of Poona
in Poona, India, reported that when given an herbal
formula combining ashwagandha and zinc complex,
patients reported a significant reduction in pain
and stiffness. There are several Ayurvedic antiarthritic
formulas on the market; many include boswellia,
another Hot 100 herb.
POSSIBLE
BENEFITS
Enhances
energy.
Improves
sexual performance.
Relieves
arthritis.
THE
RIGHT AMOUNT
Take
up to three 4.5-mg. Standardized tablets daily.
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