Ashwagandha. Medicinal properties and contraindications. Price, where to buy, how to make

Ashwagandha - herb used 2,500 years in parts of South and Southeast Asia in traditional medicine. Thanks to the curative properties of ashwagandha in ayurverde, traditional Indian medicine, is the main cure for the disease.

The uniqueness of the plant

The uniqueness of ashwagandha is a positive impact on all systems and organs of the state of mind of man.

botanical description

Ashwagandha - plant-perennial of the family Solanaceae. It represents bushy plant leaves with whole height of 40 - 90 cm. Other names for ashwagandha - physalis solnechnolistny, winter cherry, sleeping grass.

The flowers are small off-white color. After flowering formed red berries, vaguely resembling a shallow cherry. The roots of plants thin length of 40 cm, pale brown.

Areas of common plants:

• North Africa;
• Western and Northern India;
• China;
• Nepal.

Physalis is considered the birthplace of solnechnolistnogo North Africa. From there the plant has spread to other regions.

Translated from the Indian Sanskrit word "ashwagandha" means "the smell of a horse". plant roots emit a smell reminiscent of the smell of horses. According to another version called ashwagandha plant for medicinal properties are added to man strength, endurance, confer vitality. Strong, hardy, beautiful animals in Asia are considered to be a horse.

Which is often used for medicinal purposes

Ashwagandha, medicinal properties which are comparable with the Chinese Ginseng is a medicinal plant completely. For therapeutic purposes, use the root, leaves and berries. At the root of the ginseng plant is used.

The root system of the plant, rod type. Root is branched, it goes into the ground to a depth of 30 - 40 cm. The outer side root light brown covered wrinkles. Inside the white root. Root diameter is 1.5 - 2 cm.

The leaves are gray-green, arranged alternately on the stem. Leaves simple, ovate. Leaves that are close to the flowers, rounded. The berries are red, round, formed in boxes in place of flowers. Berries diameter of 1 cm. The fruits are dense, fleshy.

collection

Winter cherry ashwagandha called for the appearance of berries in the winter season. Indian herbalists believe that collect parts of plants for medicinal purposes is better in the winter season.

Harvest the roots of the new moon, in this period of the underground parts of the plants are completely saturated with medicinal substances. Leaves tear at any time, and berries - in full maturity. Gather the leaves, roots and berries in the mountainous regions of China, India, North Africa, in ecologically clean regions.

How to prepare

By bringing part of the plant, prepare them for therapeutic purposes. The collected material is sorted, removing diseased, damaged parts, litter. Separately, dried leaves, roots and fruits.

Leaves are directly laid in one layer in the shadow, providing free access of air. Roots and fruits may be dried in the sun. During drying it is necessary to turn the parts of the plants for the uniform and complete drying.

At the end of drying the leaves by pressing easily converted into a fine crumb, when compressed fruit fingers do not release the juice and do not stick, broken roots with dry crackling without effort.

Storage

Ashwagandha is stored in a dark, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight. For storage of powder from the roots, leaves using a glass or ceramic ware.

Roots bind a bundle and suspended or packed in paper boxes, packets dense tissue. Dried fruits are well preserved in the healing properties of the banks of dark glass, pottery or linen bags.

Never store roots, ashwagandha fruits and leaves in a plastic container, plastic bags because of the possibility of zaplesneveniya. The storage temperature is maintained grass + 10-18 ° C. Ashwagandha is stored in the attic, dark dry storage room, on the veranda.

Chemical composition

Rich chemical composition of ashwagandha helps to use it in the treatment of a wide range of human diseases.

In the vegetative parts of the plant contain:

1. amino acids, included in the proteins. Amino acids are involved in all biochemical processes in the body, improve brain function, nourish nerve cells. Amino acids normalize the condition of the body in stressful situations;
2. saponins, organic substances with a complex composition. They stimulate the production of enzymes, hormones, dissolved fatty substances on the walls of blood vessels;
3. alkaloids, organic bases, having a calming effect. Activate the endocrine glands;
4. A vitaferin, A chemical substance which is characterized by high biological activity. Inhibits the division of cancer cells;
5. phytosterol, vegetable alcohol. According to the structure resembles cholesterol. In the human body neutralizes the effect of harmful cholesterol species;
6. iron, substance involved in mineral metabolism in the body, hematopoietic processes;
7. polyphenols, antioxidants of plant origin. Retard oxidative processes in cells, prevent aging of the organism;
8. coumarin, organic substances having anti-inflammatory effect. Counteracts skin pigmentation.

medicinal properties

Ashwagandha, curative properties are used by ancient Indian healers, it has a wide range of effects on the body:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antibacterial;
• soothing;
• tonic;
• antioxidant.

Subject to application of the dosage, time of reception, the positive effect is guaranteed.

For women

Ashwagandha has a healing effect in diseases of the female reproductive organs. Applied as infusions and decoctions, in the form of powder. Critical days occur less painful. Seen positive effects in the treatment of fibrotic formations ashwagandha, mastitis.

Ashwagandha normalizes the amount produced by the female hormone estrogen disappears dysfunction of the ovaries, amenorrhea successfully cured. In folk medicine in the treatment of infertility herbalists prescribe ashwagandha as a medicine.

A paste of ashwagandha powder is used as a facial mask. Application inwardly rejuvenates the body and prevents aging.

During pregnancy, ashwagandha are not recommended due to the risk of miscarriage. In the postpartum period ashwagandha helps to struggle with postpartum depression, gives strength to the body. During breastfeeding ashwagandha is used with caution, after consultation with the doctor. There is an increase nutritional breast milk.

For men

Physalis solnechnolistny - aphrodisiac that enhances male desire. Admission ashwagandha shown in male infertility. It is noticed that the quality of sperm is increased after 1 month at 15 Hour% compared with initial values.

Ashwagandha stimulates the male hormone testosterone, affect the increase in muscle mass. When taking herbal preparation increases physical endurance.

In stressful situations, during prolonged strenuous work the body ceases to respond calmly to the minor troubles, disturbed the harmony of family relations. In such situations, receiving ashwagandha helps to restore balance in the body. Appears calm confidence.

Male profession builder, welder, driver traumatic, attachment ashwagandha leaves to the wounds, the use of powder, have a wound healing effect.

For children

In children taking ashwagandha with caution. For children 3 - 10 years the dose is ¼ the adult dose. Children 10 years are part of ½ of the adult dose (minimum adult dosage is 3 g).

Ashwagandha is recommended for children with exhaustion, overwork, stress. It is noticed that when taking ashwagandha children learn better material calm during examinations. Colds occur without complications. External used in the treatment of boils, wound.

Contraindications to receiving

Ashwagandha therapeutic properties which reduce blood sugar level, diabetes is shown in a limited number. Monitor the state of the patient to avoid hypoglycemic coma. Ashwagandha helps in the development of impotence, diabetes, loss of strength.

Ashwagandha increases the production of thyroxine hormone. In the treatment of thyroid diseases should take herbs under the supervision of a physician. reception herbal preparation is not recommended for HIV and AIDS infections. The plant possesses potent immunostimulatory properties.

Lactating women is undesirable use of ashwagandha. Means penetrates into the body of the child with the milk and may harm. Pregnant women drinking phytopreparation contraindicated due to the uterotonic effect of plants. Increases the tone of the uterus, provoking miscarriage.

Lupus erythematosus, which is autoimmune disease not treated with ashwagandha. Herbal remedies may cause worsening of the disease.

Simultaneous treatment with sedatives, tranquilizers ashwagandha prohibited. Possible development of anaphylactic shock.

Methods of treatment

Ashwagandha is taken orally and topically. Used to treat the plant as an infusion, decoction of the roots or leaves. Preparing a paste from a powder for treating skin diseases.

decoction

The broth is prepared from the roots of the plants leaves. A pronounced curative effect have broths cooked on milk.

Name broth	Recipe	A course of treatment	Dosage	efficacy of
Broth from roots ashwagandha water	Pour 1 part of the roots 16 parts water. In a water bath simmered for 40 minutes. Filter.	1 month.	At 1 hr. l. 3 times a day with food.	Normal sleep, blood pressure comes back to normal, it improves expectoration by coughing. It improves overall health.
A decoction of the roots of ashwagandha on milk	plant roots pour milk in a ratio of 1: 8. Simmered for 30 minutes. Filtered and cooled.	2 weeks. After a 5-day break, continue to take a decoction of 14 days.	1 h. l. 3 times a day with meals.

Infusion

For an infusion of ashwagandha use the leaves, roots and fruits of plants. 1 part of the roots, fruits or leaves is filled with 10 parts of cold water and simmered heated to boiling, removed from heat. Pushing the lid 1 h. Ready infusion filter, stored in a dark glass containers of 72 hours. Take medication, depending on the disease to 1 glass per day with a meal.

optional reception is divided by 3 times - morning, afternoon and evening. Children 10 - 15 years old receive 18 g of the drug 3 times a day. For the prevention of diseases and the overall strengthening of the body's rate of 2 weeks. After a week's break possible repetition rate. The positive effect is manifested in general feeling better within 2 weeks, tide strength, vigor.

Tincture

In the preparation of infusions dried root or fruit of the plant is filled with vodka. Take 35 g of dry matter and 1 L of vodka. Tincture is placed in a dark cool place for 20 days. Take 3 times a day for 1 h. l. before meals for 15 days. After a week's break, resuming reception. The course is 1 month.

Take to relieve fatigue, enhance potency in men, in the recovery period following surgery. The positive effect is expressed in alleviating pain, increasing body tone, increase physical strength.

Paste

Fresh or dried leaves are finely pulverized and mixed with water, honey, or vegetable oil. In preparing pastes observe the proportions of powder and water (oil, honey) 1: 2. Bring to the consistency of thick cream.

Store in the refrigerator in a closed form. It is used for external skin diseases, the treatment of wounds, ulcers, and burns. Apply before the end of the disease. The positive effect of reducing wound noticeable for 3 - 4 days.

The use of traditional medicine

Ashwagandha, medicinal properties that apply to all human organs, has a positive effect on the mental state of a person. The plant treats physical and mental health.

Heart diseases

Herbalists recommend taking herbal preparation ashwagandha in atherosclerosis, heart arrhythmia.

Property plant removes harmful cholesterol from the body and purify the blood vessels from fatty plaques helps cure atherosclerosis. Take tincture ashwagandha for 2 hours. l. 15 minutes before meals in the morning and evening for 2 months.

Arrhythmia, impaired heart rhythm caused by nervous exhaustion, chronic fatigue, stress. Soothing alkaloids leads to normal nervous system, normalizes the functioning of the heart. Take 5 g of tincture ashwagandha before meals for 60 days.

Diseases of the reproductive system

Admission ashwagandha normalizes the production of the female hormone estrogen. This prevents the development of fibroids, mastitis. A preparation in the form of infusion ashwagandha taking 3 grams 3 times per day with food for six months. Every 15 days, make a break in reception facilities for 1 week.

Phytosterols contained in the plant, in structure reminiscent of male hormones. Phytosterols stepping operation prostate, ovarian, improve semen quality and enhance libido.

Indian herbalists for 2500 years used herbs to treat male infertility. Decoction taken in the morning and evening for 1 tablespoon. l. for 20 minutes before eating. Take 1 month, make a break for a week and continue to take 30 days.

Obesity

Iron, polyphenols, saponins, amino acids and normalize the body's metabolism. Recovering blood vessel patency, wall elasticity. Metabolism improves cells. The splitting of fat cells. These processes lead to a decrease in body weight without exercise.

For weight reduction and improvement of metabolism, the drug is used permanently for 5 - 6 months. Begin receiving 2 g infusion daily for half an hour before meals 2 times a day. After a month of receiving interrupt the course of 10 days. Resuming reception, increase the dose to 6 g

Nervous system disorders

The action of amino acids, alkaloids in Ashwagandha, leads to normal functioning of the nervous system. Eliminates anxiety, irritability. Reduced cortisol - a stress hormone.Infusion used for 1 st. l. 3 times a day, decoction 2 times, with a meal. The broth has a concentration of active substance is higher than the infusion.

Ashwagandha in cosmetology

Ashwagandha, complex acting on the body, has a cosmetic effect: tightens skin wrinkles. Herbal remedy used as a tonic for the face and hair masks, add in the cream daily.

Hair Mask

To prepare the mask taken 6g or 2 hours. l. vegetable powder prepared from the root of the plants and water at room temperature. The powder is mixed with water to a creamy state. Cooked mask rubbed into the scalp.

Head covered with a plastic cap and top with a towel. The mask was kept for 20 minutes and washed off with warm water. Hair washed with shampoo and balm. Apply the mask 6 months. Apply 1 time in 10 days. Stops hair loss, accelerates their growth.

Face tonic

150 g of plant powder ashwagandha add water in an amount of 500 ml and heated to boiling. Infuse for 20 min. Warm infusion drain and tonic ready to wipe the face after washing.

Tonic and used as a lotion for skin tightening: gauze impregnated with tonic and apply for 15 minutes on the face and décolleté. After 15 min, skin looks tightened acquires healthy appearance. Lotions used 1 time in 5 days course of 1 month.

Face cream

Of ashwagandha prepare anti-aging face cream. Need castor oil 18 g, 3 drops ashwagandha root tincture, 1 hr. l. flower honey, 3 g of cosmetic vaseline. The mixture was thoroughly stirred and stored in a glass container in the refrigerator. Used at night as a regular face cream.

The cream nourishes the skin with vitamins and microelements person making it velvety and smooth. Smooth out fine wrinkles.

Cleanser for the face and body

Using powder of ashwagandha root, grass, oats, sesame oil cooked universal cleanser for face and body.

Ingredients for money:

• ashwagandha root tincture;
• calendula flowers, chamomile, nettle leaves and parsley;
• horsetail;
• cereals;
• Sesame oil;
• volcanic clay ghassoulite or blue clay.

Oat flakes are ground into flour from dried herbs cooked powder. In a glass cup is mixed 100 grams of oat flour, 50 g of clay, and 200 g of powder of herbs. Add 3 drops of infusion ashwagandha, 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Is used as a mask for the face, as a means for washing and exfoliating the skin.

When applying a ready means in the palm or in the cup is wetted with a small amount of water, yogurt or milk until the consistency of a cream and applied to the skin by massaging gently. After 3 minutes, rinsed with water at room temperature. Used as a daily cleanser.

When used as a mask means is left on the face for 10 minutes, and rinsed. Means used as a gentle peeling to the skin 2 times a week. After 2 months of treatment is recommended to break for 14 days.

The effect is a decrease in inflammatory processes of the skin, the healing of wounds and skin ulcers. Herbs nourishes the skin with nutrients and trace elements and give it a healthy appearance. The skin of the face and body with regular use becomes elastic.

Ashwagandha having significant potential medicinal properties, cures of diseases or relieve their course, it slows down the aging process, acts as an antidepressant. The positive effect is achieved by the application of ashwagandha subject dosage and course of treatment.

Registration of the article: Mila Friedan

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