Ashwagandha is more commonly known as Winter Cherry. It is also known as Indian Ginseng in the western lobbies due to its ginseng similar effects. Ashwagandha is botanically known as Withinia somnifera. Ashwagandha or Withinia somnifera is one of the most precious herbs in the Ayurveda whose effectiveness dates back more than 5,000 years. Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit name which means "smell of a horse." There is one more reason it is so called, this is that it provides equally stamina and energy like that of a horse.
Ashwagandha or withinia somnifera is herb that is being used widely in treating cases or diseases that re caused due to vata vitiation. Some of the vata vitiated diseases that are treated by Ashwagandha are as follows. :
• Arthritis
• Inflammation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Respiratory disorders
• Nervous disorders
• Gynecological disorders

• Male infertility
• Impotence.
Modern research has found various types of alkaloids in Ashwagandha. These are somniferin and withaniol. These are responsible for its multiple actions that is being shown by Ashwagandha. The roots of Ashwagandha have been reported to have Alkaloids, Withanolides and many Glycosides.
According to the Ayurveda, Ashwagandha or Withinia somnifera is the well known herb for maintaining Vata in the body. Vata dosha is in charge of all movement in the body as well as the movement of nerve impulses throughout the nervous system. When the root is consumed as a milk decoction with honey or raw sugar, it restrains ageing process and strengthens the body by catalyzing the anabolic processes occurring in the body.
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