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Ashwagandha
Product Monograph
(Withania somnifera)
By Terry Vanderheyden, ND
• Used traditionally as a tonic for fatigue, to improve mental performance and memory, and to prevent and treat (adjunctively) early stage Alzheimer’s
• Used traditionally as an adaptogen to improve physical performance, endurance, and resistance to the effects of stress
• Used traditionally to reduce inflammation
• Used traditionally for age-related or stress-related impotence
A first class tonic herb, ashwagandha has a long and distinguished history of use in
Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medical system of India. Dr. Michael Tierra calls
ashwagandha India’s wonder herb and is of the opinion that it compares favourably
to herbs like ginseng and astragalus, for example, the world’s most renowned herbal
tonics.1
Tierra points out that ashwagandha “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, ashwagandha has the ability to nurture the nervous system,
counteract anxiety and stress, and 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 one of the most
potent tonic aphrodisiacs in the entire botanical kingdom.”2
Ashwagandha is a marvellously effective adaptogen, increasing the body’s resistance
to environmental stresses. Medical herbalist Kerry Bone describes pharmacological
research in support of the adaptogenic benefits of ashwagandha and concludes that:
“Oral doses of ashwagandha demonstrated significant anti-stress activity, increased
endurance, and enhanced growth and development in experimental models.”3
Ashwagandha’s most remarkable effect may involve its neuro-regenerative activity
and its ability to preserve the health of the aging brain. Research indicates that
ashwagandha extract is capable of halting and even repairing damage to brain cells in
an experimentally induced model of Alzheimer’s disease.4 In laboratory experiments
in India in 2004, researchers discovered that ashwagandha root extract inhibits
acetylcholinesterase in much the same way as the prescription drug donepezil, which
is currently used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.5
In addition, a monograph published by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Research
Center suggests that ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to
hydrocortisone.6
Finally, Dr. Michael Tierra considers ashwagandha a near specific for cases of male
impotence.7
Terry Vanderheyden, ND
(Research Consultant)
Since graduating from the CCNM in 1994,
Terry Vanderheyden, ND, has practiced
in Ontario, specializing in homeopathic,
nutritional, and botanical therapies. Terry
lives in Barry’s Bay with his wife Laurie and
their 7 children.
References:
1
Michael Tierra, “Ashwagandha: Wonder Herb
of India”, accessed online from: http://www.
planetherbs.com/articles/ashwagandha.htm.
Ibid..
2
3
Kerry Bone, A Clinical Guide to Blending
Liquid Herbs, St. Louis, MO: Churchill
Livingstone, 2003, p. 74.
4
T Kuboyama et al., “Withanoside IV and
its active metabolite, sominone, attenuate
Abeta(25-35)-induced neurodegeneration.”
Eur J Neurosci. 2006 Mar;23(6):1417-26.
5
MI Choudhary MI et al., “Withanolides, a
new class of natural cholinesterase inhibitors
with calcium antagonistic properties.”
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Aug
19;334(1):276-87.
6
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Research
Center, Information About Herbs, Botanicals
and Other Products, New York, 2006.
Accessed online from: http://www.mskcc.org/
mskcc/html/11570.cfm
Tierra, op. cit.
7
Contact us today to place an order.
call: 1.866.562.9131 | Fax: 1.866.353.0427
[email protected]
www.stfrancisherbfarm.com
Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera)
Product Monograph
By Terry Vanderheyden, ND
Administration:
Adults: Take 2.66 ml (80 drops) 3 times daily in a little water on an empty stomach.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Cautions and Warnings: Consult a health care practitioner before use if you are
pregnant. Consumption with alcohol, other drugs or natural health products with
sedative properties is not recommended.
Terry Vanderheyden, ND
(Research Consultant)
Since graduating from the CCNM in 1994,
Terry Vanderheyden, ND, has practiced
in Ontario, specializing in homeopathic,
nutritional, and botanical therapies. Terry
lives in Barry’s Bay with his wife Laurie and
their 7 children.
Contact us today to place an order.
call: 1.866.562.9131 | Fax: 1.866.353.0427
[email protected]
www.stfrancisherbfarm.com