Aśvagandhā (Withania somnifera)

Common Names: Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Aśvagandhā
Sanskrit Synonyms: Aśvagandhā, Vājīkaraṇī, Balya, Vajinī, Hayagandhā, Vṛṣyā
Family: Solanaceae
Part Used: Mūla (Root), Patra (Leaves), Bīja (Seeds)

Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravya Guṇa)

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Kaṣāya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet, secondary)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous)

• Virya (Potency): Uṣṇa (Heating)

• Vipāka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (Sweet)

• Karma (Actions):
  Rasāyana (Rejuvenative), Balya (Strengthening), Vṛṣya (Aphrodisiac), Medhya (Cognitive enhancer), Nidrājanana (Sleep promoter), Vātahara (Pacifies Vata), Mamsa-vardhaka (Muscle builder), Shukra-vardhaka (Improves fertility), Kṣayahara (Anti-debilitative), Manas-sthirīkara (Stabilizes the mind)

Doshic Action

Pacifies Vāta and Kapha doṣas; mildly balances Pitta.
Acts primarily on Māṃsavaha, Śukravaha, and Majjavaha srotas — nourishing muscular, reproductive, and nervous systems.

Therapeutic Indications

Aśvagandhā is the chief Bṛṃhaṇa Rasāyana used to restore vitality, enhance longevity, and strengthen the mind-body system.
It promotes tissue regeneration and stability (Dhātu-pushti), improves resistance to stress, and rejuvenates overall health.

It is beneficial in:

• Kṣaya (General debility, emaciation)

• Māṃsa-kṣaya (Muscle wasting)

• Klānta (Fatigue, low stamina)

• Vātavyādhi (Arthritis, neuralgic disorders, sciatica)

• Śukra-kṣaya (Infertility, low libido, impotence)

• Mānasa roga (Anxiety, depression, insomnia)

• Jīrṇa jvara (Chronic fever, post-illness weakness)

• Apasmāra (Epilepsy, nervous imbalance)

• Vātarakta (Gout, rheumatism)

• Nidrānāśa (Sleeplessness, restlessness)

It is widely used in rejuvenation therapies, geriatric care (Jara chikitsā), and Vājīkaraṇa formulations.

Pharmacological Insights

Withania somnifera contains withanolides, alkaloids (somniferine, anahygrine), and sitoindosides, which contribute to its adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties.
Modern research confirms its efficacy in reducing cortisol levels, improving sleep, enhancing muscle mass, and supporting male fertility and cognitive function — validating its role as an Ayurvedic adaptogen.

Formulations & Classical Preparations

• Aśvagandhā Chūrṇa – Rejuvenative tonic for stress, weakness, and muscle nourishment

• Aśvagandhā Ghṛta / Avaleha – For sexual health, vitality, and nervous disorders

• Aśvagandhā Rasāyana – For immune strength and post-illness recovery

• Maharasnadi Kaṣāya / Taila – Contains Aśvagandhā for musculoskeletal strength

• Balā–Aśvagandhā Taila / Kṣīra – Used in massage and Śirodhāra for neurological rejuvenation

Anupāna & Dose

• Cūrṇa (Powder): 3–6 g twice daily with milk or ghee

• Ghṛta / Avaleha: 1–2 teaspoons daily after meals

• Kvātha (Decoction): 30–50 ml twice daily

• Capsules / Tablets: As directed in proprietary dosage
  (Use under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.)

Special Notes

• “Aśvagandhā” literally means “the strength of a horse”, symbolizing power and endurance.

• A cornerstone herb in Rasāyana therapy, rejuvenating both Śarīra (body) and Manas (mind).

• Especially beneficial for stress-induced Vāta imbalance, low immunity, and sleep disturbances.

• Often combined with Śatāvarī (for reproductive health) or Brahmī (for cognitive balance).

• Used in both Brṃhaṇa (tonic) and Vājīkaraṇa (aphrodisiac) therapies.

Classical References

• Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana (Rasāyana Adhyāya; Vājīkaraṇa Mahākāśaya)

• Sushruta Samhita – Chikitsa Sthana (Jara–Vṛṣya Chikitsa)

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Haritakyādi Varga

• Astanga Hridaya – Uttara Tantra (Vātavyādhi & Vājīkaraṇa Chikitsa)

• Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Oshadhi Varga