Withania Somnifera

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna! The topic of discussion in the last one month has been the herb named Ashwagandha. In Ayurveda, ashwaganda is considered a rasayana herb, a herb that works on a nonspecific basis to increase health and longevity. This herb is also considered an adaptogen which is a nontoxic herb that works on a nonspecific basis to normalize physiological function, working on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system. The roots and berries of the plant are used in herbal medicine. In Ayurveda, the fresh roots are sometimes boiled in milk, prior to drying, in order to leach out undesirable constituents. The berries are used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk in cheese making.

Seven American and four Japanese firms have filed for grant of patents on formulations containing extracts of the herb Ashwagandha. Fruits, leaves and seeds of the Indian medicinal plant withania somnifera have been traditionally used for the Ayurvedic system as aphrodisiacs, diuretics and for treating memory loss. The Japanese patent applications are related to the use of the herb as a skin ointment and for promoting reproductive fertility. The U.S based company Natreon has also obtained a patent for an Ashwagandha extract.

Another US establishment, the New England Deaconess Hospital, has taken a patent on an Ashwagandha formulation claimed to alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis.

Its pretty clear from the above evidence that this herb is indeed a great blessing to mankind. But the irony is that such an important herb is known to a paltry few in our country! The foreigners are more interested in doing research on this herb and obtain patents related to it.

Let us look into some more current references on this herb.

Scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have developed a herbal stress buster. The drug 'Composite Indian Herbal Preparation' or CIHP–I, was prepared with 15 commonly available herbs, including Ashwagandha, Brahmi & Chyawanprash. The defence institute of Physiological & Allied Services (DIPAS), in association with the Army Medical Corps, has completed extensive drug trials involving over 3,000 soldiers. The 'CIHP–I' was found to be beneficial for soldiers serving at high altitudes , cold areas and also in low intensity conflict situations that expose them to intense stress and high altitude sickness. It was found to be effective in improving physical & mental efficiency.

That concludes our information dissemination on the herb Ashwagandha. We will take you through something new in the next one.

Till then do more and more chanting of the Radhekrishna namam and obtain true peace of mind.

Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam