Ritual Uses of Ashwagandha Root

Ashwagandha, a root traditionally found in India and Africa, has long been used medicinally. This plant is part of the tomato family, and like its cousin, will produce red fruits. However, the ashwagandha’s fruits are smaller, more like berries than tomatoes. This root is ritually used in vitamin supplements to treat a variety of illnesses.

Antioxidant Uses

• Studies done in India in the past few decades have shown that some of the ingredients naturally found in ashwagandha root act as antioxidants. The antioxidant effects include anti-aging and anti-inflammatory aids as well as assisting in cognition processing in the brain. Similarly, a study done in Texas in the early 1990s found that ashwagandha root had similar effects to GABA, a medicine used to promote neurotransmitters in the brain that prevent seizures and other neurological disorders. The antioxidant effects also make ashwagandha an immune-booster, and it is often used in November and December during flu season to boost immunity and prevent fatigue.

Brain Support

• For generations, doctors in India have prescribed ashwagandha root to aid in the prevention and reduction of symptoms from neurological disorders such as amnesia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies with rodents done in the early 2000s indicated that regular use of ashwagandha root increased memory functions.

Emotional Support

• Studies with ashwagandha root also support its ability to help with emotional disorders. Similar to its memory-boosting power, ashwagandha has been shown to decrease anxiety and depression in rodents. It can be used to soothe and prevent panic attacks in high-pressure situations. Doctors recommend that users ingest 4 to 6g of ashwagandha root per day, either as a vitamin supplement or in a tea. Consumption in this amount can boost immunity and brain function and reduce anxiety and depression.

Ayurveda

• Practitioners of ayurveda, a traditional, ritualistic medicinal system native to India, use ashwagandha root for all of the above reasons, and for many more. Ayurveda practitioners believe that ashwagandha root can treat many physical ailments as well as psychological and emotional ones. They prescribe ashwagandha root for respiratory problems, tuberculosis, infection, menstrual pain, and erectile dysfunction or low sperm count. They suggest that ashwagandha root be taken with milk, ghee (clarified water) or plain water for at least 15 days consecutively to treat any of these problems.