Satyori — Ashwagandha (Ashwagandha) Herb Quick Card
Herb Quick Card
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha · Withania somnifera
Traditional Uses
The Charaka Samhita places ashwagandha prominently among balya (strength-promoting) herbs and describes it as a key component of vajikarana (aphrodisiac) and rasayana (rejuvenative) formulations. Charaka specifically recommends ashwagandha churna with ghee, honey, and milk as a premier rejuvenative protocol for emaciation, debility, and general weakness. It is prescribed for kshaya (wasting conditions), daurbalya (weakness), and as a recovery tonic following prolonged illness.
Preparations
Ashwagandha Churna (powder): the most common form, taken with warm milk, ghee, honey, or water. Ashwagandha Ksheerapaka (milk decoction): 3-5 grams root powder boiled in milk, taken at bedtime. Ashwagandhadi Lehyam: classical confection for strength and vitality.
Dosage
Root powder (churna): 3-6 grams per day, divided into 1-2 doses. KSM-66 standardized extract: 300-600 mg per day.
Dosha Guidance
For Vata types, ashwagandha is perhaps the single most important herb in the Ayurvedic pharmacy. Its warming virya, sweet vipaka, and deeply nourishing quality address virtually every aspect of Vata imbalance -- anxiety, insomnia, weakness, nervous exhaustion, poor endurance, and tissue depletion. Vata individuals benefit most from ashwagandha taken with warm milk and ghee at bedtime, which maximizes its grounding, sedative, and tissue-building effects.
Synergistic Combinations
Classically combined with <a href='/herbs/shatavari/'>Shatavari</a> for a comprehensive male-female rejuvenative pair (ashwagandha being considered more male-oriented, shatavari more female-oriented, though both benefit all genders). Pairs with <a href='/herbs/bala/'>Bala</a> (Sida cordifolia) in Bala Ashwagandha Taila for muscular and joint conditions.
Contraindications
Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy, as it has been traditionally classified as garbhapatakar (potentially abortifacient) in high doses, though culinary amounts are generally considered safe. Due to its potential thyroid-stimulating effect, individuals with hyperthyroidism should use with caution and under practitioner guidance. Those on thyroid medications (levothyroxine) should monitor levels closely, as ashwagandha may alter thyroid hormone levels.
Tissues & Channels
Dhatus: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (nerve/marrow), Shukra (reproductive)
Srotas: Mamsavaha (muscular), Majjavaha (nervous), Shukravaha (reproductive), Pranavaha (respiratory)
Where to Buy
Look for ashwagandha root powder that is off-white to light tan with a characteristic earthy, slightly bitter aroma. The Nagori variety (from Nagaur, Rajasthan) is traditionally considered the most potent and commands premium pricing.
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Herbal Profile
Ashwagandha is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.