Aswagandha fights insomnia, keeps body fit

By Syed Akbar
Aswagandha, scientifically called Withania somnifera, is often described as the Indian ginseng. As its scientific name "somnifera" suggests, Aswagandha induces sleep in people, who suffer from insomnia or sleeplessness. Unlike chemical sedatives and tranquillisers, Aswagandha calms the body and mind before inducing sleep.

Aswagandha's odour is not palatable. It smells like the horse's sweat (in Sanskrit "aswa" means horse and "gandha" means smell). But its health benefits range from fighting insomnia to improving fertility levels, and from controlling diabetes to keeping epilepsy under check. It improves the muscles, fights fatigue and brings down the levels of trauma and suffering.
In Ayurveda, Aswagandha finds a variety of uses including fighting cancerous cells, stomach and intestinal problems and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite all its benefits, it has a bad impact on pregnant women. Aswagandha may cause miscarriage and health experts advise that pregnant women should better avoid it. Some Ayurvedic doctors prescribe
Aswagandha as a memory booster.
The roots, leaves and seeds of this wonder herb are used in Ayurveda, Unani and other traditional medicines in different parts of the world.
Home Remedies
Infertility: Aswagandha is known to improve fertility levels in men. Those suffering from infertility may take daily a teaspoon of powder made from the roots of Aswagandha. The herb stimulates the reproductive hormones.
Weakness: For those suffering from general weakness and exhaustion, Aswagandha is one of the best bets. Take Aswagandha root powder and mix it with ghee and honey. Take a teaspoon everyday. It will remove general
weakness, strengthens the muscles and the bones.
Sound sleep: A teaspoon of Aswagandha root powder before going to bed will fight fatigue, mental anxiety and puts the brain to sound sleep. It acts on the brain and nervous system. Ayurvedic doctors use it as an adaptogen
(tranquilliser).