Winter cherry is a popular herb used in various countries and is also known as Indian ginseng. This ornate beauty which adorns many gardens has a variety of therapeutic properties. The plant has glowing orange berries covered by a thin layer.
Cultivation and availability
This herb is predominantly cultivated in parts of Central and northern India. The annual cultivation / production however of 1500 tonnes does not meet the huge annual demand for this herb. Due to exports, the herb is available across the globe although in some parts, it may be scarce.
The leaves, berries and root of Ashwagandha is used in a variety of medicines.
Male fertility
Last, but the often advertised known benefit of Ashwagandha is how it can treat male fertility problems. To treat fertility problems, dry grind the root of Ashwagandha plant.
Add a teaspoon of this powder to a glass of milk and add a little honey to this.
Drink this everyday before going to bed to improve fertility and increase sperm count.
To boost immunity
Ashwagandha may be given to young adults and adults as well to improve their immunity. Commonyl available winter cherry decoction, capsules or candies can be given on a daily basis for better immunity power. I personally am not a great fan of the candy, because it contains very little Ashwagandha and lot of sugar but if there are no other options, this could work. In India, a medicine is made with various herbs and given to children to boost their immunity and improve digestion. Winter cherry is an important element in these medicines.
To increase body weight
Method:
- Wet grind the roots and leaves of Ashwagandha.
- Mix this in a glass of milk.
- Add little palm sugar to this milk.
- Stir and drink for weight gain and to reduce fatigue.
Alternatively, you can buy the herbal powder of Ashwagandha (referred to as Churna) and mix this with milk.
Online availability of Ashwagandha churna:
In treatment of white patches on the skin
Commonly referred to as leucoderma, white patches on the skin is a problem that affects many. While there are many OTC medicines available for this, the skin friendly properties of Ashwagandha can help reduce the patches. Ashwagandha unlike many other herbs is not commonly available in grocery stores. An Ayurvedic preparation called Ashwagandharishta is made by Ayurvedic centers with a combination of herbs. This tonic can be consumed – 1 teaspoon a day for treatment of leucoderma.
Online availability of Ashwagandharishta:
To treat arthritis
Ashwagandha has been found to be highly useful in the treatment of arthritis and joint pain / inflammation. One teaspoon of Ashwagandha churna may be taken on a daily basis to alleviate joint pain due to arthritis. Capsules could also be taken if you;re not fond of the taste of churna.
To treat diabetes
Ashwagandha churna or lehya helps to reduce sugar cravings which is required for diabetics to maintain sugar levels. In addition, drinking a juice made of half a bitter gorud and one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder (churna) twice a week in the mornings can help reduce blood sugar levels. This treatment may not be recommended for pregnant women.
Stress reliever
Studies have been conducted on the use of Ahswagandha to relieve stress. While the lehyam (herbal paste) of Ashwagandha can treat nerve related disorders when consumed twice a day, for those who would like to reduce stress levels, Ashwagandha lehyam can be taken in doses of half teaspoon a day. Tablets and capsules are also available in select shops. Do your research and buy from the best place.
Treatment of insomnia
Ashwagandha capsules or churna can help reduce the condition of insomnia and get better sleep. Dossolve churna with little palm sugar and a pinch of turmeric powder in milk. Drink this an hour before going to bed to cure the symptoms of insomnia.
In addition to the above, Ashwagandha has also been found to prevent cancer, reduce symptoms of fever and cure chronic illnesses.
Stay healthy!