For the many who suffer from anxiety and stress there is an answer the natural way. Ashwagandha, the most well-known, and famous Ayurvedic herb, which is used in many tonics.
Ashwagandha can be used by both men and women as it acts to calm the mind and body.
ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera, Dunal)
Taste: Bitter and astringent Attribute: Light and oily
Potency: Hot
Long-Term: Sweet
General Action: Rejuvenating, tonic, corrects impotency, increases ojas, corrects debility, reduce stress, immunomodulator, antitumor
Specific Action: Aphrodisiac, rejuvenating
Therapeutic Action: Lowers vata and kapha, okay for pitta in moderate doses unless toxins are present
Ashwangandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well-known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility. It is used in many general tonics and preparations, such as Chavana Prash. Ashwagandha is especially good for lowering vata in men or women, and rejuvenating vata sits in the body, such as bone marrow (the site of B and T cell production). Although considered to be the primary tonic for men, it can be safely used by women for up to one year in cases of general debility, pregnancy, and high vata.
Clinical studies show that ashwagandha has antibacterial antitumor, anti0inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. A separate study also showed immunomodulatory (harmonizes immune function) effects, including a positive effect on the central nervous system.
These tests show strong anti-stress actions, increased memory, and learning capabilities. The strong anti-stress properties include both mental and physical stress and exhaustion. Furthermore, this test indicates the low order of toxicity of the plant, supporting the Ayurvedic view that it is safe for long-term consumption. It has also exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities in a raw or unprocessed state and it has antibiotic effects. Many studies have documented the profound antitumor action of ashwagandha, suggesting possible anticancer effects.
Other studies substantiate the tonic effect on the heart and lungs that Ayurveda has known about for so long. One study showed a prolonged hypotensive (stablizes low blood pressure), bradycardiac (regulating heartbeat), and respiratory-stimulating action. In tests on the central nervous system mild depressant effects were noted, but when electroshock were administered, ashwagandha actually protected the subjects. This indicated the strong nourishing and protective effect it has on the nervous system. Large doses of the root show radio-protection from X-rays. In addition the anti-arthritic effects, the prevention of necrosis of liver tissue, the rejuvenation of these liver tissues (which can reduce death probability) and the intestinal anti-inflammatory actions of ashwagandha clearly show why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic.
Dose: 2 to 3 grams per day with milk (or warm water)
Shilajit is obtained from rocks in the Himalayan region. It is a form of mineral that drips from the cracks of the rocks during hot weather. it is decomposition of the plant matter in the rocks centuries before. The biotransformed plant matter is extruded from the rocks by geothermal pressures. it is collected in raw form for further purification. Walking high in the Himalayan mountains, a thick rich paste oozing out from the rocks in the towering cliffs is Shilajit. It increases the core energy responsible for sexual and spiritual power, the same force that is withered by stress and anxiety. The use of Shilajit for renewing vitality.
After 4 months of taking the magical elixir my energy is back with a bang. I noticed after about 2 months that it increased libido as well as stimulating cognition and memory. I am a true believer in Shilajit as one of the greatest preventative measure against todays disease and sickness.
A brief description…
SHILAJIT, Silajatu, Mineral Pitch (Asphaltum)
Taste: Pungent, bitter Attribute: Light, oily
Potency: Hot
Long-Term: Pungent
General Action: Rejuvenating, urinary tonic, aphrodisiac, antidiabetic, antiparasite
Specific Action: Rejuvenating
Therapeutic Action: Depending on the variety, it can be balancing to all the three doshas according to several Ayurvedic materia medica and the caraka Samhita, but generally people say that it lowers
kapha, vata, and increases pitta.
Shilajit os one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. It has a special effect on the kidneys, urinary system, and reproductive organs. It is included in many different formulas as it is said to enhance the effect of any herb with which it is combined. It is used in Ayurveda to treat diabetes and al debilitating urinary problem. It is used in consumptive type diseases, to treat asthma, the kidneys, hemorrhoids, anemia, epilepsy, skin diseases, and parasitic infections. It is also used to treat impotency and infertility, and as such it is considered to be an aphrodisiac.
While Ayurveda considered shilajit to be of a mineral origin, the by-product of certain stones in the Himalayas, there is now strong evidence to show that shilajit is of vegetable origin. Shilajit is a black or brown bitumen-like tar that seeps out of certain rocks in the Himalayas during the hot summer. As early as 1942, tests concluded that neither bitumen nor minerals resins have any significant role in the formation of shilajit. Other studies in 1958, 1970, 1973,and 1976 have continued to uphold this finding and, in addition, have found a link to a cactus-like plant, Euphornia royleana, Bioss. This plant is very rich in latex and has many of the same organic components, which indicate that the chemical constituents of shilajit are derived from the latex of the E. Royleana plant. These findings have been supported by another study done in 1978 that actually discusses the manner of formation that results in the tar.
The Caraka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize their regenerating effects. Shilajit is extracted from the rocks by boiling them, then it is stained off and cooked with Triphala. It is most often used in rejuvenating formulas, although it may be purchased in a tar-like form. This tar, or tablets, should be taken with milk twice to three times per day for several months.
Dose: 1 to 2 grams two or three times per day
