Ashwagandha Leaves Medicinal Uses

The leaves of Ashwagandha has Antihelmintic, Anti-tumour, Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective activities. The leaves contain 12 withanolides, including withaferin which is antitumour, antiarthritic and antibacterial. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a very important plant of Ayurveda.

Overview

Its root is considered Indian Ginseng and used as tonic for reproductive system. Ashwagandha root powder is used in treatment of variety of diseases. The leaves of this plant are also of medicinal importance. These are used in variety of diseases.  Anti-inflammatory activity of leaves is due to biologically active steroids, of which withaferin A is a major component.

Vernacular names of Ashwagandha

Ayurvedic name: Ashwagandhaa, Ashwakanda, Gandharvagandhaa, Turaga, Turagagandhaa, Vaajigandhaa

Unani: Asgandh, Siddha: Amukkuramkizhangu, English: Winter Cherry, Taxonomical classification

Kingdom: Plantae, Subkingdom: Tracheobionta, Vascular plants, Super division: Spermatophyta, Seed plants

Division: Angiosperma, Class: Dicotyledons , Order: Tubiflorae , Family: Solanaceae, Genus: Withania, Species: somnifera Dunal

Medicinal Uses of Ashwagandha leaves

Tumours, tuberculous gland

1. Externally apply leaves paste on affected areas.

Swelling, Inflammation, Boils

1. Take fresh Ashwagandha leaves. Wash to remove dirt and crush it. Make a paste and apply on affected body part.
2. Carbuncle (is a condition of severe abscess or multiple boil/blisters in the skin, typically infected with staphylococcus bacteria) and similar skin condition
3. Take few fresh leaves of Ashwagandha. Apply castor oil on these and warm them on flame. Apply on affected areas.

Conjunctivitis

• Carefully wash fresh Ashwagandha leaves. Crush in mortar and pestle to extract juice. Put few drops in eyes. Make sure leaves are clean and juice extracted in not contaminated.

Sore eyes and swollen hands and feet

• Apply fomentation of the leaves.

Fever

• Soak few leaves in water and use as drinking water.

Blood purification

• Make infusion of Ashwagandha leaves and drink it.