Ashwagandha Meaning, Healing, and Magical Uses
Welcome to the Masters’ Grimoire of Magical Herbs page for Ashwagandha. Here you will learn everything you've ever wanted to know about this herb including Ashwagandha's magical uses, Ashwagandha physical healing, and emotional healing properties, plus its use in meditation, Ashwagandha lore and legends, and much more!
Introduction to Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha’s ability to work as a stress-protective agent is what makes it so popular.
But let’s start with how to say it: (Ash Wa GONE Duh). Like all adaptogenic herbs, it helps the body maintain homeostasis, even in moments of emotional or physical stress. The ashwagandha plant is botanically known as Withania somnifera root. It is a member of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. Ashwagandha root is also commonly called Indian ginseng, winter cherry, and somnifera root.
The root and leaves of the ashwagandha plant are most commonly used for their medicinal properties, however, ashwagandha is also a flowering plant. It produces small white flowers, as well as red/scarlet berries, the berries of which are utilized along with the roots for medicinal purposes.
The literal meaning of the word ashwagandha is “smell of horse” because the fresh roots of the herb are said to smell like a horse. As the story goes, it’s believed that when you consume it, you may develop the strength and vitality of a horse as well.
The sacred number of Ashwagandha is 182.
Ashwagandha Magical Uses and Purposes
Key Uses: Ashwagandha is an herb of stable relationships, healthy boundaries, and compromise. It promotes calm, constructive communication, as well as mutual trust and respect. Use this herb in rituals and spells for bringing harmony into fractured or strained relationships, or to help bring compassion and affection into one's heart. Ashwagandha also helps to balance mind, body, and spirit, allowing one to act calmly and rationally in high-stress situations.
Ashwagandha is ruled by the planet, Jupiter, and is associated the vata dosha in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. The vata dosha is the mind and body element associated with air and space. It's light, cool, and dry in nature, and it governs all movement and processes in your mind and body—including processes like blood flow, elimination, breathing, and the movement of thoughts in your mind.
Healing with Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha Physical Health Benefits
Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties. While inflammation is a natural response to infection or stress, chronic inflammation over time is linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and bowel diseases. (1)
Ashwagandha can help with thyroid problems, especially in cases of an underactive thyroid. Ashwagandha has been shown to support a sluggish thyroid for people diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, or underactive thyroid. (2)
Research has shown that this herb is effective in supporting adrenal function and helping to overcome adrenal fatigue. Your adrenals are endocrine glands that are responsible for releasing hormones, specifically cortisol and adrenaline, in response to stress. (3)
This herb can help in reducing stress and anxiety due to its apparent ability to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is sometimes referred to as the "stress hormone." In a 2009 study, findings showed that ashwagandha is comparable to common drugs, lorazepam and imipramine, without the side effects. (4)
This herb can also aid in relieving symptoms of depression. The herb improves resistance toward stress, and studies show that it thereby improves people’s self-assessed quality of life. In a 2000 experimental study involving rats, ashwagandha efficacy was compared to the antidepressant medication imipramine. Researchers found that it exhibited antidepressant effects that were comparable to imipramine when rats were exposed to “behavioral despair” and “learned helplessness” tests.(5)
This herb contains phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
Data also suggests that ashwagandha extract may be helpful in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammatory markers in humans. (6)
This herb may have promising anti-tumor effects and may help to reduce tumor cell growth due its immune-boosting and antioxidant activities. (7)
According to recent studies, this herb may, not only reduce anxiety and stress, but also protect the brain from cell degeneration. (8)
It may also improve memory and help with memory disorders. Withaferin A and withanolide D are the two main withanolides in ashwagandha that are used to improve cognitive function. (8)
Because ashwagandha works as an adaptogen that can reduce the body’s stress hormones, it can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation within the body. Animal and laboratory research shows that it can enhance immune function by increasing immunoglobulin production. (9)
This herb can increase stamina and endurance during physical activity by sharpening brain function and reducing bodily pain. (10)
Ashwagandha may be able to increase muscle mass and strength, maknig it a useful tool in resistance training. (11)
It may also help to reduce fatigue and joint pain. (12)
In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been used as a natural aphrodisiac that can help improve sexual dysfunction. It is also used to boost testosterone levels and improve male fertility. (13)
Spiritual Healing with Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has a mythical reputation as a herb of longevity and an elixir of life.
It is useful for all who wish to strengthen their Chi, the vital energy of the body.
It helps to cope with excessive stress and will strengthen the power of endurance.
It sharpens mental powers and enhances memory.
Ashwagandha is a valuable aid to those who are studying.
Its aphrodisiac powers will be appreciated by those who practice tantra or sex magic.
Combine with herbs, oils and crystals that have similar properties to potentially increase magick’s power.
Promotes balance, longevity, and strength.
Can aid the body, mind and spirit in returning to equilibrium and vitality.
Promotes sexual desire and sexual confidence.
Increases love and passion in relationships, as well as promoting self-love and self-acceptance.
Emotional Healing with Ashwagandha
Ashawagandha is an herb of balance, empathy, and compassion. It aids in mending strained bonds in relationships by opening the mind to forgiveness and acceptance. It encourages empathy, allowing one to understand the actions of others, whilst having self-awareness for our own actions and behaviors.
The Vata Dosha energy in Ashwagandha will keep you motivated, virile and powerful. It is rich with yang energy, encouraging creativity and action-oriented energies. The vata dosha is the foundation of our sense of well-being, so herbs like ashwagandha are essential to keeping the entire body and mind balanced and grounded.
Ashwagandha is also the herb of healthy, fruitful relationships.
Ashwagandha for Chakra Healing
Ashwagandha is prescribed for treating imbalances of the Root Chakra. The Root Chakra is the first chakra also sometimes known as the Base Chakra, the red chakra, or Muladhara. It is located at the base of the spine and controls the kinesthetic energy for feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical energy and spiritual energy for the body.
When the Root Chakra is physically out of balance the symptoms will manifest themselves as lethargy, feeling down, low levels of activity, low enthusiasm, and a need for constant stimulation.
When the spiritual energies of the Root Chakra are out of balance, you will feel flighty, disconnected from reality, and distant. You may begin to doubt your beliefs, stop being loyal to those around you, or find yourself deriving little joy from physical pleasures. You will also likely have a lack of motivation and drive.
Color Energy of Ashwagandha
The color ray for Ashwagandha is scarlet. The scarlet color ray represents combines the energy of the pure red ray and the exuberance and joy of the orange in a precious gift of nature. Scarlet is the color of strength and vitality, both physical and spiritual.
The Scarlet color ray is used when you need protection from physical harm. Travelers, watchmen, and all who have occasion to fear personal harm from attack or misfortune are well advised to use a crystal of the scarlet color ray to focus their efforts at self-protection.
The scarlet ray helps in efforts to overcome fear and improve self-reliance. It is the color ray of victory, success, and skill. When your challenge is physical, and you need to focus and multiply your physical strength and stamina, use a crystal with the scarlet ray of influence.
Athletes, soldiers, workers, and all for whom physical strength is vital can benefit from the rays of a scarlet crystal. Workout efforts can be enhanced and an overall increase in vitality will be observed with careful use of scarlet crystals. Weightlifters, body builders, and track and field competitors can gain significantly from these crystals.
Angels Associated with Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is associated with Sandalphon, the Kingdom Angel and the Master of the 20th Tarot Card "Judgment". He also heals aggressive tendencies and is known as the Angel of Glory. This herb is also associated with Za'aphiel, Ruler of Earth/Storm and is the Angel of Protection during hurricanes.
Ashwagandha and the Goddess
Ashwagandha is sacred to Lakshmi- the Hindu goddess of wealth, health and fertility, Parvati- the Hindu goddess of power, energy, nourishment, harmony, love, beauty, devotion, and motherhood, and Sekhmet, Egyptian goddess of war and healing.
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, health, and fertility. The word Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning "aim" or "goal." In Hinduism, she represents wealth, good fortune, and prosperity, both physically and spiritually. It is said that Lakshmi was born out of the milky white ocean, which birthed both gods and demons. In Hindu mythology, the Milky Ocean represents our mind and heart complex (our consciousness), which hides many jewels and also the poison. Lakshmi is associated with the lotus flower and is often depicted with two elephants spraying water, which represent wisdom and purity that lead to both material and spiritual prosperity. She is the daughter of the mother goddess Durga. and the wife of Vishnu, whom she accompanies as his feminine incarnation or the female aspect of his being. Lakshmi is a mother goddess and domestic deity, the goddess of prosperity, wealth, purity, generosity, and the embodiment of beauty, grace, and charm.
Parvati is the Hindu Goddess of love and marriage. She promotes peace and a long life. She brings in energies of determination, strength, and purification. She also supports the longevity of relationships and a healthy, fruitful life.
Parvati is the goddess of power, nourishment, harmony, and motherhood. She is often portrayed as a nurturing mother goddess. Along with Lakshmi (goddess of fertility and beauty) and Saraswati (goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, and art), she is apart of the Tridevi, the triad of eminent goddesses. Parvati is wife to Shiva and mother to Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Sekhmet is an Egyptian warrior goddess. Daughter of Re, she is one of the female counterparts of the Eye of Re, the vengeful manifestation of Re's power. She is often associated with Hathor, Bastet, Raet-Tawy, and Mut. Sekhmet was usually depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness, on which was placed the solar disk and the uraeus serpent. Sekhmet was associated with disease, but also healing and medicine. She was seen as the protector of the pharaohs and led them in warfare. Upon death, Sekhmet continued to protect them, bearing them to the afterlife.
Ashwagandha Birth Herb
Ashwagandha is one of the birth herbs for those born on January 13, February 14, February 29, May 20, May 25, and December 26. Those with birthdays on these dates will find they have special attraction to Ashwagandha and the magickal energies of Ashwagandha may be dominate in their personality traits.
Ashwagandha I Ching Hexagram
Ashwagandha is governed by Hexagram 54, Managing Relationships. Key energies are: “Rapport, affinity, kinship, liaison, confidence, symbiosis, mutuality, trust, bonding, connection, alliance, and due diligence.” (14).
Ashwagandha Astrological Sign
The zodiac sign associated with Ashwagandha is Taurus, the earthy bull. This grounded sign likely finds itself attracted to this grounded herb. Ashwagandha can help Taureans feel more stable and balanced. Shop for Taurus Crystals and More +
Ashwagandha is associated with the Mansion of the Lake and the Mansion of the Hearth.
Uses of Ashwagandha in Feng Shui
Ashwagandha brings in the energy of the Water and Earth elements.
The fruit of Ashwagandha brings us Water energy. Water energy is Yin, flowing, life giving, adaptable, nurturing and sacred. Use the berries of Ashwagandha for feminine power, adaptability, overcoming obstacles, tolerance, keep the flow of life and money growing, and all efforts to nurture others and yourself.
The roots of Ashwagandha bring us Earth Energy. Earth energy is the the Yin energy of home, roots, family, security, grounding, permanence, and tradition. Use the roots of Ashwagandha for security, family, and maintaining traditional values.
Uses of Ashwagandha in Talismans and Amulets
Ashwagandha is used to make talismans and amulet for needs including: Dealing with Abandonment, Belonging, Comfort, Communication, Companionship, Compatibility, Overcoming Conflict, Contentment, Dealing with Detachment, Emotional Calm, Emotional Strength, Emotional Support, Engagement, Enhanced Listening Skills, Family, Fire Energy, Group Working Together, Health, Home, Dealing with Homesickness, Hospitality, Listening, Material Comfort, Mothering, Praise, Reconciliation, Recreation, Redemption, Relaxation, Renewal, Rest, Establish Roots, Safe Place, Security, Sense of Belonging. Dealing with Separation, Sharing, Spouse, Thinking Critically, Clear Thinking, Togetherness, Understanding, Unity, Warmth, Community, Dedication, Nurturing, Diversity, Domestic Bliss, Empathy, Family Life, Forgiveness, Friendship, Manners, Marriage, Abundance, Enjoyment, Merriment, Better Life, Harmony, Dealing with Aging, Dealing with Aloofness, Answers to Mysteries, Beauty (inner), Belief, Birth, Giving, Centering, Clarity, Concentration, Confession, Discretion, Endurance, Equilibrium, Facing Reality, Focus, Hidden Knowledge, Ideals, Dispelling Illusions, Inner Truth, Intimacy, Introspection, Invincibility, Meaning, Meditation, Soothe a Troubled Mind, Mystery, Peace, Protecting Property, Protection, Quiet, Reflection, Shelter, Conviction, Exploring the Unknown, Visualization, Character, Calmness.
Using Ashwagandha in Divination
Use Ashwagandha in Divinations for understanding healthy boundaries and creating/maintaining productive and healthy relationships. It can also be used in divination to encourage bonding and trust within relationships and friendships.
Meditation with Ashwagandha
The migrating bird does not follow because of the cry of the other birds. Each bird follows its own instinctual call for flight. Although you follow the shape of what you believe will become your future, your destiny is given definition in the mirror of what unfolds right now. (16)
Lore and Legends of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha means "horse's smell." The term refers not only to the smell of a horse, but also to a horse's strength.
Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for almost 6,000 years.
The Maasai people of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania use juice made from ashwagandha leaves for conjunctivitis, and fresh bruised berries applied topically for ringworm.
In Lesotho, ashwagandha bark infusion is used internally for asthma and externally for bedsores.
This herb's use in Ayurvedic medicine extends back to the teachings of the most esteemed Hindu sages (rishis), Punarvasu Atreya.
It has been used as a rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine. A rasayana is a treatment that releases emotional tension and physical discomfort, and creates a foundation of wellness and stability in the body.
Nicole Farmer
Nicole is a Certified Crystal Master, Crystal Herb Master, and Master of the Tarot. She has been working with crystals, herbs, and the tarot for over 10 years. She is the co-author and teacher of the Crystal Master Herbalist Course offered by the Crystal Guild. Nicole is a Florida native and has been with Crystal Vaults for over 7 years.
Share this page:
Always stay up to date on crystals, sales, get the latest guides, and more by joining our email list!
We're proudly spam-free and will only send you the best crystal info and sales.
References
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29620265
2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28829155/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6240259/
4 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0006628
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4757043/
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4899165/
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471731/
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5407122/
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26730141/
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658772/
12 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4405924/
13 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19501822/
14 Mark McElroy. I Ching for Beginners: A Modern Interpretation of the Ancient Oracle (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Kindle Locations 914-916). Kindle Edition.
15 https://eclecticwitchcraft.com/the-astrological-correspondences-of-herbs-and-plants/
16 https://www.cafeausoul.com/oracles/iching/kui-mei-propriety
Sacred numbers of herbs are revealed in the “Ritual of the Sacred Number” ceremony performed monthly by Crystal Master Herbalist when the Moon is transiting the Mansion of the Herbalist.
(Please note: Information on this website is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this website, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements, or exercise programs.)