Ashwagandha, Ashwagandha Herb, Withania somnifera Herb

Ashwagandha also known as Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi and Samm Al Ferakh

History

It is native to dry regions of India. It is also the native of Australia, E. Asia, and Africa. This herb is used for 4000 years plus in India. It is a very important herb in ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine. Ashwagandha in Sanskrit means "horse's smell", probably originating from the odor of its root which resembles that of sweaty horse. The species name somnifera means "sleep-bearing" in Latin. Traditional uses of Ashwagandha among tribal peoples in Africa include fevers and inflammatory conditions.

The use of Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic medicine extends back over 3000 to 4000 years to the teachings of an esteemed rishi (sage) Punarvasu Atriya. It has been described in the sacred texts of Ayurveda, including the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas.

Ashwagandha grows prolifically in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Plant Description

Ashwagandha is a small, branched, perennial woody shrub that grows usually about 2 feet in height and is naturally found in diverse areas ranging from Africa, the Mediterranean and East into India. Because of its wide range, there is considerable morphological and chemo typical variations in terms of local species.

Ashwagandha has sessile, axillary, greenish or lurid yellow flowers. They are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs)

The fruit is Orange-red berry, smooth, oblong, rounded or somewhat produced at base.

It has a more or less tuberous root

The seeds are yellow and scurfy.

The fruit is harvested in the late fall and the bright yellow seeds are dried for planting in the following spring.

Cultivation

Withania somnifera need full sun to partial shade with a well-drained slightly alkaline soil mix. Plants do best when the soil pH is 7.5-8.0.

The plants are allowed to dry thoroughly in between watering. Plants are fertilized once during the year with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label.

It is propagated by division, cuttings or seed. The fresh root of one year old plants are harvested from January to March. It is either dried whole or cut in short transverse pieces and dried directly in the sun. Seed is the best way to propagate them. Seed sown on moist sand will germinate in 14-21 days.

Parts Used

The roots, Bitter leaves and the seeds of the fruits are used in varied purposes.

Main Constituents

Ashwagandha root contains flavonoids and many active ingredients of the withanolide class. The distinctive earthy odor and flavor of Ashwagandha is due to the presence of certain steroidal lactones or Withanolides. These molecules which are steroidal in nature are believed to account for the multiple medicinal applications of Ashwagandha.

Other major Alkaloids: Somniferine, somnine, somniferinine, withananine, pseudo-withanine, tropino, pseudotropine, choline, cuscohygrine, isolettetierine, anaferine, anahydrine, 3-alpha-gloyloxy tropane, etc.

Uses

Ashwagandha is used as a general tonic and "adaptogen", helping the body adapt to stress. There is an herb regarded as a 1st class adaptogenic tonic in one of the world's greatest herbal medical systems.
Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquillizers used in India.
Ashwagandha has been shown to possess antioxidant activity as well as an ability to support a healthy immune system.
It has the ability to increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina, promote longevity and strengthen the immune system without stimulating the body's reserves.
It has the ability to nurture the nervous system, counteract anxiety and stress to promote a calm state of mind.
Ashwagandha is also anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-anxiety calmative, anti tussive (alleviating coughs), aphrodisiac, and sedative and as an overall rejuvenate.
Ashwagandha is also useful for strengthening the female reproductive system. It potentate reproductive hormones.
Because the primary quality and flavor of Ashwagandha is sharp and pungent, it helps in raising metabolism, stimulates digestion, clears mucus, and improves circulation.
It is used as a Kidney tonic because of its warming, aphrodisiac properties.
It is used for tumors, inflammation (including arthritis), and a wide range of infectious diseases.
Large doses of Ashwagandha may possess abortifacient properties so that it should not be taken drink pregnancy unless under the direction of an experienced health professional. - Seeds possess the property of coagulating milk, but they also contain poisonous properties. Leaves and root are narcotic. Root is diuretic and deobstruent, tonic, alterative and aphrodisiac.
The seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses
The bitter leaves are used as a hypnotic in the treatment of alcoholism and to relax the spasms of the lungs for the treatment of asthma and emphysema.
Ashwagandha is frequently a constituent of Ayurvedic formulas, including a relatively common one known as shilajit.

Herb : Ashwagandha