Common names:  Withania, “Indian Ginseng”, Winter cherry.

Scientific name:  Withania somnifera

Where it is found:  The plant is native to Asia and Africa, but is also cultivated in Israel.

Parts of plant used:  The root, leaves, fruit, and seeds.

How to use Ashwagandha:  The leaves possess a narcotic action, and the seeds are used to coagulate milk. The fruit decocted in water is used externally for eye diseases and the leaves are applied to wounds and skin infections. A paste made from fresh leaves and roots and is applied externally to boils, swelling, and rheumatism. Currently, Ashwagandha is available in commerce in pill or capsule form, alone or in combination with other herbs. 

Uses:  Ashwagandha has been used in India’s Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani-Tibb systems of medicine for thousands of years, mainly as an adaptogen (helps to adapt to stressful situations), as well as to increase libido in both men and women, improve sperm quality, stimulate growth in children, and to calm the nerves. The plant has also been used for the treatment of debility, emaciation, impotence, and premature ageing. Research undertaken to elucidate its pharmacological actions has shown that the plant possesses antitumor and adaptogenic actions similar to those found in Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng-Araliaceae). For this reason, Ashwagandha is also known in commerce as “Indian ginseng”, although the two species are botanically unrelated.

Ashwagandha can be usefulness as an anxiolytic (to decrease anxiety), as well as an antidepressant.  Ashwagandha root may also improve learning and memory.  Its active ingredients may have a role in the treatment of certain cancers, microbial infection, immune-modulation, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Safety/Precautions:

• Even though there are contradictory reports as to its effects on pregnancy, it is perhaps best to avoid it during gestation, especially during the first trimester.
• Its use during lactation has not been thoroughly investigated, but it is considered to be compatible with breastfeeding, according to Indian traditional medicine (World Health Organization, 1990; Kapoor, 1990.

Before you decide to take any medicinal herb or herbal supplement, be sure to consult with your health care professional first. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication: Always be on the safe side!