Ashwagandha Root
Ashwagandha root is an herb similar to ginseng (and sometimes called Indian ginseng), used traditionally in
Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is known as a vitality tonic and
adaptogen.
Botanical name:
Withania somnifera Dunal.
Common name: Ashwagandha
Synonyms: winter cherry, Indian ginseng, Ayurvedic ginseng
The Plant: Ashwagandha is considered one of the most valued herbs in the Indian Materia Medica. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha continues to reign as one of the most highly prized botanicals. It is included in many formulas for its vitality-boosting and tonic properties.
The 3- to 5-foot ashwagandha shrub is widely distributed throughout southeastern Europe, Asia and Africa, where it often grows as a weed. In India, large quantities are cultivated for use in a variety of formulas, and the plant also grows wild throughout the drier regions.
The ashwagandha plant’s pubescent stems and leaves are grey-green in color and the fruits are red and covered with a membrane. The long taproot is the primary part of the plant used in Ayurveda.
Constituents of Note: Withanolides, are an important group of constituents specific to the nightshade family of which ashawandha is a member. Ashwagandha root contains two other main active constituent groups — alkaloids and flavonoids.
Quality: Ashwagandha root is light brown to light yellow in color. The flavor is somewhat bitter with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
Regulatory Status: Dietary Supplement
Did you know? The name ashwagandha is derived from ahsa meaning "horse" and gandhameaning "smell," which means ashwagandha literally means "horse smell."
Directions: For a tea, boil 1/2 teaspoon. (3 to 5 grams) of ashwagandha root in one cup of water for 10 minutes, cool and strain.
Traditionally, a tea is made with milk and sugar or honey and taken at bedtime to promote dreamless sleep.
Suggested Uses: In the Ayurvedic tradition, ashwagandha is considered an overall tonic and especially a male tonic, an adaptogen and a revitalizer.
Caution/Safety: The Botanical Safety Handbook* classifies Ashwagandha Root as:
Class:2b not to be used during pregnancy
Class 2d may potentiate the effects of barbiturates
*Michael McGuffin, ed., American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook, (New York: CRC Press, 1997)
Our ashwagandha is grown in India.
