Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal)
- Local name: Asgandh (Hindi), Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry (English)
- Habitat: Found all over India
- Part used: Whole plant, mainly root
- General description: Ashwagandha is native to drier parts of India. It is a perennial herb that is short and tender, growing 35–75 cm tall. Velvet-hairy branches extend radially from a central stem. Leaves are dull green, elliptic, and usually 10–12 cm long. The flowers are small, green, and bell-shaped. Orange fruits are found in persistent papery sepals that follow the small greenish flowers.
Uses of Ashwagandha:
- Fatigue: Ashwagandha powder (2 gm–6 gm) with milk or ghee is useful in general weakness.
- Insomnia: Ashwagandha powder (2 gm–3 gm) with sugar, milk, or cow’s ghee is useful in sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
- Neurological/degenerative problems: Ashwagandha powder (2 gm–6 gm) boiled with milk is useful in neurological problems and degenerative arthritis.
