Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha or Winter Cherry
Ashwagandha, the Sanskrit name for winter cherry, translates as “that which has the smell of a horse,” as the plant was believed to endow any who took it with the strength, vitality, and sexual energy of a horse. Also called “Indian ginseng,” it is one of Ayurveda’s most important tonic herbs. It is less expensive than Korean ginseng, can be just as effective, and is becoming more readily available in the West. In extensive studies, it has proved an invigorating tonic for the elderly and shown significant antitumor activity in laboratory tests.
Character: Bitter, astringent, sweet, hot.
Constituents: Alkaloids (including anaferine and isopelietierine), steroidal lactones (including withanolides, and withaferins), saponins, iron.
Actions: Tonic, nervine, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor.
PARTS USED
ROOT
The root is used as a tonic to encourage healthy growth in children and combat emaciation caused by famine. It is important for the elderly increasing vigor and energy and, in one clinical trial, improved sexual performance in more than 70% of the men over age fifty involved. Studies have also shown that it can help increase body weight, slow the development of lung cancers in laboratory animals, and apparently encourage tumor regression in some cases. Studies also suggest ashwagandha can nourish the blood, improving hemoglobin levels in anemia. The plant shows strong anti-inflammatory activity similar in action to human steroidal hormones.
LEAVES
The leaves are traditionally used as a calming, sleep-inducing remedy in exhaustion and fevers.
APPLICATIONS
Root
Powder/capsules: Use 250 mg to 1 g per dose as a restorative tonic in overwork, exhaustion, sleep problems, and debility caused by chronic disease. Up to 5 g per day can be used in warm milk sweetened with a little sugar. Regular use can also help in degenerative disorders such as arthritis.
Decoction: Drink a cup for weakness in pregnancy or use ½ cup to encourage healthy growth in children or to help strengthen weak and emaciated children. The root is also decocted in milk to enhance its tonic effects or can be combined with half as much long pepper to similarly increase its potency.
Wash: Use the decoction externally as a wash for wounds, sores, and skin inflammations.
Tonic wine: Use the tonic wine or tincture as the basis for an iron tonic in anemia, which will also encourage hemoglobin production.
Leaves
Infusion: Used as a calming narcotic for those suffering from debilitating fevers and stress. Drink a cup at night.
Powder: Studies suggest the leaves may help act as a preventative for cancer: take ½ teaspoon in a little water each day.