
Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera
general characteristics
general characteristics
Common names include Indian ginseng, winter cherry, poison gooseberry. The word somnifera derives from the Latin for 'sleep inducing'. The ashwagandha part is derived from the 'smell of the horse' possibly due to the horse like aroma of the roots.
Ashwagandha is a small shrubby perennial plant native to India and the Asian continent, commonly grown in the Mediterranean and North Africa. It is a member of the Solanaceae family (as is the potato, tomato and deadly nightshade). The flowers are small and greenish yellow and typical of the nightshade family. The flowers are followed by small red berries, encased in a papery lantern like structure initially, which then open to reveal the bright red fruits. The berries can be used as a rennet substitute in cheese making. The whole plant grows up to around 75cm in height and is somewhat straggly and woody in appearance.
It grows best in full sun with dryish sandy soil.
Ashwagandha dried herb and tincture are available to buy in our herbal shop.
harvesting and preparation
harvesting and preparation
The parts used medicinally include the roots and leaves. The roots are thought to have a greater concentration of active constituents than the leaves and are the most commonly used part medicinally. We will be referring to the root as the herb unless otherwise stated.
therapeutic actions and uses
therapeutic actions and uses
dosage and cautions
dosage and cautions
*Generally ashwagandha is considered a safe herb, suitable for old and young alike with few side effects. However most agree to take ashwagandha for shorter periods (up to a month) at any one time with a break of several weeks in between courses of the herb as its effects can be powerful and long lasting.
*Use ashwagandha as part of a herbal formula with ashwagandha making up no more than 25% of the herbal mixture.
*Ashwagandha has powerful effects on the thyroid and more recent research suggests it may overstimulate the thyroid leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, traditional use supports the thyroid hormone balancing action of ashwagandha and has been used for both hypo and hyperthyroidism. Caution should be advised if taking ashwagandha for thyroid conditions and pay careful attention to any side effects.
*Some sources suggest you should not use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Many expereinced traditional herbalists disagree with this however.
*Discontinue use if unusual symptoms appear when taking this herb.
*Their is some specualtion that one should not use ashwagandha if taking sedatives or immune suppressing medications.
*Some suggest that ashwagndha may worsen the symptoms of so called 'autoimmune disorders' due to its immune stimulating actions but traditional use suggests the contrary.
Adult
Dried root in tea form: make a decoction by simmering 1 teaspoon of root (around 1g) in a mug of water for 15minutes minimum, allow to cool a little, strain and drink. Up to 3 cups daily.
Powdered root: fill one standard empty capsule (around 1g) and take up to 3 capsules daily.
Tincture: 1 teaspoon (5ml) up to 3 times a day, before meals.
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