Ashwagandha

“Smell of the horse” in Sanskrit as the roots may smell like this! May also translate to “vitality of a horse”.

Latin binomial: Withania somnifera (somnifera is Latin for “sleep inducing”)

Plant family: Solanaceae – Nightshade family

AKA:Winter Cherry, Hindi: Asagandh, Withania, Indian Ginseng, Poison Gooseberry

Type: perennial. Prefers temperate and arid climates.

Description: Can grow up to 5 feet. Oval shaped leaves, simple, covered in small hairs on stem and leaves. Cyme flowers transition from green to white to yellow- racially symmetric. Orange to red berries. Brown sepals enclose berry. Yellow kidney-shaped seeds. White to yellow-brown fleshy main taproot.

Propagation: seeds or cuttings.

Harvest: Leaves in spring and roots/fruit in autumn.

Energetic properties: pungent, warming, drying

Taste: sweet, bitter

Constituents: alkaloids, steroidal lactones (leaves) including withanolides, iron , saponins

Meridians/Organs Affected: Kidneys and heart. Yang tonic.

Actions: adaptogenic, tonic, mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, antianemic, antitumour (in high doses), abortifacient, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, anxiolytic, immunomodulator, thermogenic, stimulant.

Preparations: Decoction: root 5g with 1.5 cup water for stress. Capsules: powdered root for nervous system. Powder: made from leaves for anemia

Leaves: contain the most withanolides- may inhibit cancer growth

Roots: strengthening and calming tonic

Berries: may help convalescence when chewed

According to herbrally.com, “ashwagandha’s bitter leaves are often used as a hypnotic in the treatment of addiction and to relax spasms of the lungs in cases of asthma and emphysema. The seeds of the fruit are also diuretic, and the flowers are astringent and aphrodisiac”

Possible Benefits:

• Supports the circadian rhythm (sleep patterns) and parasympathetic nervous system “rest and restore”.

• May help with insomnia, seasonal depression, anxiety, burnout, concentration, neuroplasticity, forgetfulness, male infertility, autoimmune disease (nerve nourishing), arthritis (when combined with boswellia and turmeric), may be used for hypothyroidism, asthma, bronchitis, anemia, stamina, and being underweight.

• One main benefits is due to its withanolides. These act as hormone precursors. The body uses these to convert into human physiological hormones. If there is an excess of a certain hormone, the withanolides block absorption without converting to these hormones, thus regulating them.

• Nurtures and fortifies thyroids, adrenals, nervous system, and immune systems.

• “...ashwagandha acts as an immunomodulant by preventing white blood cell depletion and by activating lymphocytes” (Ashwagandha: The Herbarium, n.d.).

• According to Herbrally.com, “The Maasai people of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania use juice made from ashwagandha leaves for conjunctivitis, and fresh bruised berries applied topically for ringworm. In Lesotho, ashwagandha bark infusion is used internally for asthma and externally for bedsores. The tender shoots are commonly eaten as a vegetable in India".

• It is a slow and restorative supporter and healer for depletion and exhaustion.

Note: This herb seems to be effective when used consistently and over time. Many sources say that it is most likely safe to take long-time; however, decreasing doses may be beneficial once acute symptoms are alleviated.

Steeping the powder or sifted root in fatty milk or milk substitute (e.g. almond, coconut, or hemp) may increase benefits towards fat-rich organs and nervous system.

The leaves can be made into a poultice to alleviate inflammation from boils when applied locally.

Warning:

• Do not use with barbiturates- may intensify effects.

• Do not use it during pregnancy without professional supervision.

• Use with caution if you have aversions to any other members of the nightshade family (e.g. tomatoes, potatoes, etc).

• Do not take for hyperthyroidism.

• The plant is toxic if eaten.

• Large doses may cause diarrhea and vomiting.

*Information on plant profiles is for education purposes only and should not be taken as a recommendation or prescription. Please seek professional guidance and care as individual needs, medical history, properties, etc need to be taken into consideration.

Ashwagandha: The Herbarium. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://herbarium.theherbala cademy.com/monographs/

Ashwagandha Monograph. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.herbrally.com/ monographs/ashwagandha

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of herbal medicine. London: DK/Penguin Random House.

Groves, M. N. (2016). Body into balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

Swift, K. (2018, June 11). Ashwagandha: Herb of the Week · CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism. Retrieved from https://commonwealthherbs.com/ashwagandha-herb-week/

The Doctors Book of Herbal Home Remedies: Cure yourself with nature's most powerful healing agents. (2000). Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

Withania somnifera. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.innerpath.com.au/matmed/herbs/ Withania_somnifera.htm

Withania somnifera. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.herb-pharm.com/ingredients/withania-somnifera/