Botanical Name
Withania somnifera
Plant Part used
Root, Aerial parts
Season for harvesting
February and March
Specification (Marker compound)
Withanolides – NLT 1.5%, 2.5% w/w
Description
It is a small shrub with yellow flowers and native to India and North Africa. It has been used in Ayurveda for more than 6000 years, according to the Charak Samhita in Sanskrit Ashwagandha literally means “smell of a horse” referring to its unique smell and ability to increase strength.
Popularly known as Winter Cherry (Ashwagandha): Is a well-known herb that is commonly used as a diuretic, aphrodisiac, sedative, revitalizing tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, and immune stimulator. It helps to reduce swelling and aids in retaining blood supply in the body. Furthermore, it aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system.
It improves concentration, sexual abilities and asthmatic conditions. Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, grows abundantly in India (especially Madhya Pradesh), Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and parts of northern Africa. Withania Somnifera is a perennial shrub from the Solanaceae or Nightshade family. The root extract has been traditionally used as a tonic and as a sedative.
Therapeutic Applications:
- Used as General tonic and “adaptogen”, helping the body adapt to stress. Helps improve brain function including memory.
- Increase muscle mass and strength.
- Used as sedative or calming agent for insomnia: the species Latin name “somnifera” means “soporific”/”tending to cause sleep”.
- Boosts testosterone levels and increases fertility in men
- Coagulant: the berries are used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk in cheese making.
