Information On Ashwagandha - Withania Somnifera

Other Common Names: Ajagandha, Clustered Wintercherry, Kanaje Hindi, Orovale, Samm Al Ferakh, Strychnos, Withania somnifera

Range: Australia, E. Asia, Africa.

Habitat: Open places, disturbed areas etc. An undershrub in stony places.

Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquilisers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejunative effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid recovery after chronic illness. The plant is little known in the West.

The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic. Internally, it is used to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum difficulties. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis etc. Externally it has been applied as a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic.

The fruit is diuretic. The seed is diuretic and hypnotic.The seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses. The fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute. The leaves are an insect repellent.

- Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986

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