Ashwaganda ~ Withania somnifera

Ashwaganda

Latin name: Withania somnifera

Family: Solanaceae

Part used: root

Habitat: native to Australia, E. Asia, Africa

Main constituents: steroidal lactones (withanolides), alkaloids, fatty acids, beta-sitesterol, polyphenols and phytosterols

Energetics: bitter, earthy

Main herbal actions: sedative, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory

Minor herbal actions: adaptogenic, immunomodulating

Main medicinal uses: nervous exhaustion, stress-induced conditions, anemia, impotence,

Minor medicinal uses: cognitive decline or deficits, chronic inflammation

Preparations: decoction: 1 Tbsp/cup water; 1:1 tincture: 10-60 gtt tid-qid; powder: 2-25 grams (Khalsa)

Contraindications: pregnancy

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; www.herbmed.org/Herbs/Herb136.htm; florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/localweb/199200148.html