Aswagandha – Withania Somnifera

Aswagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most well-known herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Often we will meet it as "winter cherry" or "Indian ginseng". It belongs to the solanoid family, i.e. the same family as tomato, potato and eggplant.
It grows in India, North Africa, America and other parts of the world. The plant is very hardy and can grow well even in poor soil. From this property we understand the power of the plant to adapt to the external conditions and maintain its potential even if the factors do not favor it. Ayurveda rightly classifies it as an adaptogenic herb.

The part of the plant used is the root powder and as an adaptogenic herb it provides a unique combination of nutrition and energy, supporting the strength of the nervous system. It achieves this by adjusting its action on the body according to the needs it needs to meet.

Aswagandha provides energy and vitality during the day, calm and deep sleep during the night. The latest research on the effect of the herb focuses on the strengthening of the immune and reproductive systems, the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland, the maintenance of muscle mass, anti-inflammatory properties, the enhancement of memory and concentration, as well as the successful management of stress .

The taste of the plant is bitter, astringent and sweet. It has warming properties and is the ideal herb for alleviating vata dosha (internal wind).
The traditional way to consume the root powder is ½ c.c. in a cup of warm water with a little honey. Honey helps as a transporter of the nutrients of the root to the deeper tissues of the body.
Its consumption should be avoided during pregnancy.

The text is informative and in no way replaces the advice of a doctor.

Sources
-Pubmed
-Book Yoga of herbs, David Frawley and Vasant Lad
-Mahdi, AAetal, Withania somnifera improves sperm quality in stress related male fertility. Evidence based complementary alternative Med.Sept 29 2009