Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub that is part of the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Common names include Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng, and Poison Gooseberry.

The word “Ashwagandha” is Sanskrit for “the smell of the horse”.  While that may not sound appetizing, the roots do smell a little horsey! However, the name also derives from its reputed ability to give the user strength and virility. Interestingly, the Latin translation for the botanical name, somnifera, is ‘sleep-inducing’ and the herb does aid sleep.

While Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in India and surrounding regions, it is increasingly popular with western individuals searching for natural ways to stay healthy and happy.

The History of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is revered in India, and remedies made from the root have been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine since circa 6,000 BC. It is classed as a Rasayana which means it is used to rejuvenate, restore health, and promote longevity and overall physical and emotional well-being.

It is also used to improve hormonal function and memory, as a detoxifying/purifying agent, an aphrodisiac, an antiparasitic, and a diuretic and as a general tonic and as an adaptogen that combats the effects of stress and aids sleep. In some forms, it can be applied topically to bites and stings and to improve and maintain joint health. The fine root powder was and is often mixed with water, honey, or ghee (clarified butter).

Where This Plant is Found

This shrub is native to the drier regions of the Indian subcontinent (India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan), Northern Africa, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Middle East.

Due to its increasing popularity and use, you will now find Ashwagandha growing wild and in gardens in countries around the world – including the US – where the climate is temperate. It is also cultivated in several countries including China, Yemen, and Nepal.

Related: The Complete Map of Edible Plants: Find Out What You Have in Your Area! (Video)

How to Identify Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an evergreen, woody perennial shrub that only reaches approximately 3.3 – 4.9 feet / 1 – 1 ½ meter in height and 1.65 – 3 feet / ½ – 1 meter in width. It is described as a pungent-smelling and compact plant. A distinguishing feature is that the entire plant is covered in short and extremely fine silver-grey hairs.

• Stems: the stems or stalks are green to brownish and the lower portion may be leafless.
• Leaf: The leaves are oval, velvety, and smell like green tomatoes. The tops are smooth and dark green whereas the underside is hairy and lighter in color. Leaves reach 7 centimeters / 2 ¾ inches long and 4 ½ centimeters / 1 ¾ inches wide.
• Flower: The flowers are small and pale green. They are bell-shaped but open into a five-petaled star shape. Each cluster of up to 7 flowers forms at a leaf node rather than at the end of a stem or stalk.
• Root: Ashwagandha roots are similar in shape to carrots and ginger. They are thick and fleshy and can reach lengths of up the 12 inches or 30 centimeters. Each main root has multiple, smaller lateral roots.
• Fruit: The berries are small (5 – 8 millimeters / 0.2 – 0.3 inches) in diameter, red, and round. Each berry is surrounded by a papery calyx which turns brown as it matures and as the berry ripens.
• Seeds: The seeds are small, brown, kidney-shaped, and have a rough surface.

How to Grow Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha prefers warm, even hot, weather. However, it will grow elsewhere if it is planted in full sun and in a sheltered location. You will need to cover the plant in the winter months to protect it from the cold. The soil can be acid, neutral, or alkaline, and sandy, loamy, or even clay, but it must be well-drained. It can be grown indoors. In terms of growing this shrub, you could either purchase a seedling or young plant or propagate from seeds if you have some that you have harvested.

Seeds don’t need to be pretreated with either cold or heat and can be planted as-is. Simply scatter them onto the surface and then cover them with a light layer of soil and gently pat down. Keep the seeds warm and moist until they germinate; this usually takes 3 – 6 weeks. They will also need light to grow.

You can separate and plant out the seedlings into pots when they are large enough. After the frosts are over, the young Ashwagandha plants can then be transplanted into your garden.

Like all plants, this one is prone to some pests and diseases: leaf spot, treehoppers, red spider mites, and mealybugs. Each will be dealt with differently and both natural and chemical options are available.

Related: 10 Plants That You Should Never Plant Together (Video)

How to Harvest This Plant

Ashwagandha fruit is not edible, and the leaves are rarely used. The part of this medicinal herb that is harvested, processed, and used is the root.

The climate will impact when you harvest. If you live in a region with a warmer climate, you can harvest in the second or third year of the plant’s growth. In colder regions, the root is usually dug up at the end of the growing season in the first year.

Dig straight down around the plant so that you don’t damage the main roots. Preferably, you should remove the entire root bowl rather than breaking roots off. Loosening or wetting the earth around them before lifting the plant out can be helpful.

Once they have been unearthed, wash them thoroughly to remove all the soil and other debris. You may find that the smell of the wet roots is a little overwhelming. You could take some comfort from the belief that the stronger the smell, the more potent the root!   The root should be chopped up and powdered as soon as possible because the plant material becomes extremely hard when it is 100% dry. This makes it almost impossible to grind to a powder.

What is Ashwagandha Good For?

As previously indicated, the primary use of this medicinal plant is as an adaptogen. In other words, the active ingredients allow the mind and body to deal with stress and its impact on cells, organs, and systems. Ashwagandha strengthens and boosts physical and emotional resilience. As a result, it has been used for millennia to:

• Reduce anxiety and cortisol levels
• Ease depression
• Treat fatigue
• Eliminate or reduce oxidation
• Improve stamina
• Reduce inflammation-related pain
• Boost memory and recall
• Protect against stress-induced gastric conditions such as ulcers
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Reduce cell growth in certain types of cancer
• Protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
• Reduce blood sugar levels
• Increase testosterone and male fertility
• Boost muscle mass.

While there is a great weight of anecdotal evidence, there is virtually no clinical evidence of this plant’s medicinal efficacy. However, recent research has produced interesting and encouraging early findings.

What Parts of The Plant Are Used And What Remedies Are Available?

As mentioned, the leaves are infrequently used as they are very bitter, and the berries are never used. That leaves the root which contains all the valuable therapeutic active ingredients.

For those who wish to include Ashwagandha in their wellness routine, there are a few options when it comes to using this plant:

• The powder which is available in loose form or in capsules
• Liquids such as tinctures
• Tea that is loose or in bags.

Which form you opt to use depends on what you want it for. On balance, the powder is the most popular and versatile form. If you are unsure which option is best for you, consult your healthcare practitioner.

DIY Ashwagandha Recipe

An excellent way to obtain the benefits of Ashwagandha using an easy-to-make recipe is by making a hot drink that some refer to as “Moon Milk” as it helps you to sleep restfully and to boost your overall well-being.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of milk (nut, soy, or animal milk)
• ½ teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder
• 1 pinch of ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Optional:

• ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger
• 1 teaspoon honey or syrup

Method

1. 1. 1. Pour the milk into a small pot or saucepan
      2. Use low heat and bring the milk to a simmer. Don’t allow it to boil
      3. Add the Ashwagandha, cinnamon, and nutmeg (and ginger if you want to)
      4. Whisk the ingredients gently but thoroughly into the milk
      5. Leave to simmer for a further 5 minutes
      6. Add the coconut oil and whisk it in well
      7. Add the honey or syrup if you wish to.
         

    

If you want to, you can use other spices in addition to or instead of those in this recipe such as vanilla, cloves, cardamom. This drink is best consumed about an hour before you go to bed and can be drunk daily or several times a week.

Dosage

As with any medicinal preparation or substance, the dose is affected by a range of both general and specific factors such as age, state of health, current treatments, and why you want to take Ashwagandha.

Due to the lack of clinical studies, there are no set or standard recommended doses as such. As a result, you are strongly advised to follow the directions on the product packaging and/or be guided by your healthcare practitioner. Strange as it seems, one can overdose on natural products.

How to Preserve This Plant

If you are harvesting the roots you need to clean and then process the material immediately. If you don’t, the roots become extremely hard almost overnight.

You can store larger pieces for use in teas or tinctures or grind the root into fine powder once the root is completely dry. Regardless of the form it takes, the root material must be stored in airtight containers or there is a risk of the pieces may become moldy. It’s not necessary to refrigerate it but you can if you want to do so.

Dried, correctly stored Ashwagandha will last up to a year.

Related: How To Properly Dry Plants for Medicine

What Plants Resemble Ashwagandha?

There are several members of the Withania genus that are similar to Ashwagandha. However, the primary plant that is alike, used in Ayurvedic medicine, and processed commercially is Withania coagulans.

This plant is also known as Indian Rennet, Indian Cheese Maker, or Vegetable Rennet and is literally used in cheese production. It’s also considered effective against inflammation, stress-related problems, and diabetes, and is used as a tonic.

While there are similarities, there are also differences:

Feature	Ashwagandha (withania somnifera)	Withania coagulans
Size	3.3 – 4.9 feet / 1 – 1 ½ meter in height	1 – 3.3 feet / 0.3 - 1 meter high
Stalks	Green to brownish and covered in soft, short, white hairs	Covered with thick grey or yellow-white hairs
Roots	Thick, fleshy, and can grow to 30 centimeters / 12 inches long	Fleshy and can reach 7.8 inches / 20 centimeters
Leaves	Oval and taper to a point; smooth on the top and the underside is hairy and lighter in color	Oblong and furry on both sides; the same green on both sides of the leaf
Flowers	Small, pale green, bell-shaped and open into a star with 5, single stamens	Small, green, oblong, and open into a star with marked crown-like stamens
Fruit	Small, round, red berries surrounded by a papery calyx which darkens to brown	Small, round, yellow berries surrounded by a strong, membranous calyx

If you are purchasing plant material, make sure you do so from a reliable source. Don’t harvest plants unless you are sure you have identified them correctly. If you are unsure, ask an expert, or don’t ingest it!

Warning And Cautions

As with any substance you add to your health program, even natural / plant-based ones, you need to exercise caution. The following should be kept in mind in relation to Ashwagandha:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use this plant.
• Patients with:
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Thyroid disease
  • Gastric ulcers

should not take Ashwagandha.

Individuals taking medication to:

• • • Regulate blood sugar levels
    • Suppress the immune system
    • Regulate or affect thyroid levels
    • Regulate high or low blood pressure

should not take Ashwagandha.

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