Description

Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng,  poison gooseberry, or winter cherry, is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It is a common medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine.

This species is a short, tender perennial shrub growing 35–75 cm (14–30 in) tall.

Withania somnifera is cultivated in many of the drier regions of India, such as Mandsaur District of Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Kerala and Rajasthan. It is also found in Nepal, China and Yemen.

The species name somnifera means "sleep-inducing" in Latin. The name, ashwagandha, is a combination of the word ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell, reflecting that the root has a strong horse-like odour.

The berries can be used as a substitute for rennet in cheese making.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Adaptogenic - In today’s herbal medicine the herb is categorised as an adaptogen and it used to treat fatigue, nervous exhaustion and to enhance memory.

Anti-Cancer - Studies have shown that the withanolides, compounds not unlike the steroid hormones found in the human body, have an anti-inflammatory effect and may limit the growth of cancer cells. It has also been theorised that extracts made from ashwagandha can enhance cancer cell sensitivity to radiotherapy.

Anti-Inflammatory - In traditional Ayurvedic medicine,Ashwadandha is used as a remedy for inflammation, psoriasis, bronchitis, asthma.

Antioxident - Studies have shown that ashwagandha can limit the cell damage by free radicals due to its antioxidant effect. The plant may, therefore, prove useful as a treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Aphrodisiac - The herb also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac both for men and women and is believed to protect against infertility in men.

Sedative - The herb has mild sedative properties and is thought to promote a restful sleep.

Skin Complaints - It has been used externally as a poultice on swellings, injuries, burns, insect bites and stings and snake bites. This is due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Packaging

Product is supplied in Resealable Foil Bags.