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Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Joanie’s experience with the plant indicates that it enjoys growing in a
part-sun to full-sun exposure, in fairly fertile soil. It is a tender
perennial, adapting easily to indoor growth in a sunny window, where it must
be
placed after being outside in the warmth of summer.
It originates in India, the Mediterranean region and Middle East. This
wonderful tonic herb, dear to the people of India, and extensively
researched there, is often called “Indian Ginseng”, as Ashwagandha is used
much the same way in Ayurvedic medicine as Ginseng is in Chinese medicine.
It improves vitality, especially for those suffering from overwork or
nervous exhaustion, and helps bring about recovery from chronic illness,.
Its Hindi name means “horse smell’ - referring to the animal’s strength
as well as its smell.
There has been some astonishing research results published about Ashwagandha.
A study done in 1970 shows that this plant’s natural chemicals, withanolides,
similar to the human body’s steroid hormones,
are anti-inflammatory. They also inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The
herb may be of use in chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis, and as a cancer preventive. Further research in trials
in 1980 indicated that Withania increases hemoglobin levels, reduces graying
of hair, and improves sexual performance. It also helps recovery from
chronic illness. By reducing over activity and encouraging rest and
relaxation, Withania is useful in counteracting the debility that occurs
from long-term stress. Its high iron content gives good help to those with
anemia. The leaves are hervested in the spring and the fruit and root in the
fall. The leaves contain the most withanolides, the constituents which
inhibit cancer cell growth.
(Information obtained from “The Encyclopedia of Medicinal
Plants” by Andrew Chevallier)
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