Renowned as a male sexual tonic in Ayurveda, the ashwagandha strengthens the body and helps it to regain its vital energy. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha is remarkably beneficial for recovery through sleep, and supports the nervous system and the adrenal glands, both involved in stress management. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is a so-called rasayana plant, which regenerates the body. Several dozens of scientific studies also attest to many of its virtues.
Nom latin : Withania somnifera
Autres langues : ashwagandha (sanskrit) Winter cherry (anglais)
Famille botanique : solanacées
The ashwagandha forms a bush with a central trunk and branches covered with wool-like hairs.
The plant is up to 2 m tall and produces small yellow flowers in the center with pale green petals that look like small leaves. These flowers give rise to distinctive orange-colored berries, similar to ground cherries.
Distribution: Ashwagandha occurs in the dry regions of India, northern Africa, the Middle East and the United States. This plant survives droughts and arid conditions. It grows abundantly in the space of the Indian subcontinent and as its benefits are recognized worldwide, we now find it on the shelves of our natural products stores.
Parts used: This monograph treats by default roots that are mainly used. The leaves, fruits and seeds are also used in Ayurveda.
Harvesting: This is an easy plant to grow in full sun, it is harvested at the end of summer and rooted in the fall, when the aerial parts start to fade.
