Ashwagandha Powder (Withania Somnifera)

*Ashwagandha is a nourishing and rejuvenating herb that strengthens the body and provides the physical and mental stamina. This potent herb is capable of invigorating the body and calming the mind at the same time. It enhances the performance of all the bodily tissues, especially the muscles. In nature, Ashwagandha is a resilient plant that can grow in drought and other harsh climates. Its resilience makes it a natural stress management supplement because it supports the adrenal functions and it tones the tissues, muscles, joints, and bones. It is a powerful herb that can be used by athletes as well as seniors to enhance their performance. Ayurveda recommends that healthy people may take Ashwagandha daily for optimal energy for daily activities and sound sleep.

*Benefits include immunity support and anti-aging properties. Ashwagandha strengthens and grounds the mind, aiding in good sleep quality. Additionally, it supports thyroid health, increasing lung capacity, sexual health, healthy brain function, reproductive health, and joint stability.

Suggested Use: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon in powdered form, once or twice daily, or use as directed by your health practitioner.

Botanical Name – Withania somnifera
Family – Solanaceae
English Name – Winter cherry, Indian Ginseng, Indian Winter Cherry, Poison Gooseberry

Morphology –
Ashwagandha is a short perennial shrub that grows 35-75 centimeters tall. Ashwagandha leaves are simple, ovate, elliptic and dull green in color. They are usually 10-12 centimeters long. Ashwagandha flowers are tiny and bell-shaped around 1 centimeter long. Very few flowers are 5 centimeters long. They have beautiful green or lurid yellow color. The fruits (berries) are orange-red in color when they reach a mature (ripe) stage and they have a diameter of 6 millimeters. Seeds have a diameter of 2.5 millimeters and they are yellow in color. Ashwagandha roots are stout and fleshy when dry. They are unbranched, straight and gradually tapering downwards. Roots have a brownish white color on the outer side and the inner region is creamy white in color.

Physical and chemical properties of Ashwagandha –
Taste – Pungent, bitter, astringent
Quality – Unctuousness, light
Potency – Hot
Post Digestive effect – Pungent

अश्वगन्धाऽनिलश्लेष्मश्वित्रशोथक्षयापहा |
बल्या रसायनी तिक्ता कषायोष्णाऽतिशुक्रला ||१६२||