Ashwaganda, Withania somnifera, is also known as Indian Ginseng, Ayurvedic Shrub and Withania. Highly esteemed as Indian medicinal plant. The dried root is used in the Ayurvedic system as a general, or strengthening, tonic. Primarily as a remedy for sexual exhaustion, weakened immune system and chronic fatigue syndrome
GROW: Grown as a perennial in warmer climates and annual in colder climates. Sow when soil is 21 deg C Ashwaganda is native to Africa, the Mediterranean area, India and Asia and prefers light to medium well drained soils in a protected, sunny position. Will tolerate a light to medium frost. Grows to a height of 0.75m with a spread of 0.75m. A tropical evergreen shrub that becomes an annual in temperate regions.
HARVEST: When ashwagandha plants have been growing for at least six months, they are ready for harvest. Carefully dig up the plant and wash the roots to obtain ashwagandha. The roots can then be dried and powdered, or you can brew ashwagandha tea by steeping them in hot water.
USE: Highly esteemed as Indian medicinal plant. The dried root is used in the Ayurvedic system as a general, or strengthening, tonic. Primarily as a remedy for sexual exhaustion, weakened immune system and chronic fatigue syndrome. A Modern folk remedy for multiple sclerosis. It can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, boost fertility and testosterone in men, and even boost brain function. Supplementing with ashwagandha may be an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life.