Ashwagandha is a plant from the nightshade family native to the Indian subcontinent. It is also known as Withania somnifera ( scientific name ).
Most of the benefits from ashwagandha are from the root and the leaves. The leaves are most commonly used in teas. The root can be taken in many ways but it's most commonly dried, powdered and taken as a supplement these days. It is also known as Withania somnifera ( scientific name ).
The root smells like a horse (“ashwa”), which is why it is called Ashwagandha (on consuming it gives the power of a horse). The paste formed when roots are crushed with water is applied to reduce the inflammation at the joints. The leaves are bitter and are recommended in fever, painful swellings.
Ashwagandha is used as a household remedy by Indians, who consider it as the best tonic for old people and children and as an aphrodisiac by young people.
Ashwagandha leaves, though bitter in taste, are rich in iron and can be consumed as herbal tea. The tea helps in relieving conditions like anaemia and also serves as an energy tonic and relieves fever and painful swellings.
Some of the well-known benefits of Ashwagandha include :
Lowers stress hormones and calms anxiety
Improves Insomnia
Boosts immunity
Improves stamina
How can we grow an Ashwagandha shrub?
By planting the saplings of the shrub
