Information On Ashwagandha - Withania Somnifera
Other Common Names: Ajagandha, Clustered Wintercherry, Kanaje Hindi, Orovale, Samm Al Ferakh, Strychnos, Withania somnifera
Range: Australia, E. Asia, Africa.
Habitat: Open places, disturbed areas etc. An undershrub in stony places.
Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquilisers used in
India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in
China. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a
rejunative effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid
recovery after chronic illness. The plant is little known in the West.
The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are
abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent,
diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic. Internally, it is used
to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum
difficulties. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility,
insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence,
infertility, multiple sclerosis etc. Externally it has been applied as
a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts. The root is
harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. Some caution is
advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic.
The fruit is diuretic. The seed is diuretic and hypnotic.The seeds
are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses. The
fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute. The
leaves are an insect repellent.
- Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian
Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986
Other Common Names: Ajagandha, Clustered Wintercherry, Kanaje Hindi, Orovale, Samm Al Ferakh, Strychnos, Withania somnifera
Range: Australia, E. Asia, Africa.
Habitat: Open places, disturbed areas etc. An undershrub in stony places.
Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquilisers used in
India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in
China. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a
rejunative effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid
recovery after chronic illness. The plant is little known in the West.
The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are
abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent,
diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic. Internally, it is used
to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum
difficulties. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility,
insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence,
infertility, multiple sclerosis etc. Externally it has been applied as
a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts. The root is
harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. Some caution is
advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic.
The fruit is diuretic. The seed is diuretic and hypnotic.The seeds
are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses. The
fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute. The
leaves are an insect repellent.
- Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian
Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986
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