Ashwagandha – The Winter Cherry

Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha or winter cherry, grows in Asia and Africa.  It is a small shrub with dull green leaves and small, bell shaped flowers.  The fruit is an orange to red color.  Ashwagandha is in the same botanical family as tomatoes, peppers and potatoes and can be grown in a similar way.

It is the root of this plant that is used medicinally and is used in Ayurveda for prolonging life.

It is widely used for stamina to combat fatigue due to nervous tension and overwork.  Ashwagandha helps increase energy and endurance, helping the body to overcome imbalances caused by both mental and physical stress as well as anxiety.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen which means that it helps the body adapt to stress.  It is not stimulating like some other adaptogens, it has a mildly calming effect.  This mild sedative helps to calm the mind yet enhances mental function and alleviates cloudy thinking.  It also has muscle relaxing properties.

Ashwagandha is very effective for fatigue, nervous exhaustion and insomnia due to stress.  It helps to encourage better sleep by regulating the production of cortisol.  Stress can disrupt the normal circadian rhythm which regulates the release of cortisol.  This in turn can result is sleep problems.

This amazing adaptogen helps to rejuvenate the cells and strengthen immune function.  It has a balancing effect for both an overactive or under active immune function, so in turn will help recuperation and convalescence from serious disease.

Other benefits of Ashwagandha are anti-inflammatory properties.  This is useful in cases of arthritis and joint pain. 

Finally, Ashwagandha helps to regulate both thyroid and adrenal function.  It is beneficial to those with hypothyroidism, but should be avoided by those with hyperthyroidism.  Since it closely relates to tomatoes, peppers and potatoes, it should not be used by those sensitive to nightshade family plants.