Ashwagandha, Vedic

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Ayurveda’s premier adaptogen for stress resilience and vitality. Calms while building strength.

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

🌿 HerbWoman Medicinal SeedsProfessional-grade medicinal herb seeds

Botanical Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Premier adaptogen: Ayurveda’s most revered rejuvenating herb

Stress resilience: Helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress

Grounding energy: Calms while simultaneously building vitality

Botanical Description

Withania somnifera is an erect, branching shrub growing 30-150cm tall. The oval leaves are covered with fine hairs, giving them a grayish-green appearance. Small, greenish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers appear in clusters, followed by orange-red berries enclosed in papery calyxes (similar to its relative, the ground cherry). The root – the primary medicinal part – has a distinctive horse-like smell, reflected in the Sanskrit name “ashwagandha” (smell of horse).

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Adaptogen, nervine tonic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulant, thyroid-modulating, mild sedative.

Traditional uses: In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is classified as a “rasayana” – a rejuvenating tonic that promotes longevity and vitality. It has been used for over 3,000 years to increase energy, improve concentration, and relieve stress. The name implies it gives the strength and stamina of a horse.

Modern research: Extensive studies have examined its effects on stress hormones (cortisol), cognitive function, and athletic performance. Key compounds include withanolides, which appear responsible for many of its effects.

Body Systems Affected

Nervous: Calms anxiety while supporting mental clarity; used for stress-related fatigue and burnout.

Endocrine: Supports healthy thyroid function; modulates stress hormones.

Immune: Immunomodulating effects; traditionally used during convalescence.

Musculoskeletal: Anti-inflammatory; traditionally used for arthritis and to build strength.

Reproductive: Traditional aphrodisiac; supports fertility in both men and women.

Safety Information

Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Pregnancy/Nursing: CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy (traditional abortifacient). Avoid during nursing.

Thyroid conditions: May affect thyroid hormone levels. Those with thyroid disorders should consult a practitioner.

Autoimmune conditions: Due to immunomodulating effects, use with caution in autoimmune diseases.

Drug interactions: May potentiate sedatives, thyroid medications, and immunosuppressants.

Nightshade family: Those sensitive to nightshades should use with caution.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Zones 8-11 as perennial; grow as annual in cooler climates.

Light: Full sun. Requires warmth.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Tolerates poor soil. Does not like wet feet.

Sowing: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Seeds germinate best at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Can direct sow after soil warms.

Spacing: 30-60cm apart.

Notes: In short-season climates, start early indoors and grow in the warmest spot available.

Harvesting

Part used: Root (primarily); leaves and berries also used in some traditions.

When to harvest: Roots are harvested in autumn when the berries begin to ripen, typically after 150-180 days of growth.

Method: Dig entire root system carefully. Wash thoroughly.

Drying & Storage

Cut roots into pieces and dry in a well-ventilated area or dehydrator at 35-40°C (95-104°F). Properly dried root should be hard and break with a snap. The characteristic horse-like smell intensifies upon drying. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years.