Got Stress? Anxiety? Consider Ashwagandha!

Jane Straight© Ashwagandha  Winter Cherry  Withania somniferum

An Extraordinary Beneficial Plant

This photo shows a rather inconspicuous specimen grown from seed this past spring.  However, when in full flower the plant will be very colorful, covered with bright orange berries encased in lacy husks.  I will update this photo when the flowers are happening a little later in the year.

In light of a culture seriously riddled with stress, I offer this piece on an outstanding Ayurvedic herb that has been used for 3,000 years primarily to restore vitality.  At this time it is cast as one of the most beneficial plant medicines in the world for the relief of stress & anxiety.  Hop on the Ashwagandha train and experience it for yourself.

Patience will become a virtue for you because Ashwagandha takes some time to integrate and become effective.  As it resonates with you it will become worth the wait.

Ashwagandha is also featured in the book in the Solanaceae chapter. I present this in the form it appears in the book.

Ashwagandha       Winter Cherry        Withania somniferum

Perennial  -  Native to South Africa, India & the Orient

Plant Intro:

Ashwagandha is a prized Ayurvedic medicine in India similar to ginseng in China though it is much less expensive to purchase and much easier to grow.  It is an extraordinary herb most often used as a tonic, and like ginseng the medicinal properties are primarily contained in the roots.  However, it has been shown that the leaves, seeds, and fruits are also active.  Withania is composed of various steroidal chemicals known as withanolides that have anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, aphrodisiac, nervine, sedative, and rejuvenative qualities.  As an adaptogen it also boosts brain function, lowers blood sugar & cortisol levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease.  It is both safe and very available.  It can be utilized as a powder in liquid, dried in capsules, taken as tincture, and used externally as a paste or in oil.

Plant ID:

Ashwagandha is a bushy herbaceous plant that may reach about 5 feet with an extensive root system.  It is a hardy evergreen perennial.  Graceful, sweeping branches with many small leaves are characteristic of its growth habit.  In the fall & winter the plant will become attractively adorned with small, bright orange berries encased in lacy coverings.  Hence the name Winter Cherry!

History/Most extraordinary uses:

According to ancient Vedic knowledge, Ashwagandha was the most magical plant, next to Soma, and is considered an Elixir of Life.

A decoction (basically a strong tea) of the roots can be taken alone or with milk (already sounds soothing).  It can be very useful in cases of sexual exhaustion, drug burnout, physical or mental exhaustion.  It is also beneficial in cases of general debility as with sickly children, or those with anemia.  Many concerns associated with the elderly can be addressed with it as well.  It is immune enhancing and slows aging by nurturing and clarifying the mind and catalyzing the bodies’ anabolic processes.  As an aphrodisiac, it is said to give the vitality of a horse, and to smell like one as well!  Thus it is known to aid fertility.  Weak pregnant women may benefit as it can gently stabilize the fetus allowing the mother a great sense of peace.  For some, Ashwagandha can be an antidote to insomnia, as it soothes the nerves inducing calm, deep sleep.  Dr. Andrew Weil states that the medicinal effects are due to triethylene glycol, a compound that induces sleep.  It is also rich in withanolides, that influence the body’s ability to deal with stress.  Therefore it serves as treatment for insomnia particularly when stress is a factor.

Externally it promotes tissue healing and can be used in the form of a paste or medicated oil or ghee.  The seeds can be used as an adequate substitute for animal rennet to coagulate milk.  The fresh roots are often strung and then hung around a child’s neck as a talisman to protect from disease.   The root is used most exclusively in Western practice but the berry and entire plant is starting to be used in other parts of the world.

Finally, after all the justifiable reasons to use Ashwagandha, it is simply a pretty plant to grow.

Care & Cultivation:

Withania somniferum is an easy plant to grow.  It is generally started from seed in a greenhouse or a cold frame in the spring as you would tomatoes, germinating in about 2 weeks.  With bottom heat fresh seed will germinate in only a few days and seedlings will often appear voluntarily beneath the Mother plants.  I like to enhance the seedlings with Maxicrop (see chapter on amendments) until they look strong.  After the soil has truly warmed up it’s time to transplant the seedlings to your garden or large pots.   Ashwagandha thrives in alkaline soil and warmth. Your plants will perish in severe winter weather without protection.  Remember that too much water tends to enable root rot.  I learned the hard way the first season I grew them in a greenhouse.  I just watered away, not knowing I was damaging my plants and they literally rotted.  It was a heart wrenching experience.

Harvest the roots in October – just after the little orange fruits (cherries) ripen

Harvest leaves anytime – they reportedly have anti-tumor properties

The plants need about 200 days of growing to reach maturity.  So, if the seeds are started in early spring they will be ready to harvest sometime in October. 

WHY GROW IT?

Ashwagandha is a super beneficial herb, very pretty as a specimen, and easy to grow and utilize.  I cultivate it using organic methods, harvest the fresh root in October, and tincture it so I have a good supply for daily use year round.

You Cannot Go Wrong Growing & Using Ashwagandha & It Can Become A Trustworthy Ally