Common Name:   Ashwaghanda or Winter Cherry or Withania or Indian Ginsing

Latin Name:   Withania somnifera

Annual/Perennial:   can be grown as an annual

Sun/Shade:   Sun, dry soil

Height/Width:   3 feet

Bloom Time: root can be dug in the fall, berries and seeds in fall, leaves late summer.

Zone:   8-12

Parts of Plant Used:   leaves, berries, root

Medicinal Benefits:   adaptagen, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, tonic, nervine, cardio-vascular system, energy and stamina tonic, strongly sedative, diuretic, narcotic, rejuvenating properties, uterus, postpartum issues, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis, boils, swellings, stress, longevity, anti-aging, poor muscle tone, diabetes, gastrointestinal, muscular-skeletal function, grounding and memory. The fruit is diuretic. THe seed is both diuretic and hypnotic.

Ways to Use:   tea, tonic, infused oil, cream, linament, decoction, tincture

Recipes:   Tea – Cut up 1-6  grams of the root and place in 16 ounces of near boiling purified water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool and strain. Sweeten with honey if desired. A couple of Lemon Balm leaves can be added.

Tincture – 1:5 ratio, 70% alcohol, 1-10 ml, 3x daily.

Decoction – 4-8 ounces, 3x daily

Decoction in Coconut Milk with Vanilla and honey