Herb. No. 015 · Solanaceae
Dry Indian subcontinent shrub. Needs a long hot season to make a decent root.
Native · South Asia
Native Also grown
OpenCautionplant
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Winter cherry root — an adaptogen for wired-and-tired nights, not a stimulant.
Ashwagandha means 'smell of a horse' in Sanskrit — the fresh root is pungent. Withanolides are the studied constituents. Traditional Rasayana use is for depletion, sleep, and recovery. Some modern extracts are quite strong; food-like churna is gentler. Rare liver injury has been reported with supplements.
Flavor
Horse-stable pungent, bitter, and earthy — traditionally hidden in warm milk.
Parts used
Root · Occasionally berry (traditional)
In favor
- Calming rather than jittery
- Grows as an annual in temperate gardens
Against
- Nightshade family — avoid if sensitive
- Can cause vivid dreams or grogginess
- Rare hepatotoxicity with extracts