Also known as Winter Cherry - Indian Ginseng - Ajagandha - Kanaje
Bitter, warm, dry, sweet
TCM: Tonifies Yang, calms the Shen, calms the Liver, augments Essence, transforms Phlegm, and stops coughing
Belongs to the nightshade family - those with allergies or sensitivity to nightshades should not take it
Considered to be Rasayana = tonic for longevity and vitality/vigor
A calming adaptogen that regulates thyroid (stimulates the thyroid), testes, and adrenal glands, normalizes hormones and physiological functions
nourishing, building = relieves weakness and nervous exhaustion, emaciation, malnutrition, chronic fatigue
promotes healthy sleep cycles, insomnia
Grounding herb that regulates metabolic processes and stabilizes mood. Test have shown that extracts produce GABA-like activity = produces a calming effect, which makes sense as it is widely used for anxiety
Often paired with Shatavari (Ashwagandha = Yang tonic - Shatavari = Yin tonic synergistic together)
Used as an aphrodisiac, to build sexual energy and improve sperm count (mixed with ghee and honey), infertility
Rich in iron and used for anemia (mix powder w/ blackstrap molasses)
Back pain, joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis
Type II diabetes
Takes about a month to build up in our system - so its effects won’t likely be noticed right away
Per David Winston-
It has significant benefits for hyperimmune and hypoimmune function.
Used in India as part of protocols for cancer (suppresses tumors and prevents depletion of white blood cells
Per KP Khalsa -
chronic heart and vascular disorders, where it is often combined with the famous Terminalia arjuna (arjuna bark)
Per Michael and Lesley Tierra -
The leaves are used for hemorrhoids, wounds tumors, sores, rashes, and fever
Per Larken Bunce -
Ashwagandha can be uncomfortable for people that aren’t feeling safe or feel too uncomfortable to relax. Of course, we don’t want to force them or contribute to uncomfortable feelings. For these people, she suggests adding in other herbs like damiana or mugwort that have an uplift.
Pitta types = cranky get grumpy on ashwagandha - should give it to them right before bed vs. during the day.