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.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the season of the Kidneys. The Kidneys are at their most vulnerable this time of year so it is the perfect time to nourish them. Here are four herbs to Tonify the Kidneys.

Walnut - Especially good for cold and weak back and knees. Also good for frequent urination, coughs/wheezing that is worse with exertion, and constipation. Note that eating in excess may cause canker sores.
Ashwagandha - Normalizes hormones including thyroid, testes, and adrenal glands. Also helps with anxiety, fatigue, muddled thinking, stress, low libido, lowers Blood sugar, insomnia, etc. A calming adaptogen. Note that it takes about a month to build up in your system so the effects of this herb won’t generally be noticed for a while.
Fenugreek - Especially useful when there is coldness in the body from a weakness of the Kidneys such as abdominal coldness and pain, pain and cold sensations in the knees and feet. Also helpful for fevers, asthma, emphysema, hernial pain, nervous exhaustion, anemia, and pain in the testicles. Note that it should not be taken during pregnancy.
Damiana - A Kidney tonic especially useful for decreased libido and impotence. Also used as an aphrodisiac. A nervine and mild antidepressant per David Winston it is useful for elderly people with mild depression. Note that this should not be taken during pregnancy.