🌿 Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng)
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is a perennial plant belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
It is native to warmer regions of Asia and Africa. The plant has oval green leaves, small flowers and orange to red berries.
The root is primarily used in traditional Ayurvedic herbal medicine. It contains various alkaloids and steroidal lactones, particularly withanolides.
Ashwagandha has traditionally been used for stress, fatigue and sleep complaints. Clinical studies suggest possible benefits for stress and sleep, although the evidence remains limited.
It is native to warmer regions of Asia and Africa. The plant has oval green leaves, small flowers and orange to red berries.
The root is primarily used in traditional Ayurvedic herbal medicine. It contains various alkaloids and steroidal lactones, particularly withanolides.
Ashwagandha has traditionally been used for stress, fatigue and sleep complaints. Clinical studies suggest possible benefits for stress and sleep, although the evidence remains limited.
Notes
Ashwagandha has traditionally been used as a strengthening and adaptogenic herbal preparation.
The source lists numerous traditional applications, including stress, insomnia, fatigue, muscle weakness, menopausal complaints and infertility. These uses should not be interpreted as clinically established treatments.
Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and is not recommended while breastfeeding. Medical advice is necessary for people with thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, liver disease or those taking certain medications.
Rare cases of liver injury associated with ashwagandha supplements have been reported.
Traditionally used plant parts include the root and leaves. According to the source, roots are harvested in autumn and leaves in spring. Safety may differ substantially between plant parts and extract formulations.
The source lists numerous traditional applications, including stress, insomnia, fatigue, muscle weakness, menopausal complaints and infertility. These uses should not be interpreted as clinically established treatments.
Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and is not recommended while breastfeeding. Medical advice is necessary for people with thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, liver disease or those taking certain medications.
Rare cases of liver injury associated with ashwagandha supplements have been reported.
Traditionally used plant parts include the root and leaves. According to the source, roots are harvested in autumn and leaves in spring. Safety may differ substantially between plant parts and extract formulations.
Effects
- immune-enhancing
- supportive of wound healing
- tumour-inhibiting
- tonic
- strengthening
- pain-relieving
- concentration-enhancing
- immune-system-strengthening
- antipyretic
- anti-inflammatory
- detoxifying
- cholesterol-lowering
- blood-glucose-lowering
- antiviral
- antifungal
- antimalarial
- adaptogenic
Conditions
- impaired immune function
- overweight
- wounds
- menopausal complaints
- Infertility
- Weakness
- convalescence
- osteoporosis
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- infections
- cough
- hot flushes
- heart failure
- hair loss
- elevated blood lipids
- Inflammation
- diabetes
- depression
- bronchitis
- high blood pressure
- atherosclerosis
Application Areas
- general wellbeing
- sleep and relaxation
- nervous system
- muscles
- cognitive functions
- immune system
- lipid metabolism
- blood glucose regulation
Plant Parts
- leaf
- root
Preparations
- extract
- tincture
- tea
- powder
Contraindications
- autoimmune diseases
- breastfeeding
- pregnancy
- Thyroid disorders
- liver disease