Indian ginseng root cut – Withania somnifera

A perennial plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, ashwagandha is cultivated in arid and subtropical regions of India, the Middle East, and Africa. Its roots are traditionally prepared as a decoction or steeped in milk or ghee for energy-boosting and balancing uses.

Description

Cut roots of light beige to pale brown color, fibrous texture, characteristic earthy odor. Infuse for a long time or grind to powder before use according to traditional practices. Slightly bitter flavor, reminiscent of licorice and dry hay.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, winter cherry
• Latin name: Withania somnifera
• Family: Solanaceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: India, Nepal, Pakistan, East Africa
• English name: Ashwagandha root
• Name in German: Schlafbeere
• Name in Spanish: Ashwagandha / Winter Cherry
• Name in Italian: Radice di Ashwagandha
• Name in Arabic: أشواغاندا (Ashwagandhā)

Main virtues

Ashwagandha is recognized in Ayurvedic traditions for its tonic, balancing, and fortifying role. It is often recommended to promote recovery, support the body in the face of stress, and balance the nervous system.

Main constituents

Withanolides, alkaloids (somnine, somniferine), amino acids, iron, saponins, phytosterols.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: Boil 1 to 2 teaspoons of chopped root in 250 ml of water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Traditional maceration: in hot milk or ghee, sometimes sweetened with honey (Ayurvedic use).
• Powdered preparation: can be finely ground before use, for inclusion in mixes or smoothies.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Not recommended for pregnant women without professional supervision.
• May interact with certain sedative or thyroid treatments.
• Start with low doses to observe tolerance.

History and origin

A major herb of Ayurveda for over 3,000 years, ashwagandha takes its name from the root "ashwa" (horse), a reference to the vigor it is believed to bring. Used in many classical Indian formulations, it has gained worldwide recognition as an adaptogenic herb.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from humidity, light and heat.
• Packaging: kraft bag, glass jar, airtight box.
• Appearance: dry fragments of light beige root.
• Smell: earthy, woody, slightly sweet.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Charaka Samhita – Ayurvedic texts
• Indian herbal medicine and natural adaptogens
• Corpus of Traditional Medicine of South Asia

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