Practical
Plants

Withania somnifera

Ashwagandha

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Withania genus in the family Solanaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
1 m
Spread
0.5 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant is toxic if eaten[4].

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses[2][5].

Product or use
Curdling agent

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquillisers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China[4]. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejuvenative effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid recovery after chronic illness[4][6]. The plant is little known in the West[3]. The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic[1][3][4][5]. Internally, it is used to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum difficulties[3]. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis etc[4]. Externally it has been applied as a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts[3][5]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[4]. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic[K]. The fruit is diuretic[5]. The seed is diuretic and hypnotic[5].

Product or use
Abortifacient
Product or use
Adaptogen
Product or use
Antibiotic
Product or use
Aphrodisiac
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Deobstruent
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Narcotic
Product or use
Sedative
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[1][3]. The leaves are an insect repellent[1].

Product or use
Repellent
Product or use
Soap

Environment

Range
Australia, E. Asia, Africa.
Habitat
Open places, disturbed areas etc[3]. An undershrub in stony places[4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. There is usually a high germination rate within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frost. Consider giving the plants some protection, such as a cloche, until they are established and growing away well.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A fairly easily grown plant, it requires a warm sheltered position in full sun and a well-drained moderately fertile soil[169, K]. Prefers a dry stony soil[4]. This species is not hardy in temperate climates but it can be grown as an annual, flowering and fruiting in its first year from seed[1].

References

  1. Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden.

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  2. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩

  3. Emboden. W. Narcotic Plants Studio Vista 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-289-70864-8

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  4. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  5. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩

  7. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

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