Plant of the Week: Ashwagandha

Did you know?

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) also known as the Indian ginseng (although it is not a true ginseng) is a perennial shrub and is widely cultivated in the Indian subcontinent, Northern Africa and the Middle East for its medicinal properties. The history of Ashwagandha can be traced back 4000 years! It belongs to the Solanaceae or Nightshade family.

Ashwagandha Seed

Ashwagandha is a drought tolerant plant and grows in dry soil, once established. Ashwagandha grows best when the temperature ranges between 70 F – 95 F. The Ashwagandha bush can grow up to 4 ft tall and a width up to 3 ft. Its leaves are long and have a yellowish green color and the flowers are tiny bell shaped followed by a bright orange-red berries.

Ashwagandha Root

The translation from the Sanskrit name Ashwagandha means “smell of the horse” due to the roots smelling like horses. It takes about 150-180 days when the Ashwagandha plant is dried up and ready to be harvested. The roots are the only beneficial part of the plant for medicinal use.

Benefits

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen and can help the body cope with daily stress. It may help improve memory and overall well-being. Ashwagandha supports physical performance, endurance and wellness. It also supports your immune and nervous systems.

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