Withania somnifera
| Withania somnifera | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 3' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Withania somnifera (common name: ashwagandha)
Propagation: 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: A fairly easily grown plant, it requires a warm sheltered position in full sun and a well-drained moderately fertile soil[1][K]. Prefers a dry stony soil[2].
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].
Range: Australia, E. Asia, Africa.
Habitat: Open places, disturbed areas etc[3]. An undershrub in stony places[2].
Edibility: The seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses[4][5].
Medicinal: Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquillisers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China[2]. 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[2][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][2][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[2]. 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[2]. 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].
Usage: The fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[1][3].
The leaves are an insect repellent[1].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: The plant is toxic if eaten[2].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Buchanan, Rita. A Weavers Garden.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Emboden, William. Narcotic Plants. Studio Vista, 1979.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.
- ↑ Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.