Withania somnifera, also known as Indian ginseng, Ashwaganda or winter cherry is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine belonging to the Solanacee family, the same as tomato and eggplant. Native to India Withania somnifera is a small bush and its roots and leaves are used as a remedy with important benefits. In the Indian ginseng more than 80 active substances have been identified, among them the withanolides, that name the plant, that have anti-inflammatory properties and result able to inhibit the cancer growth, and alkaloids with a sedative and calming effect. Withania is also rich in iron, for this reason it is useful to treat and prevent anemia. The plant has also adaptogenic properties, in fact it improves resistance and the capacity of the body to adapt to illnesses and stressing situations, it is a tonic but at the same time it has also a sedative action and results useful in case of insomnia. Indian ginseng acts against muscle pain, ulcers and gastritis, it results helpful to support the body in case of stress, nervous breakdown, weakness, convalescence, elderly, loss of memory. You can take Indian ginseng in form of capsules, decoction or mother tincture. Pay attention if you suffer from hyperthyroidism because the remedy is able to stimulate the thyroid, don’t take Whitania together with anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds in order to avoid possible interactions, don’t use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, an excessive use can cause irritability and tachycardia.
Capsules
You can take 1-2 capsules per day.
Decoction
Bring to boil 100 ml of water and 5 grams of root for a few minutes, then strain and drink.
Mother tincture
You can take withania somnifera in the form of a mother tincture, in this case 20 drops in a glass of water from one to three times a day.