Ashwagandha

Scientific Name: Withania somnifera

Plant Family: Solanaceae, nightshade family

Part Used: Root, leaves

Actions: General tonic, rejuvenating, nervous system tonic, sedative, adaptogen, immuno-modulator, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-anemic, aphrodisiac, oxytocic

Energetics: Drying and warming

Preparations: Tincture, decoction

Cautions: None known

Medical Uses: Enhancing cognition, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma and psoriasis, improving blood cell health including iron levels, treatment of high cholesterol and diabetes, immune tonic.