Description

Indian ginseng known commonly as ashwagandha, poison gooseberry or winter cherry, is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. Although thought to be useful as a medicinal herb in Ayurveda and sold in many countries as a dietary supplement, there is insufficient scientific evidence that it is safe or effective for treating any disease. Because of its lack of demonstrated efficacy and possible side-effects, it is currently recommended for no condition. 

Characteristics:

Ashwagandha, is native to drier parts of India. It is a perennial herb that reaches about 6 feet in nature. It is a short, tender perennial herb growing 35-75 cm tall. Velvet-hairy branches extend radially from a central stem. Leaves are dull green, elliptic, usually up to 10-12 cm long. The flowers are small, green and bell-shaped. Orange fruits in persistent papery sepals follow the small greenish flowers. Ashwagandha is propagated by division, cuttings or seed. Seed is the best way to propagate them. A postal stamp was issued by the Indian Postal Department to commemorate this flowers. This herb is cultivated for medicinal purposes in all parts of India. This plant grows to a height of about 1 m and dies in 3-4 years. There are branches. The whole plant is hairy. The leaves and roots are the medicinal parts. However, the root is mostly used. Seedlings are planted and cultivated. When grown commercially, the seedlings are planted at a distance of about 30 to 40 cm from each other. Seedlings are ready for harvest in 6 months after planting. The fruits can be transplanted and dried when ripe. The leaves are elliptical and about 4 inches in diameter. Dark green in color. Flowers small, in axillary racemes. Flowers greenish yellow. The root has a pungent odor similar to that of horse urine.

Medicinal Uses:

In malayalam it is called 'Amukuram' which stimulates the heart, nerves and brain. It also kills germs. It cures rheumatism, phlegm, inflammation, damage, tuberculosis, cough, fever, poisoning, rheumatism and jaundice. It is also an important ingredient in Mahaswagandha Churnam, Ashwagandharishtam and Kamadevaghritam. It has antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative, laxative and sedative properties. Amukkuram is boiled in milk, dried in the shade, mixed with ghee, milk or water and eaten for 15 days to gain weight. In addition, for infertility in infants, the powder of amukkuram can be added to milk or water. For insomnia, mental disorders and sexual dysfunction, 10 grams of amukura powder mixed with honey and ghee before going to bed in the morning and at night can be cured by drinking milk accordingly. Amukkuram is enough to make breast milk and boost the immune system. Amukkuram has the benefit of removing fluid and pain from the body. It is also a remedy for headache and skin diseases. . Amukkuram is said to be good for cancer.