Ashwagandha

WITHANIA SOMNIFERA (ASHWAGANDHA) The Adaptogenic Restorative—An Herb of Vitality, Stress Resilience, and Hormonal Balance BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION Scientific Name: Withania somnifera (L.) DunalCommon Names: Ashwagandha, Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, AmukkaraFamily: Solanaceae Withania somnifera is a perennial shrub reaching 35 to 75 centimeters tall, characterized by branching stems, ovate, pubescent leaves (5–10 centimeters long), and small greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers. The plant produces bright red berries enclosed in a papery calyx. Native to arid regions of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, it thrives in dry, sandy soils under full sun. Now cultivated commercially across India, Israel, and parts of Africa and the Middle East. Key adaptations include drought-tolerant taproots and glandular trichomes that reduce water loss and deter herbivory. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL USE Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years as a Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic),