Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha
PLANT NAME
Ashwagandha
COMMON NAMES
Indian ginseng, Poison gooseberry, Winter cherry
BOTANICAL NAME
Withania somnifera
IDENTIFICATION
A small woody shrub in the nightshade family with dull green leaves and bell-shaped flowers producing red berries.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED (Sketch placeholder present)
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Roots.
CULINARY USES
Root powder is sometimes added to warm milk, moon milks, and smoothies, though it has a distinctly bitter, earthy flavor.
TRADITIONAL USES
A prominent adaptogen in Ayurvedic tradition, used to support stress response, energy, and vitality.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Requires dry, well-drained soil and a warm climate. Roots are harvested after the berries ripen.
SAFETY / CAUTION
May interact with thyroid medications, sedatives, and immunosuppressants. Not recommended during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor.
RELATED PLANTS
Other nightshades (Solanaceae family).