Ashwagandha

Transplanting:

To transplant ashwagandha to the ground or a larger area, ensure that:

• The hole is made at least as wide as the plant pot, and
• the depth of the hole is such that the top of the soil from the ashwagandha plant is level with the surface soil of the ground or larger area.
• It is advised not to remove much of the roots from the ashwagandha when transplanting unless you notice extreme root bound. If the plant (has extreme root bound) has lots of roots that are knotted up particularly at the bottom of the pot, you can cut under 30% of the roots, primarily at the bottom of the pot, and also remove some of the older leaves if the plant has lots of leaves.
• Ensure that ashwagandha gets lots of water shortly after transplanting to lessen the effects of plant shock.

Light Conditions:

• Full Sun:
  Ashwagandha should preferably be grown in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Partial Shade:
  In our climate, ashwagandha may grow well with slightly less 6 hours of sunlight per day, primarily morning sun.

Soil:

• Well-drained soil that is average (moderately fertile) in nutrients. The soil can be stony, or sandy to loamy. The plant has been reported to grow from sea-level up to 2,300 metres in disturbed soils, stony places, cultivated lands, open woodlands, along roadsides, with riverine vegetation, and even on termite mounds in grasslands.
• Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.

Watering Frequency:

• Water the soil primarily when the soil is dry.
• Ashwagandha has low to moderate watering needs.
• Avoid overwatering.

Pruning:

• Prune (deadhead) stems or leaves when they appear to look diseased or turn brown.
• Pruning can aid in stimulating new growth.

Withanolides -

• Alkaloids
• Cuscohygrine
• Glycosides
• Steroidal Lactones
• Tropine
• Withaferin A

All parts of ashwagandha, but primarily the leaves and the roots, are adaptogenic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, immunomodulatory, narcotic, sedative and tonic. Ashwagandha can be beneficial for the brain and may reverse memory deficits. It can also improve platelets, and red and white blood cell counts.

 

Root -

The root powder provides hypoglycaemic effects. Root extracts are said to improve fertility (particularly in men), and consist of antidepressant and anxiety-relieving properties. Aqueous alcohol root extracts have positive cognition-enhancing, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects. These extracts can also aid cartilage of osteoarthritis patients. Methanolic extracts of the root are antibacterial.

 

Leaves -

On the skin (topically), ashwagandha can be used as a poultice for boils, wounds, swellings and other painful body parts. The leaves can also be incorporated into an ointment for wounds and bed sores.

 

Fruit -

The fruit is diuretic.

 

Seed -

The seed is diuretic and hypnotic.

 

Soap Substitute -

The fruit can be used as a soap substitute since it contains an abundance of saponins which provide a foam when agitated in water.

 

Insect Repellent -

The leaves can be used as an insect repellent.

 

Animal Repellent -

The smoke of the dried root being crushed and burned has been used to repel large animals.

Aroma -

The leaves have been found to have an aroma similar to that of a sweaty horse. The roots are said to smell like green tomatoes.

 

It is advised that you consult with your physician before taking any herbal medicine.