Medical usage: Dried root for Ginseng-like tonic of the Ayurvedics .

Ashwagandha - also known as Indian Winter Cherry - is a shrub cultivated in India and North America whose roots have been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic practitioners. Ashwagandha root contains flavonoids and many active ingredients of the withanolide class. Several studies over the past few years have looked into whether ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties (see studies at bottom of page). Historically ashwagandha root has also been noted to have sex-enhancing properties.

Prefers full sun and fast draining soil . Average germ time 15 days.

CULTIVATION: Sow indoors or greenhouse in early spring. Easy to grow and useful. also increasingly popular herb for market.