Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Solanaceae, or nightshade family 
• "Somnifera" = Latin for "sleep inducing" ^[2]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
•  Cultivated as an annual in temperate climates, but is native to the drier subtropic regions of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Should be planted after the danger of frost has passed, then roots should be harvested and dried in the autumn. ^[1]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Adaptogen 
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant 
• Immune amphoteric/modulator 
• Antitumor 
• Nervine
•  Anxiolytic
•  Antidepressant 
• Antispasmodic 
• Mild astringent 
• Diuretic 
• Hepatic 
• Neuroprotective ^[3]
5. Indications:
• Anemia - increases hemoglobin
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Diuretic
• Edema
• Exhaustion
• Chronic Fatigue
• Hypothyroid - thyroid modulating
• Immune dysfunction
• Infertility
• Insomina
• Glycemic dysfunction
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Memory loss
• Cardiovascular protective
• Neuroprotective ^[3]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Steroidal lactones (including withanolides A-Y), sitoindosides, alkaloids (including somiferiene, withanine, and anaferine) ^[1]
7. System Affinities:
• Nervous system
• Immune system
• Reproductive system
• Endocrine system ^[3]  
8. Energetics:
• Bitter
• Astringent
• Sweet
• Hot ^[2]
9. Safety:
• Avoid using if you have:
• Sensitivities to nightshade plants
• Hemochromatosis (excess iron)
• Hyperthyroidism
•   Avoid in pregnancy
•  Used for TAB in Africa and the Sind region of India ^[1]
10. Interactions:
• May enhance or increase the effect of barbiturates  ^[1]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The dried root is pale tan/beige in color, and has been ground into small twiggy cylindrical pieces. The smell is very earthy, and tastes sweet.

2. Preparation Method:

• Tincture, 1:5 ratio
• Dosage: 30-40 drops TID ^[1]
2. Usage Notes:
• The tincture itself has a sweet aftertaste and is quite pleasant. It almost tastes like hay, and is very clear/pale yellow in color. After using for a week, I felt a decrease in heart palpitations, tremors, and anxiety. 
3.  Ayurvedic Opposites: 

1.       Heavy   ⇔   Light

2.       Dull    ⇔   Sharp

3.       Cold   ⇔   Hot

4.       Oily   ⇔   Dry

5.       Smooth   ⇔   Rough

6.       Dense   ⇔   Porous

7.       Soft   ⇔   Hard

8.       Static   ⇔   Mobile

9.       Cloudy   ⇔   Clear

10.    Solid   ⇔   Liquid

Sources:

1. Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress 
Relief. 
Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. pp 138-141.
2. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Adaptogens Powerpoint. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
3. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 1 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.