Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (withania somnifera), also known as Ashwaganda, Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurveda, used to address various health conditions since ancient times. Ashwagandha is particularly famous for its restorative properties. While some refer to ashwagandha as "Indian Ginseng" due to its rejuvenating properties; botanically speaking, Ashwagandha and ginseng are completely unrelated species of herbs. Belonging to the same family of fruits as the tomato; in texture, Ashwagandha is a plump shrub with yellow flowers, and oval leaves. This herb usually grows up to the size of a Raisin, is red in color, and grows in the dry regions of North Africa, India and the Middle East. Nowadays, due to the wide spread knowledge of what this herb is capable of, it is also grown in the United States and various other mild climates.
The strength and vigor of Ashwagandha is indicated by its Sanskrit name, "the smell of a horse", signifying this herb is as powerful as a stallion. Ashwagandha is composed of various active compounds, including withanolides, choline, alkaloids, amino acids, fatty acids, and various sugars, all of which are naturally occurring. Ashwagandha provides numerous health benefits, but is primarily used to rejuvenate the body, strengthen the immune system, relieve stress, boost energy and aid in concentration. Researchers and specialists have spent a considerable amount of time studying Ashwagandha, and have completed numerous studies on its brain supporting and anti-inflammatory properties.
