Description

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a fascinating perennial shrub that hails from India and the Middle East.  It’s part of the Solanaceae family, which includes our beloved tomatoes, capsicum, and potatoes, treat it as an annual since it doesn’t handle frost very well.  The leaves have a soft, velvety feel and a dull green color, reminiscent of Datura. This plant also produces charming, green, bell-shaped flowers that give way to adorable, cherry-like red fruits. You might also hear it referred to as “Indian Winter Cherry.” This wonderful herb has been cherished for thousands of years in Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system from India. Ayurveda focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit, taking a holistic approach to health that incorporates not only herbal remedies but also practices like massage, acupressure, yoga, and meditation.

Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen, a special category of herbs that help our bodies adapt to stress and keep them running smoothly. These remedies are generally safe and have very few downsides. Other popular adaptogens you might know include tulsi, licorice, and ginseng.  Many studies have found that it can boost brain function, reduce stress, enhance musculoskeletal health, and help maintain a healthy reproductive system. It has especially shown promise in supporting male fertility! To enjoy Ashwagandha, the root is dried and ground into a powder that you can mix with honey, ghee (which is clarified butter), or water. You can also make it into an alcohol-based tincture or brew it into a tea or decoction. The leaves, flowers, and seeds are beneficial too! While Ashwagandha is often safe for most people and used widely as a home remedy, it’s best to check in with someone who knows about herbal medicine to find the right dosage for you, especially if you’re on prescription medications or are breastfeeding or pregnant.

Getting started with growing ashwagandha is easy. Begin by sowing the seeds just like you would with tomato seeds, placing them in pots filled with coco peat or seed raising soil. For the best results, set them on a heat mat to help them germinate. Since ashwagandha doesn’t like frost, it’s a good idea to start them indoors in a sunny spot or in a greenhouse. If you’re planning to harvest the roots for medicinal uses or save seeds from the fruit, try to plant them in late winter or early spring. This will give your plants plenty of time to mature. Germination will take place in 7- 14 days depending on soil temps and moisture. Once the last frost has passed, you can transplant your seedlings into the garden, spacing them about two feet apart. They’ll grow to about two feet tall, so make sure they have enough room, especially if you live in a warmer area where they tend to get bushy! When growing ashwagandha for its medicinal benefits, pick a spot that’s easy to dig up without disturbing other plants too much. Remember, these lovely plants love full sun and well-draining soil. Plus, they’re pretty drought-tolerant and don’t need much water. Happy gardening!