Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Ayurvedic teachings. It is also known as sleeping berry, winter cherry or Indian ginseng. It belongs to the genus of the nightshade family (Withania) and is a herbaceous plant, 30 to 150 cm high. Ashwagandha grows today mainly in Africa, India, Afghanistan and Pakistan and is harvested between June and October. Its berries and roots are among the most commonly used remedies in Ayurvedic medicine - comparable to the importance of ginseng in Chinese medicine (TCM). They are said to be well tolerated and versatile.