Family Name: Solanaceae
Botanical Name(s): Withania somnifera
Popular Name(s): Withania, Winter cherry, Indian winter cherry, Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha, Ashgandh, Achuvagandi Ashgandh.
Parts Used: Root and Leaves
Habitat: Cultivated throughout drier parts of India.
Description: Aswagandha is an important herb used in Ayurveda. Aswagandha is an erect branched shrub with greenish or lurid yellow flowers. Aswagandha in India is akin to ginseng in other parts of the orient.
Uses: It is official Indian Pharmacopoeia. It is popularly known as Indian Ginseng. It gives vitality and vigor and helps in building greater endurance. It has been used in diseases such as rheumatism, leprosy and arthritis.