Ashwagandha is part of the Nightshade (Solanaceae) family.  Although traditionally all parts of the plant are used it is the roots which are most widely used today

The name Ashwagandha comes from Sanskrit: Ashva meaning horse and gandha meaning smell, in this case referring to the root’s smelling somewhat of horse sweat. This name also indicates one of its main Ayurvedic uses as a tonic, to give people the strength of a stallion 

Common Uses for Ashwagandha:ayurvedic

Ashwagandha has been used as a rejuvenative and restorative in Ayurvedic medicine for around 4000 years, where it is also used to enhance both male and female fertility. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is also used to boost strength and vitality. It is mildly sedative and immuno-modulating but best known as an adaptogen (a herb which helps to reduce both physical and mental stresses).  Ashwagandha is an unusual adaptogen as it has a calming quality to it so it can be taken at night.  The name somnifera, refers to its ability to help to induce sleep  

Some of the ways it has been shown to help are:

• It promotes health and vitality

• As an adaptogen it gives strength and resilience, both physical and mental. Helping to modify the harmful effects of stresses on the body

• Used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, depression and insomnia

• It reduces fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and tiredness even in people with a delicate constitution, such as elderly or frail people

• It helps to improve memory and concentration

• It has a direct effect on the thyroid making it useful in the treatment of hyperthyroidism

• It may reduce the tenderness and swelling associated with arthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis

• It can help in the treatment of allergies such as rhinitis and asthma

• It enhances the immunity, making it a useful treatment for chronic immune conditions including fibromyalgia and auto-immune conditions

• It appears to be anti-inflammatory making it a useful treatment for all health conditions as they are associated with inflammation somewhere in the body especially neurological issues such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 

• In Ayurveda it is famed as a treatment for infertility and the male reproductive system

It appears to be no safety concerns, however it is best avoided during pregnancy