Ashwagandha is a shrub cultivated in India and North America whose roots have been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic practitioners. Ashwagandha is one of the most vital herbs in Ayurvedic healing and is most well known for its restorative benefits. It has traditionally been prescribed to help people strengthen their immune system after an illness. It is India's native answer to Ginseng and it is currently being applied in Ayurvedic medicine to treat hypertension and stress related ailments. Many believe Ashwagandha to be effective in stimulating the immune system. It also appears to inhibit swelling and aid memory and can act as a general health tonic. Recent studies have attempted to popularize its use as a preliminary treatment for male infertility and impotence problems.

Ashwagandha belongs to the same family as the tomato. It is a plump shrub with oval leaves and yellow flowers. It bears red fruit the size of a raisin. It is native to the dry regions of India and the Middle East but today it is also grown in more mild climates including the US.

Scientific Research
Ashwagandha has been found to contain many useful medicinal chemicals including alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, a variety of sugars and withanolides. While the leaves and fruit have valuable therapeutic properties, the root is the part of the plant that is most commonly used in Western herbal remedies.

Over 200 studies have been done using ashwagandha. Some of the healing benefits that have been noticed are:
- It helps to stabilize blood sugar
- reduces anxiety and depression without the side effects of drowsiness
- lowers cholesterol
- combats the effects of stress
- improves learning, memory and reaction times
- offers anti-inflammatory and anti-malarial properties
- reduces brain cell degeneration
- Protects the immune system

Some studies have also found that ashwagandha inhibits the growth of cancer cells in small animals, but further research is needed to determine whether the herb prevents the development of tumors in human beings.

Recommended dose:1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day added to smoothies or tea. Ashwagandha is not recommended for pregnant mothers and should not be consumed for long periods of time. It is better reserved for the times of need.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.