Botanical Name

Withania somnifera

Family

Solanaceae

Sanskrit name

Ashwagandha

English name

Indian ginseng

Hindi name

Ashwagandh

Kannada name

Hiremaddu

Habit

Herb

Habitat

Dry tropical regions

Plant Description

Shrub. Leaves and branches covered with hairs. Branches extend radially from a central stem. Leaves broad, elongated. Flowers green, Fruits orange red, covered with calyx.

Distribution

Warmer regions

Part used

Root

.

Medicinal uses

Used in anxiety, depression, loss of sleep, to strenghthen the muscles, to improve sexual vigour, fever, cough, allergic rhinitis

Propagation

Seeds