Used in Ayuvedic medicine, and sometimes called ‘Indian ginseng’, this herb is native to India and Africa. The roots of the Ashwagandha plant are used in herbal medicine.
Action of Ashwagandha
Aswagandha contains compounds called withanolides, which are similar to the active constituents in ginseng. This herb has immune boosting, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic actions.
Ashwagandha is used in Indian medicine as a potent immune system supporting herb and as a general tonic. It is also useful in times of stress and fatigue and is available in tablets or capsules.
Cautions When Using Ashwagandha
| Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using Ashwagandha herbal supplements.
| The safety of Ashwagandha during pregnancy or lactation has not been sufficiently investigated, so is best avoided until more is known.
| Ashwagandha should not be used for children under the age of 12, unless advised by a qualified herbalist.
| When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Ashwagandha.