Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Winter Cherry, is an Ancient herb. It is the ‘ginseng’ of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India, and is considered an ‘adaptogen’, a term used to describe herbs that improve physical energy and athletic ability, increase immunity to colds and infections and increase sexual capacity and fertility.

The root is the part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes.

Ashwagandha Health Benefits

Below we will explore some of the health benefits of Ashwagandha in more detail:

Ashwagandha strengthens immunity

One reason for the reputation of ashwagandha as a general energy-promoting, disease-preventing tonic may be its effect on the immune system. A number of studies have shown significant increases in white blood cell counts and other measures of strengthened immunity in rodents given ashwagandha or certain chemicals extracted from the herb.

Sedative effect of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha may also have a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and in animal studies it has been shown to be a muscle relaxant.

Ashwagandha increases vitality

Ashwagandha is often referred to as a rejuvenating herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and for good reason. It’s widely used to restore energy, build resilience and support overall vitality, especially after periods of chronic illness, stress or fatigue.

Ashwagandha is commonly used to increase vitality, particularly when recovering from chronic illnesses, and for pain management for arthritic conditions.

This adaptogenic root helps the body recover from physical depletion by supporting adrenal function and reducing excessive cortisol levels. By calming the stress response, Ashwagandha frees up the body’s energy for healing and repair.

Ashwagandha has also been shown to support strength and endurance, making it valuable for those with chronic fatigue, post-viral exhaustion or those recovering from long-term stress. In traditional use, it’s combined with nourishing herbs or foods like warm milk to rebuild strength in weak or depleted individuals.

Additionally, Ashwagandha may help ease joint pain and inflammation in arthritic conditions. Its mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions have made it a go-to for those managing rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, not only to reduce discomfort but to increase mobility and quality of life.

If your vitality feels drained and your body is slow to bounce back, Ashwagandha may be just what your system needs to reset and recharge.

Ashwagandha regulates blood sugar

Ashwagandha may also help regulate blood sugar, which aids in suppressing sugar cravings.

Emerging research supports Ashwagandha’s ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly helpful for people with insulin resistance or blood sugar fluctuations that lead to energy crashes and cravings.

Ashwagandha may increase insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood glucose levels, making it a useful ally for metabolic health. This is thought to occur through both improved pancreatic function and reduced stress hormone levels (since elevated cortisol can spike blood sugar).

By stabilising blood glucose, Ashwagandha helps curb sugar cravings, support more balanced energy throughout the day and reduce the mood swings or fatigue that often follow a sugar crash.

If you’re working on balancing your diet or reducing your reliance on sugar for quick energy, Ashwagandha offers a gentle, root-level approach to regulating your internal rhythms.

Ashwagandha for cancer treatment and prevention

Research shows ashwagandha may be a promising alternative for cancer treatment and prevention. Ashwagandha seems to show positive effects on the endocrine, cardiac, and central nervous systems. It is one herb that could help your body produce its own thyroid hormones.

Ashwagandha for male fertility

Ashwagandha is used to restore male libido, cure impotence and increase male fertility. It is widely used in southern Asia as a male sexuality tonic. 

Research on ashwagandha has concluded that extracts of the plant has a direct spermatogenic influence on the seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect (1). It is also a potential source of hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agents (2).

Ashwagandha reduces stress

Preliminary studies indicate that the herb helps to reduce the negative effects of stress, slow tumour growth, treat anxiety and insomnia.

Ashwagandha is generally safe at the doses recommended on the packaging. In high doses it may have steroidal activity similar to Creatine.

Antioxidant properties of Ashwagandha

Because Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to treat various diseases associated with nerve tissue damage related to the destructive molecules known as free radicals, some researchers have speculated that the herb may have antioxidant properties. Free-radical damage plays a role in normal ageing and in such neurological conditions as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

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Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) Herb Notes / Side Effects

Ashwagandha root may increase the effects of barbiturates; its use in combination with sedatives should be avoided. As a central nervous system depressant or tranquilizer, the herb should be used sparingly.

Ashwagandha is generally safe at the doses recommended on the package. At high doses it may have steroid activity similar to creatine.

Latin Names

Withania somnifera, Physalis flexuosa

Common Names

Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry, Ashgandh, Achuvagandi, Amikkira-gadday, Amkulang-kalang, Amukkira-kilzhangu, Amukran-kizhangu, Asagandha, Asana, Asgandh, Asundha, Asvagandhi, Fatarfoda, Hirimaddina-gadday, Hirre-gadday, Penneroo-gadda, Pevette, Sogade-beru

Properties of Ashwagandha

Strengthens immune system, antioxidant, rejuventaing. abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, anti-tumor, immuno-modulating, diuretic; narcotic, sedative, tonic.

Ashwagandha uses

Increase immunity to colds & infections, vitality, male fertility and libido. Combats impotence and helps regulate blood sugar.

Ashwagandha is indicated for:

Insomnia, slows tumor growth, anxiety, reduces cholesterol.

References
_1. J ETHNOPHARMACOL 2001 APR;75(1):1-4 – THE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF CYNOMORIUM COCCINEUM AND WITHANIA SOMNIFERA ON TESTICULAR DEVELOPMENT IN IMMATURE WISTAR RATS. – ABDEL-MAGIED EM, ABDEL-RAHMAN HA, HARRAZ FM. 2. INDIAN J EXP BIOL 2000 JUN;38(6):607-9 — HYPOGLYCEMIC, DIURETIC AND HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC EFFECT OF WINTER CHERRY (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA, DUNAL) ROOT. — ANDALLU B, RADHIKA B. — DEPARTMENT OF HOME SCIENCE, SRI SATYA SAI INSTITUTE OF HIGHER LEARNING, ANANTAPUR 515001, INDIA.