ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha is short woody shrub which can grow up to 35-75 cm in height. From the central stem branches are extended radially. Leaves are 10- 12 cm long and dull green in color. Flowers are small and round in shape. Flowers are greenish- yellow, found in flowered clustered in axils and 4-6mm in diameter. Fruits are red berries enclosed in a green enlarged calyx. Roots are stout, long tuberous, fleshy, whitish brown and aromatic. Ashwagandha is one of most potent herb in Ayurvedic healing system. It is composed of two Sanskrit words (Ashwa – horse and Gandha – smell because its roots smell like horse urine). This describes that herb provides the strength of a stallion and traditionally prescribed to strengthen immune system of people after illness. Many biochemically heterogenous alkaloids are present in roots of Ashwagandha. Whereas the leaves contain withanolids other alkaloids are somniferine, somnine, somniferinine. All these phytochemical compounds have various therapeutic properties. It balances tridosha, specially kapha and vata. Health benefits of Ashwagandha Dosage 3-6 gram Ashwagandha powder.