🔼: [[🛠 Medicinal Plants 🌿]] # Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) [^1] Parts used: Primarily roots, though the seeds, juice and leaves are often used. ## Uses - Both energizing and calming - Helps us deal with [[💡 Stress]], [[💡 Anxiety]], [[💡 Fatigue]], and [[💡 Depression]] - [[💡 Insomnia]] - Increases stamina - Considered an aphrodisiac - May lessen stress-related food/sugar cravings. - May make it easier to [[💡 Focus & Concentration]]. Scientific studies in India suggest it may help counteract the immune suppression associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy by encouraging stem cell growth, which increases white blood cell activity.[^1] ## Using Ashwagandha > [!Warning] Do not use Ashwagandha if pregnant of breastfeeding - [[💡 Tinctures|Tincture]] - [[💡 Powders|Powdered]] for [[💡 Capsules]] - Tea - Pairs well with [[Ginger]] and [[Cinnamon]] or [[Chai Tea]]. ### Ashwagandha Tea An old remedy for [[💡 Insomnia]] which supports deep and restful [[⭐️ Sleep]]. Cow's [[Milk]] is preferable because it contains [[💡 Tryptophan]], but [[🍽 Soy Milk]], [[Almond Milk]], or [[Rice Milk]] can be substituted. - 1 cup [[Milk]] - 1 TSP powdered [[🌿 Ashwagandha]] - 1/2 TSP ground [[Cinnamon]] - 1/2 TSP [[Honey]] Warm the milk, add the rest, and stir. Sip slowly. ## Related - [[On Plant Medicine Dosage...]] - [[🦮 How to Source Herbs]] [^1]: [[📖 ✅ Herbs for Stress & Anxiety - How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System]]