Winter Cherry, Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera, Linn)
Properties:
Nutritive, tonic, alternant, aphrodisiac and nervine sedative.
Phytochemicals:
Alkaloids, amino acids, sterols and neutral compounds.
Medicinal Uses:
1. If enforces fresh energy and vigour in a system worn out owing to any consitutional disease like syphilis and in rheumatic fever.
2. Powdered root is very useful with equal parts of ghee and honey for impotence and seminal debility.
3. As nutrient and health restorative to the pregnant and old people, a decoction of the root is recommended.
4. For glandular swelling fresh green root reduced to paste with heated water is applied to the affected parts.
5. For improving sight, a mixture of this plant powder, liqorice powder and juice of emblic myrobalns is recommended.
6. Removes functional obstruction of body, promotes urination.
7. The antibiotic and antibacterial activity of the roots as well as leaves has recently been confirmed.