Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a well-known plant in Ayurvedic medicine, and records of its use date back more than 3,000 years. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera and it belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same as the tomato, eggplant, nightshade, tobacco and even the potato.It is an herbaceous shrub, woody at the base, that reaches up to a height of about 170 cm and grows wild or can be cultivated. Also known as the “King and Queen of Herbs” or “Winter Cherry,” it is increasingly known and appreciated for its properties.

Withania somnifera is a woody herbaceous shrub. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same as the tomato, and like the tomato has small green-yellow flowers and oval leaves. The fruits vary in color from red to yellow-orange depending on ripeness and look like small tomatoes. The plant is covered with a down that gives it a cerulean-gray glow. Ashwagandha originates in North Africa, the Middle East and especially India, where, due to its properties, it is considered the most popular plant and therefore called “Indian Ginseng.”

Ashwagandha comes from Sanskrit ashwa meaning “horse,” the origin of this name comes from the fact that from the root of this plant was able to give people the strength of a stallion. Another theory states that the literal meaning of the word ashwagandha is "horse odor" because the fresh roots of the herb have an unpleasant odor.The name of the somnifera species comes from Latin and can be translated "sleep-inducing," this would refer to its ability to improve the quality of sleep. There is evidence to suggest that the root of this plant was used many years ago by the Indian population. In fact, in addition to being used as a food, the root is mainly exploited in folk and Ayurvedic medicine.

The powder that is made from Ashwagandha root has a bitter taste and an unpleasant odor, but it has good solubility, which is why it is recommended to take the powder mixed with other foods to make its intake more pleasant.Most important is the method of processing, Ashwagandha powder must be processed at low temperatures to preserve all its nutrients intact.

Organic ashwagandha powder is considered an excellent way to incorporate this root into one's diet.It can be combined with fruit juices, chocolate, yogurt or milk much more...Ashwagandha powder can be dissolved in drinks, in smoothies or added to cake and cookie doughs or in savory recipes. Ashwagandha tea is another way to consume the root and you can add some manuka honey to enhance the flavor.

Ashwagandha powder has a very distinctive taste and can be taken in a variety of ways:

• in smoothies or fruit juices
• in yoghurt and milk
• together with muesli or other dried fruits and oilseeds
• as an ingredient in homemade desserts
• in salads or as a condimentfor broths or soups
• in herbal teas or teas