Ashwagandha (winter cherry) is, next to the three-fruit remedy Triphala, probably the most widely used Ayurvedic medicinal plant. Both the Latin name "Withania somnifera" and the German name "Schlafbeere" give an indication of the relaxing effect of this root. The Sanskrit name Ashwagandha literally means "smelling like a horse". What smells like a horse can also be said to have the energy and vitality of a horse. So the name suggests relaxation and vitality as an effect.

Von Ashwanganda uses the powder of the sturdy and branched root, which is also called "Indian ginseng". A modern interpretation of the effect of Ahwagandha is given by the Indo-American neurologist Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary in her book "Wie neugeboren durch modernes Ayurveda. She describes the preparations of the winter cherry as the most important "neuroadaptive". This means that the intake of ashwangandha-containing preparations improves adaptability and regeneration of the nervous system in acute and chronic stress situations.

The most important parameters of Ayurvedic energetics are:

• Balancing of Vata
• Strengthening of nerves and memory
• Spiritual purity (Satva) )

Traditionally, Ashwagandha is administered for nervousness, sleep disorders, states of weakness, chronic fatigue and as an aphrodisiac for sexual weakness.

Ashwagandha is used in various preparations as powder for oral and external use and in association with other medicinal plants in various complex remedies.

Dosage when used as a food supplement of the single remedy Ashwagandha: 2-4x daily 0.5g (=2-4x 1 capsule).