About Vedic Ashwagandha
- Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
- Common Name: Vedic Ashwagandha
- Family: Solanaceae
- Hardiness: Moderately drought tolerant
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Medicinal: Yes
- Plant Food: FoxFarm Big Bloom for Organic Gardening
Vedic Ashwagandha
Companion Plants
Companion planting refers to growing different crops together that benefit each other. Since ashwagandha is a perennial herb native to India, Nepal, and Pakistan, it's not surprising that several Indian vegetables thrive alongside this medicinal plant.
Some of the best companion plants for Ashwagandha30 include:
- Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)
- Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
- Tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum)
Harvesting Information
Freshly harvested ashwagandha plants are best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. They can be kept whole for up to two weeks if refrigerated and sealed in an air-tight container. If you're unsure about the quality of your herbs after purchase, consider storing them in small portions with labels identifying when they were harvested and stored so that you will not have a large quantity going bad at once. You can also freeze ashwagandha root pieces for long-term storage (up to one year).30
Nutritional Data
This herb contains various compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, and withanolides, which are responsible for the plant's healing properties. The most important medicinal component found within Withania somnifera is called withanoside V (WSV). Ashwagandha also has high levels of iron and phosphorus minerals as well as Vitamins A and C.30
Recipes With Ashwagandha
Selection & Storage
To properly store newly harvested ashwagandha root, follow these steps: 1) Cut the roots into small pieces with a knife or shears, about half an inch long. This is important because it allows for faster drying and helps prevent bacterial contamination. 2) Place them in a single layer on trays (either homemade ones made from wire mesh or purchased from specialty stores). Ensure that the tray has proper drainage holes at the bottom to allow water to escape easily when they are rinsed during washing. 3) Dehydrate until completely dry and brittle, which takes about a day in an oven set at its lowest setting (150 degrees Fahrenheit), but can be shorter if using other drying methods such as sun-drying or freeze-drying.30
Usage Tips
Health Benefits
- Balance blood sugar
- Improve memory
- Lower high cholesterol
- Support muscle recovery
- Reduce stress
