Common Name: Ashwagandha, winter cherry, withania, Indian ginseng
Arabic name: جذرالاشواغاندا
Family: Solanaceae
Parts Used: Root
Actions: Adaptogen, Sedative, Tonic, Immunomodulant, Nervine.
Taste: Bitter, Pungent, Sweet.
Energy: Drying, Warming.
Native To: India, Africa.

Geographic Distribution: India, Nepal, Pakistan, several Mediterranean countries, Middle East, Africa.

Botanical Description: Ashwagandha is a shrub that grows to about 2.5-5 feet high with a central stem. The leaves are ovate and alternate. Branches extend radially and are covered in fine hairs. The flowers are green on the outside and yellow inside. The ripe fruits are smooth, orange-red berries and are inside calyxes (papery coverings). The roots are long and brown.

History and folklore: Ashwagandha translates to “that which has the smell of a horse, as it gives the vitality and sexual energy of a horse” This name alludes to the root's strong odor as well as its use to restore strength and vitality, and to improve and enhance sexual drive. In the ayurvedic tradition, ashwagandha is most commonly taken as a powder mixed into milk, especially before bedtime.

Uses: Rather than working like an aphrodisiac, the root is believed to work gradually over time to lower stress levels that may inhibit the sex drive. Ashwagandha may also support fertility. Its nervine and adaptogenic actions make it a good choice for those with anxiety, stress, insomnia, and lack of energy.

Safety: It should be used with caution by those taking thyroid hormones and should not be taken by those with hyperthyroid disease. It may be useful for hypothyroidism, but should be taken under the care of a qualified health practitioner. Some cultures use ashwagandha as a tonic during pregnancy, but other cultures use it as an abortifacient. This effect may depend on amounts, parts used, and preparation. Those interested in using ashwagandha during pregnancy are advised to consult with an herbalist who has experience working with this herb during pregnancy. Avoid in cases of hemochromatosis and hyperthyroidism or if taking thyroid hormones.

Common Name: Astragalus, milk vetch
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Arabic name: جذرالقتاد
TCM Name: Huang qi
Parts Used: Root
Actions: Adaptogen, Anti-diabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Cardioprotective, Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycemic, Immunomodulant, Neuroprotective, Restorative, Tonic.
Taste: Slightly sweet.
Energy: Warming
Native To: China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia

Geographic Distribution: Temperate regions throughout the world.

Botanical Description: Astragalus is an herbaceous perennial that grows from 1-2 feet tall and has multiple stems. The pinnately compound bright green leaves are comprised of 12-18 pairs of pointed leaflets. Yellow pea-like flowers arranged in long clusters bloom in summer. The tough and fibrous roots are brown with a yellow core.

History and folklore: Astragalus has been used for at least 2,000 years in Chinese medicine. It was recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), one of the first books on Chinese medicine. The Chinese Pinyin name is huang qi, which means “yellow leader,” referring both to its colour and its important status in Chinese medicine. Astragalus is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs of Chinese medicine and is an important tonic herb for maintaining vitality (qi) and strengthening resistance (immunity). Astragalus is used in broth, soups, decoctions, and infusions, and is commonly added when cooking rice, but as it is too fibrous to chew, it is removed prior to serving. Herbalists commonly add two to four root slices to a pot of soup.

Uses: Due to its slow-acting, building nature, it is best when consumed long term, for at least 3-6 months. Chinese herbalists use it for those suffering from frequent colds and flus, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating. As a Spleen qi tonic, astragalus strengthens digestion and dries excess dampness in the spleen, which can manifest in issues such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the body or limbs, and a tongue coating that is thick and greasy. As a general qi tonic, astragalus is valued as a restorative for reducing fatigue. Astragalus promotes long-term strengthening of the immune system and protects against infection. Herbalist Guido Masé suggests taking astragalus regularly in the fall and winter to strengthen immunity and keep colds, flu, and bronchitis at bay. Due to its immune-modulation activity, astragalus has been useful for bolstering against allergies and related headaches as well as for general states of autoimmune hyperreactivity. Astragalus is an adaptogen and increases the body’s ability to resist and cope with stress. Astragalus root has also traditionally been used in China for diabetes and is currently the most frequently used antidiabetic herb. Its hypoglycemic action is used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In traditional use, astragalus is valued for its hepatoprotective effect, which means it protects the liver against toxic substances and viruses and supports liver health. For those experiencing chronic immune suppression, astragalus may improve wound resolution and support the regeneration of tissue such as skin, bones, or other connective tissues. It is considered to be cardioprotective and is used for mild congestive heart failure and angina.

Safety: Astragalus mongholicus is considered safe, and no toxicity has been shown for daily use of the herb. Astragalus may be incompatible with immunosuppressive drugs and is contraindicated for patients with late-stage Lyme disease, as it may exacerbate the autoimmune response.