Withania somnifera

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Solanaceae

  • Ashwagandha
  • Poison Gooseberry
  • Winter Cherry
  • Withania
  • samweh سموة
  • וִיתַנְיָה מְשַׁכֶּרֶת
  • vitanya meshakeret

Chamaephyte

  • Nutrient-rich soils
  • ruderal

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses
 
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distribution and other botanical details.

Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Medicinal Complaints / Uses
System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use		 Activity / Interpretation Traditional
Preparation/ Administration		 Parts Used Source
Dermatological

Acne

Anti-Infective

1. Crush dried plant into fine powder & sprinkle on skin.
2. Mix dried plant + olive oil & apply.

 Aerial parts Z
Dermatological

Boils

Anti-Infective

Squeeze juice from leaves + Ruta leaves + Lawsonia juice & oil & spread on affected area.

 Leaf Z
Dermatological

Purulent lesions & wounds

Anti-Infective, Vulnerary

Grind leaves, prepare poultice & apply to lesion.

 Leaf Z
Dermatological

Skin antiseptic

Anti-septic

1. Crush dried plant into fine powder & sprinkle onto skin.
2. Mix dried plant powder + olive oil & spread on skin.

 Aerial parts Z
Gastrointestinal

Abdominal pain, to reduce swelling of abdomen, liver & spleen.

Analgesic, Anti-hydropic

Eat + Lactuca sp. (Preparation/ Plant Part further details not specified.)

 Not specified Z
General

Fever

Anti-pyretic

1.Decoct plant in water & drink as necessary.
2. Prepare compress/ fomentation (hot poultice) + rose oil & apply externally. (Plant Part not specified.)

 Aerial parts Z
General

Swelling

Anti-hydropic

1.Mix plant +salt & apply externally. (Preparation/Plant Part further details not specified)
2. Prepare compress/ fomentation (hot poultice) + rose oil & apply externally. (Plant Part not specified).

 Not specified Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract

Diuretic

Diuretic

1.Cook leaves in water & drink.
2.Prepare tea & drink. (Plant Part not specified.)

Leaf Z
Mental health

Calmative

Anxiolytic, Sedative

Add drops of juice from leaves to glass of water & drink.

Fruit, Leaf Z
Musculoskeletal/ Joints

Rheumatic pain

Analgesic, Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory

Mix with "nuqum" (? Solanum incanum) + o live oil & prepare salve or compress; apply externally. (Plant Part not specified.)

 Not specified Z
Nervous System

Headache

Analgesic

Prepare compress/ fomentation (hot poultice) + rose oil & apply externally. (Plant Part not specified.)

 Not specified Z
Nervous system

Sleep inducing

Hypnotic

1. Add drops of juice from leaves to glass of water & drink.
2. Prepare tea of green leaves & fruits & drink.

 Fruit, Leaf Z
Wound Healing

Burn

Vulnerary

Grind leaves, prepare poultice & apply to burn.

 Leaf Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Z notes that at high concentration Withania can act as stimulant causing insanity. (See also CAUTIONS)

Withania somnifera contains cytotoxic lactones, piperidine & other alkaloids in the root. Berries should not be eaten as can cause abdominal pain. Other side efects include diarrhea & vomiting. May potentiate the effect of barbiturates & decrease immunosuppressant drugs.