Ashwagandha — Indian Ginseng

Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) — Indian Ginseng. Pharmacological properties: Rasa Tikta, Kashaya, Virya Ushna, Vipaka Madhura. Balances Vata, Kapha.

Ayurvedic Herbs A–Z 1 min read

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a powerful adaptogen. It reduces stress, increases strength, and supports reproductive and nervous systems.

ⓘ Information

Property	Value	Description
Rasa	Tikta, Kashaya	Tikta (Bitter) — detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic; Kashaya (Astringent) — drying, absorbent, wound-healing
Guna	Guru, Snigdha	Guru (Heavy) — increases bulk, grounding; Snigdha (Oily/Unctuous) — moistening, nourishing
Virya	Ushna	Ushna (Hot) — heating, increases metabolism and Pitta
Vipaka	Madhura	Madhura (Sweet) — post-digestive sweet, nourishing
Prabhava	Balya, Medhya, Vrishya, rasayan	Balya — strengthens, increases strength and stamina; Medhya — intellect-promoting, enhances cognition; Vrishya — aphrodisiac, enhances reproductive health

Sanskrit Synonyms

In the classical Ayurvedic texts, Ashwagandha is known by the following Sanskrit names:

Turagi, Vajigandha, Balada, Kushtagandhini

Parts Used

The medicinal parts of Ashwagandha are: moola.

Main Indications

Ashwagandha is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

Kshaya, Daurbalya, Vata Vyadhi, Klaibya.

Dosha Effects

Ashwagandha pacifies Vata, Kapha.

It may aggravate Pitta when used in excess or in sensitive individuals.

Usage

Ashwagandha is used in classical Ayurvedic formulations. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage and preparation based on your constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalance (Vikriti).

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)

Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH

Rasa (Taste)Tikta, Kaṣ¡ya

Guna (Quality)Laghu

Virya (Potency)Uṣḍa

Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Madhura

Karma (Action)V¡takaph¡paha, Balya, Ras¡yana, V¡jikaraḍa

Dose3-6 g of the drug in powder form

Therapeutic Uses: Kṣaya, Daurbalya, V¡taroga, śotha, Klaibya

Important Formulations: A¿vagandh¡dyariṣua, A¿vagandh¡di Lehya,

Botanical Name: Withania somnifera Dunal. (Solanaceae)

Part Used: Rt.

Therapeutic Uses (IMPPAT Database)

Source: Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics (IMPPAT) v1.0 — CC BY 4.0

Part Used	Therapeutic Use	Identifiers	References
bark	Asthma	MESH:D001249,UMLS:C0004096, DOID:2841, ICD-11:CA23	ISBN:9788183602525
bark	Pressure ulcer	MESH:D003668,UMLS:C0011127, DOID:8717, ICD-11:EH90.Z	ISBN:9788183602525
fruit	Diuretics	MESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06	ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266
leaf	Anthelmintics	MESH:D000871,UMLS:C0003158, ICD-11:XM4EC0	ISBN:9788172361150
leaf	Anti-bacterial agents	MESH:D000900,UMLS:C0279516, ICD-11:XM8XH0	ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Anti-inflammatory agents	MESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Antineoplastic agents	MESH:D000970,UMLS:C0003392	ISBN:9788172363093
leaf	Antipyretics	MESH:D058633,UMLS:C0003419, ICD-11:XM1RS7	ISBN:9788172361150
leaf	Antirheumatic agents	MESH:D018501,UMLS:C0003191, ICD-11:XM95N2	ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Arthralgia	MESH:D018771,UMLS:C0003862, ICD-11:ME82	ISBN:9788172363093
leaf	Carbuncle	MESH:D002270,UMLS:C0007078, DOID:2176, ICD-11:1B75.1	ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788183602525
leaf	Conjunctivitis	MESH:D003231,UMLS:C0009763, DOID:6195, ICD-11:9A60	ISBN:9788183602525
leaf	Diuretics	MESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06	ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Dyspnea	MESH:D004417,UMLS:C0013404, ICD-11:MD11.5	ISBN:9788172361150
leaf	Edema	MESH:D004487,UMLS:C0013604, ICD-11:MG29.1	ISBN:9788173717062, ISBN:9788183602525, ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Endophthalmitis	MESH:D009877,UMLS:C0014236, DOID:4692, ICD-11:9C21	ISBN:9788173717062
leaf	Fever	MESH:D005334,UMLS:C0015967, ICD-11:MG26	ISBN:9788172361266
leaf	Furunculosis	MESH:D005667,UMLS:C0016867, ICD-11:1B75.0	ISBN:9788172363093
leaf	Hypnotics and sedatives	MESH:D006993,UMLS:C0020592, ICD-11:XM3GR8	ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Inflammation	MESH:D007249,UMLS:C0021368	ISBN:9788183602525
leaf	Liver diseases	MESH:D008107,UMLS:C0023895, DOID:409, ICD-11:SA0Z	ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Nasopharyngeal neoplasms	MESH:D009303,UMLS:C0027439	ISBN:9788172363093
leaf	Neoplasms	MESH:D009369,UMLS:C0027651, DOID:162, ICD-11:2E2Z	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Pain	MESH:D010146,UMLS:C0030193, ICD-11:MG3Z	ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266
leaf	Scabies	MESH:D012532,UMLS:C0036262, DOID:8295, ICD-11:1G04	ISBN:9788172361150
leaf	Tuberculosis, lymph node	MESH:D014388,UMLS:C0041316, DOID:4889, ICD-11:1B12.6	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9789327275590
leaf	Ulcer	MESH:D014456,UMLS:C0041582	ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266
leaf	Wounds and injuries	MESH:D014947,UMLS:C0043251	ISBN:9788171360536
root	Abortifacient agents	MESH:D000019,UMLS:C0000782, ICD-11:JA00.1	ISBN:9788172361266, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
root	Aging	MESH:D000375,UMLS:C0001811, ICD-11:MG2A	ISBN:9788172361266
root	Anti-bacterial agents	MESH:D000900,UMLS:C0279516, ICD-11:XM8XH0	ISBN:9789327275590
root	Anti-inflammatory agents	MESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1	ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9789327275590, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Antineoplastic agents	MESH:D000970,UMLS:C0003392	ISBN:9780387706375
root	Antirheumatic agents	MESH:D018501,UMLS:C0003191, ICD-11:XM95N2	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9789327275590, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
root	Aphrodisiacs	MESH:D001046,UMLS:C0003567	A Report On Medicinal Plants Of Kachchh (Gujarat), ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788172363093, ISBN:9788173717062, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
root	Arthritis	MESH:D001168,UMLS:C0003864, DOID:848, ICD-11:FA2Z	ISBN:9788183602525, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Asthenia	MESH:D001247,UMLS:C0004093, ICD-11:MG22	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra), Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Asthma	MESH:D001249,UMLS:C0004096, DOID:2841, ICD-11:CA23	ISBN:9788171360536
root	Brain diseases	MESH:D001927,UMLS:C0006111, DOID:936	ISBN:9788172363093
root	Carbuncle	MESH:D002270,UMLS:C0007078, DOID:2176, ICD-11:1B75.1	ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266
root	Common cold	MESH:D003139,UMLS:C0009443, DOID:10459, ICD-11:CA00	ISBN:9788183602525
root	Constipation	MESH:D003248,UMLS:C0009806, DOID:2089, ICD-11:ME05.0	ISBN:9788171360536
root	Cough	MESH:D003371,UMLS:C0010200, ICD-11:MD12	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788183602525
root	Dementia	MESH:D003704,UMLS:C0497327, DOID:1307, ICD-11:6D8Z	ISBN:9788183602525
root	Disinfectants	MESH:D004202,UMLS:C0012682, ICD-11:XM7DD6	ISBN:81-204-0828-4
root	Diuretics	MESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788172363093, ISBN:9788173717062, ISBN:9789327275590
root	Dyspnea	MESH:D004417,UMLS:C0013404, ICD-11:MD11.5	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788172361150
root	Edema	MESH:D004487,UMLS:C0013604, ICD-11:MG29.1	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788173717062, ISBN:9789327275590
root	Emaciation	MESH:D004614,UMLS:C0013911, ICD-11:5B51	ISBN:9788172361266
root	Epilepsy	MESH:D004827,UMLS:C0014544, DOID:1826, ICD-11:8A6Z	ISBN:9788183602525
root	Erectile dysfunction	MESH:D007172,UMLS:C0242350, ICD-11:HA01.1	ISBN:81-204-0828-4
root	Fatigue	MESH:D005221,UMLS:C0015672, ICD-11:MG22	ISBN:9788190648943
root	Female urogenital diseases	MESH:D052776,UMLS:C1720887	ISBN:9788183602525
root	Fever	MESH:D005334,UMLS:C0015967, ICD-11:MG26	ISBN:81-204-0828-4
root	Hiccup	MESH:D006606,UMLS:C0019521, ICD-11:MD11.6	ISBN:9788183602525
root	Hypnotics and sedatives	MESH:D006993,UMLS:C0020592, ICD-11:XM3GR8	ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788183602525, ISBN:9789327275590, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Infertility, male	MESH:D007248,UMLS:C0021364, DOID:12336, ICD-11:GB04	ISBN:9788190648943
root	Inflammation	MESH:D007249,UMLS:C0021368	ISBN:9788190648943, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Leukorrhea	MESH:D007973,UMLS:C0023533, DOID:3766, ICD-11:MF3A	Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Liver diseases	MESH:D008107,UMLS:C0023895, DOID:409, ICD-11:SA0Z	ISBN:9789327275590
root	Low back pain	MESH:D017116,UMLS:C0024031, ICD-11:ME84.2	Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Muscle weakness	MESH:D018908,UMLS:C0151786, ICD-11:FB32.Y	ISBN:9788173717062
root	Narcotics	MESH:D009294,UMLS:C0027415	ISBN:9788172361266
root	Neoplasms	MESH:D009369,UMLS:C0027651, DOID:162, ICD-11:2E2Z	ISBN:9788172363093, ISBN:9789327275590
root	Nervous system diseases	MESH:D009422,UMLS:C0027765, DOID:863, ICD-11:8E7Z	ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788173717062, ISBN:9788183602525
root	Pain	MESH:D010146,UMLS:C0030193, ICD-11:MG3Z	ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788183602525
root	Anti-poisoning	MESH:D011041, ICD-11:NE6Z	ISBN:81-204-0828-4
root	Psoriasis	MESH:D011565,UMLS:C0033860, DOID:8893, ICD-11:EA90	ISBN:9788171360536
root	General tonic for rejuvenation	MESH:D012060,UMLS:C0035016	A Report On Medicinal Plants Of Kachchh (Gujarat), ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788173717062, ISBN:9788183602525, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra), Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Scabies	MESH:D012532,UMLS:C0036262, DOID:8295, ICD-11:1G04	ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172361150, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Skin diseases	MESH:D012871,UMLS:C0037274, DOID:37, ICD-11:EM0Z	A Report On Medicinal Plants Of Kachchh (Gujarat)
root	Sleep aids, pharmaceutical	MESH:D000068776,UMLS:C4042825	ISBN:9788173717062
root	Sleep initiation and maintenance disorders	MESH:D007319,UMLS:C0021603	A Report On Medicinal Plants Of Kachchh (Gujarat), ISBN:9788173717062
root	Stress, physiological	MESH:D013312,UMLS:C0449430, ICD-11:6E40.4	ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172363093
root	Tuberculosis	MESH:D014376,UMLS:C0041296, DOID:399, ICD-11:1B1Z	ISBN:9788190648943
root	Tuberculosis, lymph node	MESH:D014388,UMLS:C0041316, DOID:4889, ICD-11:1B12.6	ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9789327275590
root	Ulcer	MESH:D014456,UMLS:C0041582	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788173717062, ISBN:9788183602525, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Vitiligo	MESH:D014820,UMLS:C0042900, DOID:12306, ICD-11:ED63.0	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788173717062
root	Sexual debility	MESH:D012735,UMLS:C0549622, DOID:1876	ISBN:9788183602525, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - III
root	Deobstruent		ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266
root	Rheumatoid arthritis	MESH:D001172,UMLS:C0003873, DOID:7148, ICD-11:FA20	A Report On Medicinal Plants Of Kachchh (Gujarat)
seed	Anti-bacterial agents	MESH:D000900,UMLS:C0279516, ICD-11:XM8XH0	ISBN:9789327275590
seed	Anti-inflammatory agents	MESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1	ISBN:9789327275590
seed	Antirheumatic agents	MESH:D018501,UMLS:C0003191, ICD-11:XM95N2	ISBN:9789327275590
seed	Diuretics	MESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06	ISBN:9788172361150, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9789327275590, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
seed	Dyssomnias	MESH:D020920,UMLS:C0700201, ICD-11:MB43	ISBN:9788172363093
seed	Edema	MESH:D004487,UMLS:C0013604, ICD-11:MG29.1	ISBN:9789327275590
seed	Hypnotics and sedatives	MESH:D006993,UMLS:C0020592, ICD-11:XM3GR8	ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9789327275590, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
seed	Liver diseases	MESH:D008107,UMLS:C0023895, DOID:409, ICD-11:SA0Z	ISBN:9788172363093, ISBN:9789327275590
seed	Massive hepatic necrosis	MESH:D047508,UMLS:C0001364, ICD-11:DB97.Z	ISBN:9788172363093
seed	Neoplasms	MESH:D009369,UMLS:C0027651, DOID:162, ICD-11:2E2Z	ISBN:9789327275590
seed	Tuberculosis, lymph node	MESH:D014388,UMLS:C0041316, DOID:4889, ICD-11:1B12.6	ISBN:9789327275590
whole plant	Anticonvulsants	MESH:D000927,UMLS:C0003286, ICD-11:XM07T3	ISBN:9788172363093
whole plant	Antidepressive agents	MESH:D000928,UMLS:C0003289, ICD-11:6A7Z	ISBN:9788172363093
whole plant	Aphrodisiacs	MESH:D001046,UMLS:C0003567	ISBN:9788172363093
whole plant	Hypercholesterolemia	MESH:D006937,UMLS:C0020443, ICD-11:5C80.0	ISBN:9788172363093
whole plant	Mental disorders	MESH:D001523,UMLS:C0004936, ICD-11:6E8Z	ISBN:9788172363093
whole plant	Stress, physiological	MESH:D013312,UMLS:C0449430, ICD-11:6E40.4	ISBN:9788172363093
	Amnesia	MESH:D000647,UMLS:C0002622, DOID:10914, ICD-11:MB21.1	ISBN:9788172361150
	Anticonvulsants	MESH:D000927,UMLS:C0003286, ICD-11:XM07T3	ISBN:9788172363093
	Anti-inflammatory agents	MESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1	ISBN:9788172363093
	Antineoplastic agents	MESH:D000970,UMLS:C0003392	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788172363093
	Antirheumatic agents	MESH:D018501,UMLS:C0003191, ICD-11:XM95N2	ISBN:9788172361150
	Anxiety disorders	MESH:D001008,UMLS:C0003469, DOID:2030, ICD-11:6B00	ISBN:81-204-0828-4
	Aphrodisiacs	MESH:D001046,UMLS:C0003567	ISBN:9788172361150
	Cough	MESH:D003371,UMLS:C0010200, ICD-11:MD12	ISBN:9788172361150
	Dementia	MESH:D003704,UMLS:C0497327, DOID:1307, ICD-11:6D8Z	ISBN:9788172361150
	Diuretics	MESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06	ISBN:9788172361150
	Edema	MESH:D004487,UMLS:C0013604, ICD-11:MG29.1	ISBN:9788172361150
	Disorder of ejaculation	UMLS:C0235969	ISBN:9788172361150
	Fever	MESH:D005334,UMLS:C0015967, ICD-11:MG26	ISBN:9788172363093
	Galactogogues	MESH:D056669,UMLS:C2717873	ISBN:9788172361150
	Hiccup	MESH:D006606,UMLS:C0019521, ICD-11:MD11.6	ISBN:9788172361150
	Infertility, male	MESH:D007248,UMLS:C0021364, DOID:12336, ICD-11:GB04	ISBN:9788172361150
	Leukorrhea	MESH:D007973,UMLS:C0023533, DOID:3766, ICD-11:MF3A	ISBN:9788172361150
	Low back pain	MESH:D017116,UMLS:C0024031, ICD-11:ME84.2	ISBN:9788172361150
	Menstruation disturbances	MESH:D008599,UMLS:C0025345, ICD-11:GA20.30	ISBN:9788172361150
	Nervous system diseases	MESH:D009422,UMLS:C0027765, DOID:863, ICD-11:8E7Z	ISBN:9788172361150
	Nootropic agents	MESH:D018697,UMLS:C0242913	ISBN:81-204-0828-4
	Increase physical endurance, strength and stamina	MESH:D010807	ISBN:81-204-0828-4, ISBN:9788172361150
	General tonic for rejuvenation	MESH:D012060,UMLS:C0035016	Contribution To The Medico-Botany Of East Godavari And West Godavari Districts Of Andhra Pradesh, ISBN:9788172361150