What is अश्वगंधा used for medicinally?

Root decoctions and powders used in Ayurveda as a rasayana (rejuvenative) and adaptogen; Unani and Siddha formulations for debility, stress, and reproductive tonics; Modern phytopharmaceutical extracts standardised to withanolide content

What does the scientific name Withania somnifera mean?

Withania: Named in honour of the 19th-century English palaeobotanist Henry T. M. Witham. somnifera: Means ‘sleep-bearing’, referencing the traditional sedative and restorative use of the root.

आज का पौधा

Withania somnifera

Q: Sunlight for अश्वगंधा?

Full sun. Requires open, unshaded positions for adequate root biomass and withanolide accumulation. Tolerates intense subtropical insolation without scorch due to reflective stellate tomentum.

Q: Water for अश्वगंधा?

Low. Drought-adapted; prefers infrequent deep watering with full drying between cycles. Waterlogging rapidly causes root rot and must be avoided in cultivation beds.

Q: Soil for अश्वगंधा?

Sandy loam, well-drained. Performs best on light, well-drained sandy-loam to gravelly soils with pH 7.5–8.0. Heavy clay or poorly drained substrates suppress taproot development.

Q: Temperature for अश्वगंधा?

20–35 °C. Thrives in warm, dry conditions and tolerates brief frosts at the woody base. Sustained cold or high humidity reduces vigour and increases foliar disease.

अश्वगंधाShrub

अश्वगंधा एक बहुवर्षीय झाड़ी है जो शुष्क क्षेत्रों में उगती है; इसकी मोटी जड़ें आयुर्वेद में बलवर्धक औषधि के रूप में सदियों से प्रयोग होती आई हैं।

FamilySolanaceae

GenusWithania

NativeIndian Subcontinent

LifespanPerennial; typically 3–5 productive years in cultivation; longer in undisturbed wild populations

Sunlight

Full sun

Requires open, unshaded positions for adequate root biomass and withanolide accumulation. Tolerates intense subtropical insolation without scorch due to reflective stellate tomentum.

Water

Low

Drought-adapted; prefers infrequent deep watering with full drying between cycles. Waterlogging rapidly causes root rot and must be avoided in cultivation beds.

Soil

Sandy loam, well-drained

Performs best on light, well-drained sandy-loam to gravelly soils with pH 7.5–8.0. Heavy clay or poorly drained substrates suppress taproot development.

Temperature

20–35 °C

Thrives in warm, dry conditions and tolerates brief frosts at the woody base. Sustained cold or high humidity reduces vigour and increases foliar disease.

Fertilizer

Minimal

A single basal dressing of farmyard manure at sowing is typically sufficient. Excess nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of root withanolide content.

Pruning

Light

Little pruning required beyond removal of dead or frost-damaged shoots at the end of the dry season. In cultivation the whole plant is usually uprooted at 150–180 days for root harvest.

Pro TipRequires open, unshaded positions for adequate root biomass and withanolide accumulation. Tolerates intense subtropical insolation without scorch due to reflective stellate tomentum.

Seasonal Care

How to care for your Hibiscus throughout the year.

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JFMAMJJASONDFloweringPruningFertilizeWater Daily

Common Problems & Solutions

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Yellow LeavesCause

Overwatering or poor drainage

Solution

Reduce watering and improve drainage.

PestsCause

Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites

Solution

Use neem oil or insecticidal soap.

No FlowersCause

Lack of sunlight or nutrients

Solution

Provide 6+ hours sunlight daily.

Wilting LeavesCause

Underwatering or extreme heat

Solution

Water thoroughly and move to shade.

Expert Tips

Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.

Mulch the soil to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Move the plant to a larger pot if roots are bound.

Use organic compost for healthy growth and more flowers.