The Benefits of Growing Ashwagandha Plant in Your Garden: A Natural Solution

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. This hardy perennial shrub is native to India and North Africa. Today, ashwagandha is gaining popularity in Western herbalism and naturopathic medicine as a potent adaptogenic herb. Growing your own ashwagandha is easy and rewarding. Read on to learn all about the benefits of cultivating this healing plant at home.

An Overview of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a low-growing evergreen shrub that reaches 2 to 4 feet tall at maturity. It has oval leaves, small greenish-yellow flowers, and red berries. The name ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit language and means “smell of horse” – referring to the strong, horse-like odor of the plant’s root.

The main part used medicinally is the root. Ashwagandha root contains a variety of active compounds including withanolides, alkaloids, sterols and polyphenols. These phytochemicals give the root its antioxidant anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, neuroprotective, and adaptogenic properties.

Adaptogens like ashwagandha help the body maintain homeostasis and better handle stress. Taking ashwagandha can boost energy, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and depression, increase endurance, and regulate immune function. It’s used to treat conditions such as adrenal fatigue, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and more.

Why Grow Your Own Ashwagandha

Purchasing ashwagandha supplements or tinctures can get expensive. Growing your own ensures you have a fresh, high-quality supply of this beneficial herb. Plus, it’s rewarding and fun to cultivate your own medicinal plants.

Here are some of the top reasons to plant ashwagandha in your garden:

• Save money – When you grow your own ashwagandha, you don’t have to pay retail prices for supplements, teas, or tinctures. Just a few plants can yield enough root powder for a year’s supply.

• Control growing methods – You can choose to grow your ashwagandha plants organically and avoid pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This gives you peace of mind that your harvest is pure and safe.

• Have fresh medicine – Ashwagandha root is most potent when fresh. Growing your own allows you to dig up roots as needed to make teas, tinctures, capsules, etc.

• Fun and rewarding hobby – For gardeners interested in herbs and natural health, growing ashwagandha is an exciting new challenge with beneficial rewards

• Decorative addition to your garden – With its lush green foliage, pretty bell-shaped flowers, and red berries, ashwagandha makes an attractive ornamental plant too.

How to Grow Ashwagandha

The good news is ashwagandha is relatively easy to grow for beginner and veteran gardeners alike. Here are some tips for successfully cultivating this amazing plant:

• Climate – Ashwagandha thrives in hot, dry climates similar to its native growing conditions in India. It needs lots of sun and temperatures over 70°F. If you live in a cooler region, you can grow it in a greenhouse or sunny windowsill.

• Soil – Plant ashwagandha in well-draining, sandy loam soil. Amend clay soils with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Soil pH should be slightly alkaline, between 6.5-7.5.

• Starting seeds – Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Soak seeds in water overnight before planting 1⁄4 inch deep in seed starting mix. Germination takes 1-3 weeks at 65-70°F.

• Transplanting – Transplant young ashwagandha plants into the garden after the danger of frost is past. Space plants 2-3 feet apart in rows 3 feet apart.

• Care – Ashwagandha isn’t fussy once established. Water whenever the soil becomes dry to a depth of 1 inch. Use mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Pruning – Prune occasionally to remove dead or broken branches. This encourages bushy new growth.

• Pests – Ashwagandha is largely pest-free. Aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies may sometimes be a nuisance. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control.

• Harvest – Roots are ready for harvest after a full growing season, around 100-120 days. Carefully dig up entire plants. Remove roots from stems and scrub off soil.

• Drying – Cut washed roots into small slices and allow to dry completely in a warm, dark place with good air circulation. Thoroughly dried roots will snap when broken rather than bending.

• Storage – Store dried ashwagandha roots in an airtight glass container out of direct sunlight. Ashwagandha will retain its potency for up to a year after harvest when stored properly.

The Many Medicinal Benefits of Ashwagandha

Consuming ashwagandha regularly offers an array of evidence-based health benefits:

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Multiple studies confirm ashwagandha works as a natural anti-anxiety remedy. Taking a daily ashwagandha supplement can significantly lower stress, elevate mood, and reduce cortisol levels.

Boosts Brain Health

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ashwagandha support overall brain health and cognition. It may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Increases Energy and Endurance

Ashwagandha has been shown to boost mitochondria activity and reduce fatigue. Many users report improved concentration, productivity, and increased athletic performance.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

This herb can help stabilize blood sugar, making it beneficial for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia. It increases insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity.

Improves Immune Function

Studies confirm ashwagandha stimulates the immune system. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that fight infections and disease.

Promotes Healthy Aging

Ashwagandha combats many issues associated with aging – oxidative stress, impaired cognitive function, low energy, decreased muscle mass and strength, and more.

Balances Hormones and Fertility

This adaptogen can balance thyroid hormones, cortisol, and reproductive hormones in both men and women. It may aid fertility and increase testosterone.

Supports Heart Health

Ashwagandha helps lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure levels. It prevents plaque buildup in arteries and reduces risk of heart disease.

Eases Joint Pain and Arthritis

The natural anti-inflammatory abilities of ashwagandha can relieve joint inflammation and swelling associated with various types of arthritis.

How to Use Your Homegrown Ashwagandha

Once your ashwagandha plants are established and producing roots, get creative with how you use your harvest. Here are some ideas:

• Make ashwagandha tea – Simmer 1-2 teaspoons of dried, powdered root in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste.

• Whip up ashwagandha milk – Add 1 teaspoon powdered root to warm milk with natural sweetener. Enjoy this relaxing nighttime beverage.

• Create ashwagandha tincture – Soak chopped roots in vodka for 4-6 weeks, shake daily. Strain and take 30 drops 1-3x daily.

• Fill capsules with powder – Use a capsule machine to fill size 00 capsules with 500-600 mg ashwagandha powder per capsule. Take 1-2 capsules once or twice daily.

• Blend into smoothies, oatmeal, soups – Add 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon dried root powder to meals and blended drinks.

• Infuse in oil – Gently simmer powdered roots in coconut or olive oil, then strain. Use for cooking, DIY lotions, salves, etc.

• Bake with it – Add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 tsp powder to cookies, muffins, breads, and other baked goods for a adaptogenic boost.

Enhance your health in natural ways by adding a couple ashwagandha plants to your backyard garden or windowsill. With a little time and effort, you’ll be rewarded with an abundant supply of this incredible healing herb.