Wholesale Ashwagandha

01.
A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information about ashwagandha

description
Ashwagandha is a short evergreen shrub of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family that grows 13-30 inches tall.

The branches extend radially from a central stem. The flowers are small and green and hermaphroditic. Almost the whole plant is covered with short, fine, silver-grey, branched hairs. The stems are brownish and prostrate to erect, sometimes leafless below. The leaves are alternate (opposite on flowering shoots), simple, margins entire to slightly wavy, broadly ovate, obovate or oblong. The ripe fruit is orange-red; the fruit is a hairless spherical berry.

In southern Africa the flowering time is mostly from October to June, while the fruiting time is mostly from October to July.

common names
& nomenclature
Its Hindu name means "horse smell," because the herb smells like a sweaty horse. The species name somnifera means "sleep-inducing" in Latin.

Also known as:
amukran-kizhangu, asagandha, asana, asgandh, asundha, asvagandhi, fatarfoda, hirimaddina-gadday, hirre-gadday, penneroo-gadda, pevette, sogade-beru, winter cherry, ashgandh, achuvagandi, amikkira-gadday, amukulang-kalang, amukkira-kilzhangu, indian ginseng, bitterappelliefie, geneesblaarbossie, koorshout, bofepha, ubuvuma, ubuvimbha, and ashwagandha

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for ashwagandha

Withania somnifera is cultivated in many of the drier regions of India, such as Mandsaur District of Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. It is also found in Nepal.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

Considerations for growing and harvesting ashwagandha

climate
Grow in a sunny location or in dappled sun, does not grow well in full shade.

soil
Grow Ashwagandha in light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Prefers well-drained soils.

growing
Sow seeds in early spring in a greenhouse or indoors. There is usually a high germination rate within 2 weeks. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots, once they are large enough to handle—plant them outside after the last frost. Consider giving the plants some protection (such as a cold frame or similar) until they are established and growing well.

harvesting
Leaves, fruit and root are harvested in Spring and Fall.

preserving
The root and leaves may be powdered or dried, while the berries may be chewed or also dried.

04.
The Rest of The Story

General Information

Ashwagandha is commonly included in traditional wellness systems and is valued for its role in long-standing herbal traditions. Today, it is most often discussed in historical, cultural, and botanical contexts rather than for specific functional purposes.

Ashwagandha root powder is available in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules, and other traditional preparations, reflecting its versatility and continued popularity as a botanical ingredient.

The roots of ashwagandha are the part of the plant that are gathered, cleaned and dried for use in various formulations, in powder and cut & sifted varieties. In ancient times, ayurvedic healers used to self-prepare ashwagandha formulations. Nowadays, markets are flooded with branded products that use ashwagandha root as an ingredient.

Ashwagandha has become more familiar to people in recent years, showing up in many herbal formulations and beverages. A recognized ingredient can be a smart choice for a new herbal product, offering consumers a sense of trust and approachability while still leaving room for creativity and innovation in how it’s used.

Dried ashwagandha root can be taken in many forms such as teas, powders, pills, and even syrups. The plant can also be applied topically.