Popular with Ayurverdics
Withania (Withania somniferum) is a member of the Solanaceae and native to the Middle East, India and the Eastern Mediterranean. It grows to 1.5m, has large grey-green, oval leaves on thick stems and small yellow flowers, which become bright red berries shielded by a papery sheath. It will tolerate any kind of soil and any amount of neglect. Once thought to be limited to the east and western fringes of the island, it may be found in many gardens in Nicosia and its surroundings, where it has undoubtably been deposited by a passing bird.
This plant has been known in our region since the time of Dioscordides, who recommended it for recovery from chronic illness, but it has now fallen into desuetude, which is a pity when one considers its beneficial properties and availability.
Withania contains alkaloids, steroidal lactone and iron, which makes it adaptogenic, tonic, sedative and aphrodesiac.
Most research into the properties of the plant has been conducted in India, where it has featured prominently in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia. A study of the alkaloid content in l994 revealed that they are sedative, will reduce blood pressure and lower heart beat rate.
The withanolides contained in the steroidal lactone, which are similar to the body’s own hormones, are anti-inflammmatory and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Further research has shown that withania increases haemoglobin levels, improves recovery from chronic illness, increases sexual potency and will even reduce greying hair.
Withania is also known as Indian ginseng and is used in a similar way to restore vitality in the sick and ageing. The Hindi name for the plant is ‘Ashwagandha’, which means, ‘the smell of horse’, but this does not refer just to its – smell but to the strength of a horse.
Robert Svoboda, the Ayurvedic scholar, states that “it clarifies the mind, calms and strengthens the nerve, and promotes sound sleep”. Withania will also reduce anxiety and stress and restore iron levels.
In my gardening role I am often asked to remove it from city gardens where it is reviled as an invasive weed… some weed.
Next week Maize
