Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) 1:3 45%

• Adaptogen
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mildly sedating
• Immune modulation
• Thyroid enhancing
• Antianaemic
• Cardiotonic
• Uterine tonic

• Chronic stress
• Debility and low body weight
• Anaemia
• Increasing muscle strength in elderly
• Anabolic for athletes
• Autoimmune conditions
• Erectile disfunction
• Impotence
• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

• Withanine
• Ashwagandhine
• Steroidal lactones (withanolides)
• Phytosterols

Bitter, Sweet and Slightly warming

For the Atrophic, Constricted and Depressed Tissue States

This is one of the most beautiful herbs that has made its way in to the Western Herbal Tradition. In The Spirit of Herbs, this plant is an ally of Astragalus which is associated to The Magician and astrologically to Mercury. This plant often presents to me as the nourishing mother. A very gentle being with the ability to uplift and support. As seen on the Thoth tarot deck the Magician is the wielder of the 4 elements in between dimensions. Here the cosmic egg of all potential creation has wings, and out of the crown the perfection of serpent and bird manifest. The ankles can be seen to be bound by a serpent as well, possibly indicating this is the inversion of the Hanged Man, a coming to consciousness through tribulation; overcoming the limitation of reality on this dimension.

Ashwagandha is a very subtle but powerful plant. The potential of this herb to build and create can be attributed to the anabolic properties we apply to debilitated states in children and elderly alike. Like the four elements of the Magician this plant has the ability to encourage growth or improvement often on the backend of difficult tests.

Related to a new phase in life, willpower and the pioneering spirit.

Hyperthyroidism
Hemochromatosis

Avoid when sick with a cold or flu
May interact with: anticonvulsants, barbituates & benzodiazepines

A shrub that can grow 3 – 4 feet tall and grows well in the drier climates of West Asia and Northern Africa. Can be grown as starters indoors preferring sandy soils. Roots are harvested in the fall. This plant can grow well in the Pacific North West but more than likely will not survive the wet winter.