6. Uses of Ashwagandha
Modern medical research indicates that
ashwagandha exerts a number of effects that
may prove beneficial to humans, including:
anti-inflammatory
antioxidant
boosts the immune system
blocks tumor growth
regulates hormones
stabilizes mood and reduces anxiety
regenerates nerve cells
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8. Ashwagandha uses in different
8
countries
Ayurvedic practitioners in India utilize this herb to treat a
number of conditions, including its use as a
purgative, diuretic, and liver tonic.
In Cape Verde, the leaves are prescribed as a blood-
purifying tonic and as a treatment for gonorrhea.
In Ethiopia, ashwagandha is used to treat epilepsy and
cough, and in Madagascar it is a treatment for asthma. In
South Africa, it is employed to improve female fertility,
and in Somalia the roots are given to children as a
remedy for nightmares.
Interestingly, although it is used for fertility it is also
used as an abortificant.
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10. Climatic Conditions for
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Growth
Withania somnifera is grown as
late rainy-season (kharif) crop.
Semitropical areas receiving 500
to 750 mm rainfall are suitable for
its cultivation as a rainfed crop. If
one or two winter rains are
received, then root development
improves.
The crop requires a relatively dry
season during its growing period.
It can tolerate a temperature
range of 20 to 38°C and as low a
temperature as 10°C. The plant
grows from sea level to an
altitude of 1500 meters
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