Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) ෴ අශ්වගන්ධ

Withania somnifera Withania somnifera Withania somnifera


Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is an evergreen shrub in the Solanaceae or nightshade family that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar.

It’s been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to ease pain and inflammation, treat insomnia, and boost nutrition, along with other conditions.

  • Common Name In Sri Lanka: Ashwaganda (අශ්වගන්ධ)
  • Scientific Name: Withania somnifera
  • Habitat: The native habitats include open and disturbed areas.
  • Average Height: 35–75 cm

Withania somnifera is part of the catalog of ayurvedic medicinal plants of Sri Lanka.

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