The Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha): AMultidimensional Natural Source of Societal Health Care

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a wonderful medicinal herb grown in almost all the dry parts of India, particularly in the subtropical regions of the country. It is an annual to perennial plant withbranched type habit with multiple medicinal properties. The cultivation of this plant is also being attempted because of its medicinal properties which are used in the preparation of various drugs. All the plant parts of this medicinal plants are useful, however, roots in particular are medicinally and economicallyimportant which are used in the preparation of vital tonics. Medicinally Ashwagandha roots are aphrodisiac, used in the preparation of tonics and rasayana drugs, in arthritis and for old age debility. Its use for anxiety, depression, phobias, alcoholic paranoia, schizophrenia etc. are well accepted and documented. This crop is well accepted and adopted by the farmers and its package of practices is well established. The multiferous societal medicinal use of the Ashwagandha are discussed in the manuscript along with novel researches on its use, cultivation technology and released potential varieties.