Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub native to parts of Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. It grows 35–75 cm tall, with dull green leaves, small green bell-shaped flowers, and orange-red berries. The root powder has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. Commonly called Indian ginseng or winter cherry, it is sold as a dietary supplement. While generally well tolerated for short-term use, it should be avoided during pregnancy or by people with hormone-sensitive conditions, and may rarely cause liver injury.