Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
1:4 Ethanol and Distilled H2O Spagyric Tincture of organic Ashwagandha root, with plant salts added.
Planetary ruler: Sun

Physical Properties*:
Ashwaganda is said to be adaptogenic, meaning that it meets three criteria: it is non-toxic (one can take it as a daily tonic for indefinite periods of time with no impact on their health); it benefits overall well-being (working as a tonic in many organs and areas of the body); and, it reduces stress, helping one adapt to intensities and changing situations. This herb has been shown to regulate cortisol levels, it will not necessarily always decrease them (as they are often high throughout our society), but it may help them stabilise and follow a daily rhythm typical of a relaxed, but focussed person. Another way Ashwagandha reduces stress it by regulating inflammatory responses, in some areas it may encourage greater blood flow, and temporary swelling in response to injury or intense exercise, whereas in others it may act as a deobstruent – opening ducts, to decrease stagnation, and improve drainage that may be causing unnecessary swelling. It contains three powerful antioxidants: superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidise, which, along with alkaloids, flavinoids and steroidal lactones give an Ahswagandha an ability to improve endurance, muscle growth a repair, bone health and slow aging processes. Other studies have shown Ashwagandha to increase red blood cell and haemoglobin counts, as well as VO2max levels which all indicated improved cardiovascular performance. Further findings on Ashwagandha revealed that various preparations of the plant: improved epithelial function (a thin layer surrounding heart and blood cells), optimised apoptosis (health cell death and clearing); modulated mitochondrial function (improved nutrient usage by cells, increasing stamina); reduced arthritis symptoms; improved cognition and memory (Ashwagandha increases serotonin and enhances GABA connection); and showed the ability to regulate diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, thyroid function and fatigue. Other properties attributed to this herb include: anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tumour, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, sedative, aphrodisiac, diuretic, abortifacient, antibiotic and astringent. The uses of the plant are many, and it has been especially appreciated by the Ayurvedic medicine system.

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Emotional Properties*:
Sometimes depressing thoughts may accompany us due to a lack of internal resolve, where we have made the state of our mood dependent upon external things – social validation, the outcome of certain events, our productivity etc. Ashwagandha brings a healthy form of independence, a feeling that we are totally enough as we are, of course! In this way we can see how it can be worked with as a Sun plant, the Sun does not draw its light from any other planet, it shines forth from fusion reactions emanating from deep within its core. This root balances the ego, creating a firm and hearty feeling in the solar plexus area (manipura chakra), wherefrom we can approach life with greater cheer because we have found a healthy level of self-belief and trust. Ashwagandha feels fitting for those whose energy can be listing and wayward, making them prone to a melancholic kind of drifting, stooped postures, drooping shoulders, or just generally feeling that life is ‘all too much.’ With this herb we find the power to straighten up, but not in an overly disciplined way that is just ‘pushing through’, rather, there is a smile behind our new resolution that arises from knowing life is indeed good… furthermore, that it should be cherished and celebrated! Whilst Ashwagandha is known as ‘Indian Ginseng’, increasing strength, stamina, libido and more, it can also act as a nerve calming sedative in times where deep recalibration and rest is necessary. True strength and stamina are born from balance, we can indeed adjust our balance as life goes on, but wherever we are at, it is important to adhere to it… often we don’t because of those aforementioned dependencies on external forms of gratification, validation and satiation, thinking that if we just push hard enough, then we will be enough. Ashwagandha helps us find our own unique balance between rest and action with its abilities to energise or sedate. When we let go of our needs for external validation we can actually embody our truth to a greater extent, which enables us to let go of unhealthy individualism, and return to the collective with a cup that is full enough to give lovingly but also open and wanting in a way that motivates interaction so as to be flavoured by the luminosity of others.  

Recommended dosage: 8-10 drops 1-3 times per day.

Cautions/contraindications:
-Ashwagandha has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with any drugs. It has mild interactions with 29 drugs.
-It may interact with and decrease the effects of the immunosuppressants: azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
-Its sedative properties may increase the effects of the benzodiazepines: clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others.
-Its sedative properties may increase the effects of CNS depressants, including: phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.
-Thyroid: Ashwagandha may alter how much thyroid hormone the body produces, this may interact with thyroid medication to produce too much thyroid hormone.
-Pregnancy: Ashwagandha is an abortifacient, it may cause miscarriage. 
-High blood pressure: Some sources warm against taking Ashwagandha if you have high blood pressure, though other studies have shown that it improves cardiovascular health and may lower blood pressure.