Each month one of our staff members picks an herb that they are drawn to, and shares some experiences, thoughts, medicinal uses and a bit of traditional lore about their selected plant. As each plant is unique, each Herbalist and point of view is unique. We hope you enjoy this tradition.

By Faith Goguen

Family: Solanaceae
Parts Used: Root

Ashwaganda is native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa and has a rich history for its use as a rejuvenating tonic and adaptogen. It is often referred to as "Indian Ginseng" because it is used similarly to ginseng in Chinese medicine. Unlike most stimulating adaptogens, Ashwaganda is a calming adaptogen. It is often used for insomnia due to stress and overwork. In my experience, it is one of those special plants that does exactly what my body needs in the moment. I can put it in my morning tea to wake up, and I can also drink it at night to relax into sleep. Ashwaganda calms the nervous system and the endocrine system being especially supportive to the adrenal glands. It has been used to restore vitality in conditions of fatigue, weakness, old age, poor growth in children, and chronic disease. It is taken as a longevity tonic increasing energy and cognitive function. For anemia, it is given regularly for its ability to build red blood cells. Another of its well-known qualities is that it is a wonderful aphrodisiac. It is tonifying to the reproductive organs of both men and women, increasing desire and stamina! If you haven't yet gotten a chance to get to know this plant, I would highly recommend checking it out. There are several ways to prepare it below.

Preparations
Tincture: 30-40 drops
Decoction: 1 tsp of root simmered in 1 cup of water for 10-15 minutes
Powder: 1 tsp freshly powdered root mixed into water, milk, ghee, butter, or honey (In Ayurvedic medicine the powder is the most common and usually prepared in milk, ghee, or butter)

Recipe
Ashwaganda Chai
1 1/2 cups milk (I usually use coconut or almond milk)
1 tsp Ashwaganda Root
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Ginger
1/4 tsp Fennel
1/4 tsp Licorice
2 Cardamom pods
Simmer herbs in milk for 15 minutes. Strain. Sweeten with honey or agave to taste.

Sources:
The Yoga of Herbs by by David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad
Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston and Steven Maimes
Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier

come check out our new tea for digestive health. A traditional blend of Chamomile, Peppermint, Licorice, Fennel, Calendula & Marshmallow.

For Spring we will be bringing in a line of organic seeds from Seeds of Change. Join Ashlee for her Medicinal Herb Garden class to learn about how to plant your very own herb garden and how to use these incredible botanicals.

Don't forget, we added another tea to our line this winter, Root, Leaf & Flower Tea— which will be a great cleanser. Join Faith for her Spring Cleansing Class to learn more.

All of our Peterson ID Field Guides are on sale! Keep in mind we also have many other ID and Field Guides in our book section for your plant discoveries this springtime. Join Ashlee & Katie for their annual Spring Herb Walk May 17th to learn about all of the wonderful plants that surround us in Boulder County.

The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird
This is a classic book that looks into the world of plant and human connection. It explores the spirit and science of nature-human communication as well as plant to plant communication. This incredible book changed the way I look at plants!

Medicine Grove — A Shamanic Herbal by Loren Kruden
This book is a delightful read; she offers a shamanic approach to cultivation, preservation and ceremonial uses of herbs. Medicine Grove is infused with insightful stories of Kruden's experience and ends with a unique Materia Medica section. An essential resource for the Earth-centered herbalist!

Sastun by Rosita Arvigo
This is a beautiful story of an American woman's apprenticeship with a traditional Mayan healer in the rainforests of Belize. Each chapter begins with a brief description of the uses and preparations of medicinal rainforest plants. Arvigo's story tells of the beauty and bounty of the rainforests and reminds us of the deep importance of preservation of the plants and the healing knowledge that resides there.

Aromatherapy — A Complete Guide to the Healing Art 2nd edition by Kathi Keville & Mindy Green
This amazing, completely revised edition is a must have for any aromatherapy enthusiast or practitioner. It includes comprehensive Materia Medica, methods of extraction, preparations, applications, therapeutics, chemistry and body care sections as well as indispensable charts and recipes. This is the first book I go to for any aromatherapy reference every time!