How to Grow Ashwagandha, Its Benefits, and How to Harvest Roots

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine due to its powerful adaptogenic properties. This plant helps the body adapt to stress, boosts energy levels, and improves overall well being, making it a valuable addition to your garden.

We’ll show you how to grow ashwagandha at home, its incredible benefits, and how to harvest its roots. We grew our ashwagandha in a container, it’s a relatively easy, as it requires minimal upkeep and thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. Plus, we’ll share our simple ashwagandha tea recipe that you can enjoy for its soothing effects.

Why grow ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is not only a rewarding plant to grow in your garden but also a valuable addition to your natural wellness routine. When we first started using ashwagandha, we noticed a remarkable reduction in our stress levels, thanks to its adaptogenic properties.

It helped us manage the challenges of daily life with a calmer mind and more resilience. Growing your own ashwagandha allows you to enjoy its benefits straight from your garden while ensuring it’s organic and chemical free.

Step by Step guide to growing ashwagandha

1. Understanding ashwagandha’s growing requirements

Ashwagandha is a hardy, drought tolerant plant that thrives in warm climates and well draining soil. It is native to the dry regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East, but it can be grown successfully in many parts of the world.

Here are its basic requirements:

• Climate: Ashwagandha prefers temperatures between 70°F and 95°F (21°C to 35°C).
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5) is ideal.
• Sunlight: It grows best in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

2. Starting from seeds

To grow ashwagandha, you’ll need fresh seeds, which you can purchase online or from a local nursery. Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Seed germination: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or directly in the ground after the last frost. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
2. Transplanting: Once seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, they can be transplanted to their final location, ensuring they are spaced 12-18 inches apart.
3. Watering: Ashwagandha doesn’t require much water. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
4. Fertilization: This plant thrives in poor soil and doesn’t need heavy fertilization. A compost or organic fertilizer applied once during the growing season is sufficient.

3. Caring for your ashwagandha plant

Ashwagandha is a low-maintenance plant, which makes it perfect for beginners. Here are some tips to ensure healthy growth:

• Pest and disease management: Ashwagandha is relatively pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for aphids or whiteflies. Neem oil can be used as a natural pesticide if needed.
• Pruning: Trim any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth.

When and how to harvest ashwagandha roots

Ashwagandha roots are the most potent part of the plant, known for their medicinal properties. You can harvest the roots after about 6-7 months, once the plant matures and begins to dry out. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check for maturity: The plant is ready for harvest when the leaves and berries start turning yellow and dry.
2. Digging up the roots: Gently dig around the base of the plant using a spade or garden fork. Be careful not to damage the roots.
3. Cleaning the roots: Wash the roots thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Trim off any small side roots or fibrous sections.
4. Drying the roots: Cut the larger roots into smaller pieces and dry them in a warm, well ventilated area. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight container for future use.

Health benefits of ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is revered for its versatility and wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the top reasons to include it in your wellness routine:

1. Stress reduction

Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties help regulate cortisol levels, which is the body’s primary stress hormone. When we started taking ashwagandha, we immediately noticed how it helped us feel calmer and more focused, even during hectic days.

2. Improved energy

By enhancing energy production at a cellular level, ashwagandha combats fatigue and boosts physical and mental stamina. It’s especially useful for those feeling drained or overworked.

3. Enhanced brain function

Ashwagandha has been shown to improve memory, focus, and cognitive performance while protecting the brain from oxidative stress.

4. Hormonal balance

In women, ashwagandha supports hormonal balance, especially during menopause, while in men, it is known to enhance testosterone levels and improve fertility.

5. Immune system support

Rich in antioxidants, ashwagandha enhances the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and inflammation.

6. Better sleep

If you struggle with insomnia or restless nights, ashwagandha may help. It promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality.

Ashwagandha tea recipe

One of the easiest ways to enjoy ashwagandha is by making a calming tea. This recipe helps you unwind after a stressful day, thanks to its adaptogenic properties.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried ashwagandha root
• 2 cups of water
• Piece of a cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the dried ashwagandha root and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a cup. If desired, add cinnamon and honey for flavour.
4. Sip and enjoy!

This tea is perfect for relaxing in the evening or whenever you need a moment of calm.

Growing ashwagandha at home or any herb for that matter, just seems like the right thing to do! While reaping the numerous health benefits of this ancient herb. From its ability to reduce stress and boost energy to its immune enhancing properties, ashwagandha is a powerhouse of wellness.

By following the steps in this guide, you can cultivate your own ashwagandha plants, harvest their roots, and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own tea.

When we incorporated ashwagandha into our daily lives, it became a valuable tool in managing stress and promoting overall well being. We hope you choose to start growing your own too. Your mind and body will thank you for it!

Happy Growing!