Indian Ginseng - Ashwagandha

ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA somnifera) is also known as Indian ginseng.

The roots of the plant have been traditionally used in Indian medicines such as ayurveda and unani.

Ashwagandha is called winter cherry in English, Asgandh in Hindi, Ammukirankazangu in Tamil,
Amangura in Kannada and Asvagandhi in Telugu and Trittavu in Malayalam.

History:
The use of ashwagandha in Ayurvedic medicine extends back over 3000 to 4000 years to the teachings of an esteemed rishi (sage) Punarvasu Atriya. It has been described in the sacred texts of Ayurveda, including the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas where it is widely extolled as a tonic especially for emaciation in people of all ages including babies, enhancing the reproductive function of both men and women.

There is an herb regarded as a 1st class adaptogenic tonic in one of the world's greatest herbal medical systems, an herb which can compare favorably to the world’s most renowned herbal tonics such as ginseng (Panax ginseng) , astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) , dang gui (Angelica sinensis), reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) and South American suma (Pfaffia paniculata) .

And like these has been held in high regard by generations of people over the course of millennia for its ability to increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina , promote longevity and strengthen the immune system without stimulating the body’s reserves.
In fact having the ability to nurture the nervous system, counteract anxiety and stress to promote a calm state of mind.
This same herb, having powerful anti-inflammatory properties, is specific for treating arthritic and rheumatic conditions.
As if all of this were not enough, it is easily the most potent tonic aphrodisiacs in the entire botanical kingdom.
With all of these uses, Withania somnifera, better known in India as ashwagandha, is destined to rise significantly and take its place with all the other better known tonics.

More links:
http://www.planetherbs.com/articles/ashwagandha.htm