Ashwagandha

Introduction IntroductionThe herb known as Ashwagandha in Sanskrit and Hindi, native to India for centuries is well known as a health rejuvenator. Known as Withania somnifera in Latin, the plant grows well all over the Indian sub continent, except perhaps for the very high altitude regions.

Growth requirements
An ideal growth environment for the plant is a climate that is neither too cold, nor too warm. Well aerated, well drained, red or loamy soils make a very suitable growth medium for the herb. It is generally grown by seeds.

The roots are the most medicinally useful parts of the plant.

The following are some indications for using Ashwagandha for your pets:

• Tonic, especially in pets who are underweight.
• Sedative if your pets are prone to getting hyperexcitable.

Listed below are some ways in which you can use Ashwagandha for your pets

As a general tonic and sedative
In order to use the plant as a general tonic, what you need to do is to powder the roots.

This preparation is especially useful for helping your pet to regain his or her good health and body weight.

The powdered roots are given. When giving your pet this preparation, you must make sure that you make sure that you do not exceed the dose. There is a very small margin between the dose that is effective in increasing the body weight and the dose at which the medicine works as a sedative.

For example, a quarter teaspoon given everyday for a pet that weighs about 10 kg may help your pet to gain weight while at a slightly higher dose - i.e. about half a teaspoon, your pet may end up looking sleepy since the herbal effect is to sedate your pet. Be cautioned about this observation.

However, before you start your pet on this herbal preparation, it would be better to consult your holistic veterinary practitioner.

Conclusion
Try growing some Ashwagandha plants in your garden today. The plant does not merely enhance the beauty of your garden but also serves as a nurse to good health of your pet.