Sun. Physalis flexuosa. Roxb.

Sans.

Asvagandhά. Vern. Asvagandhά, Beng. Asgand, Hind.

The root of this plant is long, smooth, rounded, whitish brown externally and of a fine white colour internally. It is said that the root smells like a horse whence the Sanskrit name asvangandhά. The specimen in my possession however has scarcely any odour or taste. It is regarded as tonic, alterative and aphrodisiac and is used in consumption, emaciation of children, debility from old age, rheumatism, etc.

In consumption a decoction of asvagandha root and long pepper is given with the addition of clarified butter and honey.l For improving the nutrition of weakly children, the root reduced to a paste, is recommended to be taken with milk and clarified butter for a fortnight.2

Asvagandhά ghrita.3 Take of the decoction of asvagandhά root one part, milk ten parts, clarified butter one part; boil them together and prepare a ghrita. It is said to promote the nutrition and strength of children.

In rheumatism, a ghrita prepared with a decoction and paste of the root, is used internally and an oil prepared with a decoction of the root and a number of aromatic substances in the form of a paste, is used externally.

About half a drachm of asvagandhά root, taken with milk or clarified butter is said to act as an aphrodisiac and restorative to old men. Asvagandhά enters into the composition of several medicines intended for use as aphrodisiacs.4