LIVE WELL FOR LONGER Herbal heal-all

Every once in a while, a newly heralded herbal supplement shines brightly in the world of wellness. Garlic, echinacea and turmeric have all had their time in the sun. Right now, it’s the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha’s turn to be in the spotlight, and extraordinary claims are being made for its effects on just about everything from anxiety to ageing. So what exactly is this so-called super-herb? And do the many varied claims stand up to scrutiny?

Ashwagandha (known botanically as ) is one of the oldest and most important herbs in traditional medicine. It thrives in hot climates, notably Asia and Africa, where this bushy, evergreen shrub with its bright orange berries is often found in the wild. Used to help relieve stress, increase