⛰️Tibetan Medicine

Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa)

Withania somnifera

About Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa)

Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa) (Withania somnifera) is a herb used in the Tibetan Medicine tradition to help with Stress, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Insomnia, among 2 other conditions it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. Although commonly used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that it is effective for treating any ailment.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Warnings

⛔ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants

May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, northern India

Climate

High-altitude alpine

Habitat

Alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and valleys above 3,000 m in the Himalayan region

🌿 To see Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Withania (Bam Po Brgyad Pa), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.