Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
A root herb dated back to the Vedic age.
Ashwagandha appears in Ayurvedic texts written thousands of years before the word 'adaptogen' existed.
Native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East, the plant's root is the part most valued in Ayurvedic medicine, where it's classified as a Rasayana — a rejuvenative tonic. It's named in the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, two of Ayurveda's foundational texts.
Its species name, somnifera, is generally understood to reference a traditional use tied to rest. Classical preparation involved a fresh root paste taken with honey or ghee, a practice some Ayurvedic practitioners still recommend today.
A nervine tonic taken as part of daily practice.
In Ayurveda and Unani medicine, ashwagandha has long been classified as a nervine tonic, traditionally used to support the body's resilience to everyday stress and to support restful sleep.
This describes a centuries-old traditional role, not a claim about what it will do for any individual.
How it has been, and is, prepared.
Traditional: Root ground into churna (powder), often taken as a paste with honey or ghee, or prepared as a decoction.
Modern: Encapsulated powder or standardized root extract.
Dosing varies widely by preparation, concentration, and individual factors. This page does not recommend a dose — follow product labeling and a healthcare provider's guidance.
Read this before you begin.
Ashwagandha belongs to the nightshade (Solanaceae) family; those avoiding nightshades should be aware. It may cause sedation and has been associated with rare reports of liver effects.
If you are pregnant or nursing, have a hormone-sensitive condition, or take thyroid medication, sedatives, or other prescription medication, consult a healthcare provider before use.
This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Common questions on ashwagandha.
Is ashwagandha a nightshade?
Yes — it's in the Solanaceae family, along with tomatoes and peppers.
Is ashwagandha the same as ginseng?
No. It's sometimes called “Indian ginseng” for its tonic reputation, but it's botanically unrelated to Panax ginseng.
What does the species name mean?
Somnifera is generally understood to reference a traditional association with rest, reflected in its historical use.