Ashwagandha is the Sanskrit name for *Withania somnifera*, a fruiting plant in the nightshade family that is also known as winter cherry. Ashwagandha produces small orange berries in papery husks like those of [tomatillos](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-tomatillos-learn-about-the-ingredient-cooking-tips-and-easy-recipes) and ground cherries. Although ashwagandha berries are technically edible, they're not the most sought-after part of the plant—that would be the dried root. Ashwagandha root contains natural steroids called withanolides that have made the plant a staple of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Withanolides are similar in structure to chemicals found in ginseng, which is why ashwagandha is sometimes called “Indian ginseng.”

As an Ayurvedic herb in Indian medicine, ashwagandha is considered a *rasayana* (rejuvenator) that relieves chronic stress, calms the nervous system, and increases energy levels. Withanolides have anti-inflammatory properties, and some animal studies show potential positive effects of ashwagandha, but when it comes to ashwagandha’s health benefits as an adaptogen, there are few conclusive human studies. Always consult a health care professional about potential side effects before taking ashwagandha powder or any other adaptogenic supplements.

Ashwagandha root extract is sold in capsules and tinctures, but its most popular form is a powder. Powdered ashwagandha root is traditionally [mixed with ghee](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-ghee-plus-how-to-make-easy-homemade-ghee), honey, or water and either ingested or applied topically to inflamed joints or as part of an Ayurvedic skincare routine. To balance ashwagandha powder's earthy, bitter flavor, you can mix it into sweet desserts, hot beverages, and smoothies.

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Ashwagandha is a member of the pepper family that has been an important part of traditional medicine, or Ayurveda, in India for thousands of years.


Ashwagandha is a member of the pepper family that has been an important part of traditional medicine, or Ayurveda, in India for thousands of years.


Ashwagandha Guide: How to Use Ashwagandha Powder

Ashwagandha is the Sanskrit name for Withania somnifera, a fruiting plant in the nightshade family that is also known as winter cherry. Ashwagandha produces small orange berries in papery husks like those of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-tomatillos-learn-about-the-ingredient-cooking-tips-and-easy-recipes' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-tomatillos-learn-about-the-ingredient-cooking-tips-and-easy-recipes","linkCopy":"tomatillos","category":null}'>tomatillos</a> and ground cherries. Although ashwagandha berries are technically edible, they&#39;re not the most sought-after part of the plant—that would be the dried root. Ashwagandha root contains natural steroids called withanolides that have made the plant a staple of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Withanolides are similar in structure to chemicals found in ginseng, which is why ashwagandha is sometimes called “Indian ginseng.”

What Is Ashwagandha?

As an Ayurvedic herb in Indian medicine, ashwagandha is considered a rasayana (rejuvenator) that relieves chronic stress, calms the nervous system, and increases energy levels. Withanolides have anti-inflammatory properties, and some animal studies show potential positive effects of ashwagandha, but when it comes to ashwagandha’s health benefits as an adaptogen, there are few conclusive human studies. Always consult a health care professional about potential side effects before taking ashwagandha powder or any other adaptogenic supplements.

What Are the Benefits of Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha root extract is sold in capsules and tinctures, but its most popular form is a powder. Powdered ashwagandha root is traditionally <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-ghee-plus-how-to-make-easy-homemade-ghee' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-ghee-plus-how-to-make-easy-homemade-ghee","linkCopy":"mixed with ghee","category":null}'>mixed with ghee</a>, honey, or water and either ingested or applied topically to inflamed joints or as part of an Ayurvedic skincare routine. To balance ashwagandha powder&#39;s earthy, bitter flavor, you can mix it into sweet desserts, hot beverages, and smoothies.

How to Use Ashwagandha Powder

Become a better chef with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by culinary masters, including Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Massimo Bottura, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.

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Ashwagandha is a member of the pepper family that has been an important part of traditional medicine, or Ayurveda, in India for thousands of years.

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Ashwagandha Guide: How to Use Ashwagandha Powder