Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

root

The dried, powdered root of a small shrub of the tomato family, one of the plants of Ayurvedic medicine; bitter, it is taken in small amounts.

Origin

India and the Middle East

Season (United States)

imported · all year round

Preparation

The powder is stirred into warm milk or a little water. A medicinal root, not a vegetable: half a spoon of powder is enough. It is not advised during pregnancy and can interact with thyroid treatment.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Saponins

Did you know?

Its Sanskrit name, ashva-gandha, means “smell of horse”, for the strong smell the fresh root is said to give off.