Ashwagandha Root Powder

Ashwagandha Root Powder is the dried root of Withania somnifera, milled to a fine, pale-tan powder. It is the traditional Ayurvedic form of the herb: a whole-root powder you measure by the spoonful and stir into a warm drink, rather than a standardised extract in a capsule.
It is a separate product from our Ashwagandha root extract capsules, and the two are not interchangeable — see "Powder or Capsules?" below.

What Is in the Pack

One ingredient: milled Ashwagandha root. No extract, no filler, no flow agent, no flavouring and no added sweetener.
The powder has an earthy, slightly bitter, faintly sweet taste and a distinctive smell — in Sanskrit the name refers to the smell of a horse. That is normal for the whole root and is not a sign of spoilage.

What Ashwagandha Contains

The root contains a group of steroidal compounds called withanolides, together with alkaloids, saponins and polysaccharides. Withanolides are the compounds most often linked to the herb's adaptogenic reputation, and they are what standardised extracts are measured against.
A whole-root powder is not standardised: its withanolide content varies by plant and harvest, and per gram it is lower than in a concentrated extract. What you gain is the whole root, the traditional preparation, and a lower cost per gram.
Ashwagandha has a long history in Ayurvedic practice, and modern trials have looked at stress, sleep and exercise recovery. Most of the clinical work uses standardised extracts, not plain root powder, so those results do not transfer directly to this product. This powder is a traditional food ingredient, not a treatment for any condition.

Powder or Capsules?

We sell Ashwagandha in two formats. The powder is whole milled root: flexible to dose, inexpensive per gram and suited to warm drinks, but earthy in taste and unstandardised. The capsules contain 0.5 g of KSM-66-type root extract each, with no taste and a fixed dose per capsule, which is the form most of the clinical research used.
If you want the traditional preparation, choose the powder. If you want a taste-free, fixed daily dose that matches the studies, choose the capsules.

How to Use Ashwagandha Powder

In warm milk: stir 1–2 g (about half a level teaspoon) into a cup of warm milk or a plant milk and sweeten with honey or dates. Cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg suit it well. Do not boil it for long.
In a smoothie: 1–2 g blends well with banana, cacao or nut butter, which cover the earthy taste.
A typical daily amount is 1–3 g. Start with 1 g for the first week and increase only if you tolerate it well. Many people take it in the evening, since Ashwagandha is traditionally associated with rest. Take it with food, because it can upset an empty stomach. Effects build over weeks, not hours, so judge it after 8 to 12 weeks of regular use.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keep the pouch tightly resealed in a cool, dry, dark cupboard and always use a dry spoon. Stored this way it keeps its quality for 24 months. Light clumping can be broken up; a musty or sour smell, damp patches or visible mould mean the powder should be thrown away. Avoid the bathroom cabinet.

Safety and Contraindications

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated at normal amounts, but it has specific contraindications.
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Ashwagandha is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), so anyone with a nightshade sensitivity should be cautious.
Ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels, so speak with your doctor first if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medication. Because it stimulates the immune system, people with autoimmune conditions should seek medical advice before use. It may add to the effect of sedatives and may lower blood pressure and blood sugar.
Rare cases of liver injury have been reported with Ashwagandha supplements; stop using it and see a doctor if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual fatigue. Stop at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.
This product is a food supplement, not a medicine, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as the capsules? No. The powder is whole milled root. The capsules contain a concentrated root extract (0.5 g per capsule). They are sold as two separate products.

How much should I take? 1–3 g a day, starting at about 1 g for the first week.

Why does it smell so strongly? The whole root has a naturally earthy, musky smell. It is characteristic of the plant.

When is the best time to take it? There is no established best time. Most people take it in the evening in a warm drink; some prefer the morning.

How long does a pack last? At 2 g a day, the 100 g pack lasts about seven weeks and the 250 g pack about four months.

Explore related products: Ashwagandha capsules, Reishi powder, Recovery Sleep Powder.