What is
ashwagandha?
A root with earthy notes, a long history in Ayurveda and a distinctive place in stress research. Let’s take the time to discover it.
A small plant.
A great heritage.
Ashwagandha is a shrub found particularly in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Behind its unassuming leaves lies the part most familiar in Ayurvedic tradition: its root. [1]
Its name comes from Sanskrit: ashwa means “horse” and gandha, “smell”. This refers to the root’s characteristic scent. Its botanical name, Withania somnifera, tells another side of its story: somnifera refers to sleep. [2]
Ashwagandha in Ayurveda
In Ayurvedic tradition, ashwagandha belongs to the rasayana, preparations associated with vitality and maintaining physical and mental abilities. It is traditionally discussed in relation to strength, memory and reproductive vitality. [3]
These uses belong to an ancient medical system. They tell us about the plant’s history without, on their own, constituting clinical evidence. The modern concept of testosterone should not be attributed to ancient texts.
What makes it distinctive.
Withanolides
This family of plant molecules is of particular interest to researchers. Their proportions vary with the plant part and preparation. A high percentage is not enough to predict a result in a person. [2]
A complex root
The root also contains other constituents, including alkaloids. Researchers are exploring their possible contribution: reducing the plant to a single molecule would be an oversimplification. [2]
Stress, cortisol:
what do we really know?
A randomised trial in 64 stressed adults compared a root extract with a placebo for 60 days. Researchers observed improved stress scores and lower cortisol in the group receiving the extract. This is an interesting result obtained with a specific preparation in a small study. [4]
Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone necessary for the body to function. The aim is not to lower it as much as possible. Studies do not show that ashwagandha “releases energy from the organs” or reverses grey hair, acne or wrinkles.
Sleep & memory
Some preparations have shown encouraging results for sleep. Evidence for cognition and memory remains insufficient. Traditional uses and clinical results must be considered separately. [1]
Testosterone & bones
An eight-week trial in overweight men found an increase in testosterone with an extract, without significant improvement in fatigue or sexual well-being compared with a placebo. This does not prove a general effect or an effect on bone health. [5]
Most trials concern specific extracts. Their results do not automatically apply to a root powder, a different dose or the Ayurdoré product.
Powder or capsules?
Let’s look at what is inside.
A powder is generally a dried, ground root. It retains a plant matrix and can be incorporated into a drink. An extract uses an extraction process to select and concentrate certain constituents.
A capsule or tablet is a format: it can contain powder or an extract. It is therefore not possible to claim that powder is always more powerful, or that every extract eliminates all other components. Compare the plant part used, composition, dose and studies on the preparation concerned.
Your evening break,
your way.
Its earthy flavour pairs with milk or a plant-based drink, cocoa or a touch of cinnamon. Mix the amount shown on the label with a little liquid, then add the rest and stir. A cup, a book, a few minutes for yourself.
Choosing the evening is a tasting ritual. It does not guarantee an immediate effect on sleep.
The questions we ask.
Is it a sleeping pill?
No. Results observed with certain preparations do not make the powder a medicine for insomnia. If sleep problems persist, seek medical advice.
How long might it take to feel an effect?
Trials often follow participants for several weeks. No time frame or benefit can be guaranteed for a person or for a powder different from the preparation studied.
Does it make hair regrow or help with weight loss?
The cited studies do not demonstrate these effects for our powder. Hair loss or a change in weight can have many causes that warrant appropriate assessment.
Who should avoid ashwagandha?
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is not recommended for thyroid or autoimmune disorders, before surgery or in cases of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Seek medical advice if you have liver disease or take medication. [1]
Are there side effects?
Drowsiness and digestive problems are possible. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported. Stop use and seek prompt medical advice if jaundice or dark urine occurs. Long-term safety remains insufficiently understood. [1]
How much should I use?
Follow your product’s serving guidance and precautions. Do not convert an extract dose mentioned in a study into an amount of powder: they are different preparations.
Go to the sources.
A selection of references to distinguish traditional uses, experimental observations and human trials. Guide written on 27 September 2026.
- NCCIH. Ashwagandha: evidence and precautions ↗
- NIH, Office of Dietary Supplements. Ashwagandha, professional fact sheet ↗
- Singh et al., 2011. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana of Ayurveda ↗
- Chandrasekhar et al., 2012. Randomised trial on stress and cortisol ↗
- Lopresti et al., 2019. Trial on hormones and male vitality ↗
This guide provides general information. The cited studies do not necessarily evaluate Ayurdoré products and do not replace personalised medical advice. The visuals illustrate the world of the plant and ritual; they do not document a farm.