Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera) comes from the Ashwagandha plant; a small shrub that is a relative of tomatoes and potatoes. Native to India and North Africa, Ashwagandha is traditionally used to support stress tolerance, performance and endurance.

While Ashwagandha is often called “winter cherry” and “Indian Ginseng”, this adaptogen is unrelated to the true Ginsengs, though it appears to share their many properties and actions; including its use as a stress-supporting herb.

In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered a “grounding” herb, one that nourishes and regulates metabolic processes. As such, Ashwagandha is often used to support anxiety and stress relief, as well as to support positive moods. Additionally, Ashwagandha is also often used in Ayurveda as a tonic for men, as it may have positive effects on male reproductive health and is thought to mimic the effects of testosterone.