Ashwagandha is one of the most commonly used herbs in Ayurvedic tradition. The taproot of the Withania somnifera plant is available cut and sifted or ground into ashwagandha powder. In Sanskrit, the word ashwagandha means “smells of horse,” a reference to the musty scent of the roots as well as the strength and stamina of a horse.

Western herbalists consider ashwagandha an adaptogen that generally boosts immunity and helps a body respond to stress. Ashwagandha has calming properties — the plant’s Latin species name means “sleep-inducing” — and is prescribed by herbalists for a myriad of conditions from focus and memory to anxiety, inflammation and tumors. The herb is also considered an aphrodisiac.

Cut and sifted ashwagandha root is often decocted, tinctured or incorporated into herbal tea blends. The taste is earthy, pungent, slightly bitter and slightly sweet.