Ashwagandha Whole Root (Organic)

Ashwagandha Whole Root (Organic): 100% organic ashwagandha root, hand-picked and ground into a fine powder with nothing added, sourced with care for quality and purity. It is one of India's oldest Ayurvedic herbs in its plainest form, ready for teas, tonics, smoothies and blends, for anyone who wants the whole root rather than a standardized extract. Offered in 4oz, 1lb and 10lb sizes.

The herb: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a low, branching shrub of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, native to the dry scrub of India, the Middle East and North Africa. It is harvested for its long, pale taproot, which Ayurvedic texts have counted among the rasayanas, the tonics for long life, for over two thousand years; the Sanskrit name describes its horse-like smell. The root carries withanolides, chiefly withaferin A and withanolide A, with alkaloids and saponins.

What's in it: Whole organic root, ground, with its withanolides, alkaloids, saponins, starch and fiber intact. Nothing is extracted or standardized, so the powder is milder by weight than an extract and carries the full earthy, slightly bitter taste of the root; the starch makes a thick, warming drink when simmered in milk.

Dosage, first time: The listing gives no serving size, so start with a small amount. For a tea or tonic, use 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz of water or milk and simmer gently or steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Ashwagandha is slow and steady, and its character shows over days.

Regular use: Daily users keep to a consistent amount, often stirred into warm milk with honey and cardamom in the evening, or blended into a smoothie. Consistency over weeks matters more than the amount in any cup.

What to expect: Users describe ashwagandha root as grounding, warm and steadying, a wind-down herb for evenings and slow mornings rather than anything bright or stimulating. For a standardized extract in a capsule see our Ashwagandha KSM 66 Extract Capsules; for a loose extract, KSM-Ashwaganda.

Side effects: Larger amounts can bring mild digestive upset, loose stools, drowsiness or headache; taking it with food helps. Rare reports of liver problems with ashwagandha products exist, so stop and consult a professional if you notice unusual fatigue, dark urine or yellowing skin or eyes.

Interactions and cautions: Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication, particularly thyroid medication, sedative medications, immunosuppressant medications or medication for your heart, circulation or blood sugar. Not for people with a nightshade allergy. Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients and storage: 100% organic ashwagandha root powder (Withania somnifera). Store sealed in a cool, dry, dark place away from heat and moisture.

Common questions: How do I make ashwagandha whole root tea? Simmer or steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of the root powder in 8 oz of water or milk for 5 to 10 minutes, then sweeten if you like. Is organic ashwagandha whole root powder the same as KSM-66? No, this is the plain ground root with nothing concentrated, while KSM-66 is a standardized full-spectrum extract.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Ashwagandha is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.