The History of Ashwagandha: From Ancient Ayurveda to Modern Research

Few herbs have traveled as far as ashwagandha. For thousands of years it was a cornerstone of traditional medicine in India. Today it's one of the most-studied botanicals in the world. Here's how it got here, what modern science has found, and what regulators say, with sources so you can read further.

What's in a name

Ashwagandha's botanical name is Withania somnifera. It is also called Indian ginseng and winter cherry.^[1] The Sanskrit name is usually translated as "smell of the horse," a reference to the root's earthy scent and to the traditional belief that it imparts a horse's strength. The Latin species name somnifera refers to sleep.

Ashwagandha in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is India's traditional system of medicine. Its classical texts, including the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, describe ashwagandha as a Rasayana.^[2] In Ayurvedic thought, a Rasayana is a rejuvenating preparation meant to promote vitality, longevity, and a youthful state of body and mind.

Among the many Rasayana herbs, ashwagandha has long held one of the most prominent places, and it has traditionally been used as a general tonic and nervine (nerve) tonic.^[2] It also appears in the Unani tradition of medicine practiced in South Asia and the Middle East.^[1]

Traditionally, practitioners prepared the root as a powder, often mixed with warm milk, ghee, or honey. These preparations were part of a broader lifestyle approach that also emphasized diet, sleep, and daily routine.

From tradition to the laboratory

In the 20th century, scientists began studying the plant's chemistry. Ashwagandha root contains compounds called withanolides (a type of steroidal lactone) and alkaloids, which researchers believe contribute to its effects.^[3]

Modern research has focused especially on root extracts. Many products today, including our Ashwagandha Plus, use standardized root extracts like KSM-66® so that each serving delivers a more consistent amount of active compounds.

What modern research shows

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) reviewed the clinical evidence in its 2024 fact sheet. It reports that results from several clinical trials suggest ashwagandha extracts may help reduce stress and anxiety, and a few small studies suggest they might improve sleep.^[1][3] The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) similarly notes that some ashwagandha preparations may be helpful for stress and insomnia.^[4]

Researchers also note important limitations: studies have used many different extracts and doses, and most lasted only a few months.^[3] In 2026, a large multicenter trial of about 1,000 adults with stress and anxiety assessed the safety of 600 mg per day of root extract over 8 weeks and reported it was well tolerated.^[5]

For a practical guide to what to expect, read How Long Does Ashwagandha Take to Work?

How the FDA regulates ashwagandha

In the United States, ashwagandha is sold as a dietary supplement. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they reach the market.^[6] Instead, manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products are safe and accurately labeled, and the FDA can take action against unsafe products after they are sold.^[4][6]

That's why supplement labels carry the statement that claims have not been evaluated by the FDA. It also means choosing brands that use standardized, tested ingredients matters.

Safety reviews around the world

As ashwagandha's popularity has grown, some regulators have taken a closer look. Denmark banned ashwagandha in food supplements in 2023, based on a 2020 risk assessment by the Technical University of Denmark that raised concerns about reproduction, thyroid function, and the liver.^[7] Other European agencies have issued advice for specific groups rather than bans.^[7]

The Danish decision has been disputed. A 2024 commentary in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine argued the Danish report lacked a systematic review of the evidence, and noted that ashwagandha root is permitted as a food or supplement in the US and UK.^[8]

What US health agencies advise

• The NIH reports ashwagandha appears to be safe for up to about 3 months of use, but long-term safety is not established.^[1]
• Common side effects are usually mild, such as upset stomach, loose stools, nausea, and drowsiness.^[1]
• Ashwagandha may affect thyroid function and might interact with thyroid medications, and rare cases of liver problems have been reported.^[1]
• NCCIH advises avoiding ashwagandha during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.^[4]

Talk with your healthcare provider before use if you have a thyroid, autoimmune, or liver condition, take prescription medications, or have upcoming surgery.

The bottom line

Ashwagandha's story spans thousands of years of traditional use and a growing body of modern clinical research. The science is promising for stress and sleep, but still developing, and like any active botanical it isn't right for everyone.

Learn more: KSM-66® Ashwagandha Explained | The History of Maca Root

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Sources

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Ashwagandha: Fact Sheet for Consumers.
2. Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208–213.
3. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Ashwagandha: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
4. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ashwagandha: Usefulness and Safety.
5. Safety of 8-Week Administration With Ashwagandha Root Extract in Adults With Stress and Anxiety. Phytother Res. 2026.
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements.
7. Nutrition Insight. Regulatory update: International authorities' response to ashwagandha safety concerns. 2024.
8. Patwardhan B, et al. Danish ban on Ashwagandha: Truth, evidence, ethics, and regulations. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2024;15(4):101028.

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. This content is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Historical and traditional uses are described for context only.