Ashwagandha has a documented history of use in India that spans more
than 5,000 years. The herb is particularly significant in Ayurveda,
India’s ancient system of healing. The key role of the herb is that of
an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the various body systems to regain
balance after undergoing a period of stress or trauma.
Ashwagandha is also considered to be a potent rejuvenator and is
credited with promoting longevity and fertility. In fact, its name,
which roughly translates to “smell of the horse,” is a testament to the
herb’s strength and efficacy.
Because ashwagandha is considered to be one of the foods and spices that
are thought to promote clarity of thought and memory recall, it is
classified in Ayurveda as a Medharasayan.