If you’ve ever heard someone mention that Ashwagandha smells like a barnyard or even like horses, you’re not alone.
This firm, musky scent can take people by surprise, especially if they’ve never encountered it.
But why does this ancient herb come with such a unique aroma, and what does it say about its quality?
In this article, we'll explore why Ashwagandha smells the way it does, what this means for your health, and how to work with (or mask) its strong scent.
Understanding Ashwagandha: What Is It?
Withania somnifera, the scientific name for ashwagandha, is a potent adaptogenic plant utilized for generations in Ayurvedic medicine.
This root, native to regions of Africa, the Middle East, and India, has long been prized for its capacity to boost general well-being, improve sleep quality, and assist the body in adjusting to stress.
As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha is often taken to balance stress hormones, improve energy levels, and enhance resilience against the pressures of daily life (1).
But beyond its impressive health benefits, one feature people often talk about is the smell.
Why Does Ashwagandha Smell Like Horses?
The name “Ashwagandha” actually provides a clue to its distinct aroma.
In Sanskrit, "Ashwa" signifies horse, and "Gandha" denotes smell; therefore, "smell of horse."
This doesn’t mean the root smells like a horse. Still, it does suggest that Ashwagandha has a potent, earthy, and musky scent reminiscent of what you might experience in a stable or around animals.
But why horses?
In ancient Ayurvedic texts, this connection is symbolic.
The strength and vitality of a horse were associated with the herb’s potential benefits.
People believed that consuming Ashwagandha could provide the same vigor and stamina of a powerful horse, and this robust scent was part of that symbolism.
Breaking Down Ashwagandha’s Unique Aroma Profile
To understand why Ashwagandha smells like it does, we need to look at its chemical makeup.
The unique scent comes from a class of compounds called withanolides, vital to the herb’s therapeutic effects.
Withanolides are steroidal lactones found in Ashwagandha, which contribute to its medicinal properties and give it its strong, earthy aroma (2).
These compounds, combined with other natural components found in the root, create a smell that many describe as similar to dried hay, earthy mushrooms, or even barnyard animals.
The intensity of this aroma can vary depending on how fresh the root is, with fresh or powdered forms typically having a stronger odor than capsules or tinctures.
Does the Smell of Ashwagandha Affect Its Quality?
One question often arises is whether the strength of Ashwagandha’s smell indicates its quality.
The answer is a bit nuanced.
Strong Smell = Potency?
Not necessarily.
While Ashwagandha’s musky odor indicates the presence of active compounds like withanolides, it’s not the only indicator of quality (3).
High-quality Ashwagandha may have a strong scent, but that doesn’t mean a weaker-smelling product is less effective.
The form it’s in (powder, capsule, extract) can impact the aroma as well.
The scent of musty, excessively earthy, unpleasant, or sour could be a sign that the ashwagandha is spoiled or fake (4).
This could happen if it's stored improperly or exposed to moisture
Ashwagandha’s potent adaptogenic properties are best preserved when sourced from high-quality producers who ensure the integrity of the root extract.
For those seeking reliable sources of natural supplements, it’s essential to explore companies that prioritize purity and sustainability.
How to Mask or Tolerate the Smell of Ashwagandha
If you’re not a fan of Ashwagandha’s smell, don’t worry—there are several ways to make it more palatable without losing out on its benefits.
Mix It Into Smoothies: One of the easiest ways to mask the smell is by blending Ashwagandha powder into a smoothie with fruits like bananas or berries, which can easily overpower its musky aroma (5).
Add It to Tea: Mix Ashwagandha powder into herbal tea with intense flavors, like peppermint or chai, to balance the odor. The warmth of the tea can also help soften its earthy taste and scent.
Use Capsules: If you’re sensitive to strong smells, opting for Ashwagandha in capsule form is an effective solution. Capsules contain the powder but without the potent scent being as noticeable.
Cook With It: You can also add Ashwagandha to soups or stews. Its intense flavor and smell can blend well with the savory elements of a hearty meal, making it easier to consume.
Does the Form of Ashwagandha Change Its Smell?
One thing to remember is that Ashwagandha’s smell can vary depending on its form. The most common forms are:
Powder: This form tends to have the most potent smell because it's the most concentrated.
Fresh Ashwagandha powder has a potent earthy odor, which can overwhelm some people.
Capsules: As mentioned earlier, capsules are an excellent option for avoiding the smell.
Since the powder is encased, you won’t detect the odor unless you open the capsule.
Tincture/Extract: Liquid extracts or tinctures often have a milder smell than powder.
However, depending on the concentration of the extract, there could still be a hint of that musky aroma.
By choosing the best form for you, you can minimize the impact of Ashwagandha’s smell on your experience while still enjoying its benefits.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha’s earthy, musky smell is all part of the package regarding this powerful adaptogen.
The aroma may not be to everyone's taste. Still, considering its many health advantages—from lowering stress and anxiety to enhancing vigor and sleep—it is a tiny price.
If the smell of Ashwagandha bothers you, don’t let it stop you from reaping its benefits.
With a few simple tricks, like blending it into smoothies, using capsules, or incorporating it into meals, you can make this ancient herb work for you—without having to deal with its full olfactory impact.
Additionally, if you’re unsure about the quality, purchasing from reputable sources using standardized extracts (such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha) is an excellent way to ensure authenticity and potency.
FAQs
Does Ashwagandha always smell this strong?
Ashwagandha can have a strong, musky smell, especially in its powdered form.
However, the intensity can vary depending on how it’s processed and stored.
Capsules or tinctures often have a milder odor.
How can I tell if Ashwagandha is expired by its smell?
Expired Ashwagandha may smell sour or musty, indicating it has lost potency or been exposed to moisture.
If the scent is off or unpleasant, it may be a sign that the product is no longer fresh.
Does Ashwagandha taste as strong as it smells?
Ashwagandha’s taste is earthy and slightly bitter but not as overpowering as its smell.
Mixing it with other flavors, such as smoothies or tea, can make the taste and smell more tolerable.
Why do people say Ashwagandha smells like a barn?
The comparison comes from its strong, earthy aroma, which some liken to dried hay, dirt, or animals.
Withanolides, the active ingredients that give ashwagandha its unique scent, are mostly to blame.
Is it safe to use Ashwagandha if the smell bothers me?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe, even if the smell is off-putting.
You can always switch to capsules or tinctures to reduce the impact of the smell while still benefiting from its adaptogenic properties.
Related Studies
1. Title: A Standardized Ashwagandha Root Extract Alleviates Stress
This study demonstrated that a standardized extract of Ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and anxiety symptoms in participants, correlating with decreased cortisol levels.
Link: https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2023/10130/a_standardized_ashwagandha_root_extract_alleviates.42.aspx
2. Title: Major Biochemical Constituents of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
This research highlights the various bioactive compounds in Ashwagandha, particularly focusing on withanolides and their therapeutic roles.
Link: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/revac-2022-0055/html?lang=en
3. Title: Effects of Withania somnifera Extract in Chronically Stressed Adults
This randomized controlled trial found that Ashwagandha extract significantly reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in chronically stressed adults after an 8-week intervention.
Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/9/1293
4. Title: Adaptogenic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Ashwagandha Root Extract
The study discusses the stability and potency of Ashwagandha root extract, noting its effectiveness and safety under various conditions.
Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.541112/full
5. Title: Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Stressed Healthy Adults
This study discusses methods for consuming herbs like Ashwagandha to improve palatability while primarily focusing on its stress-relieving effects.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/
