If someone were to tell you that Ashwagandha smells like dung or even horses, they wouldn’t be lying to you.
It has a strong, deep-rooted scent that may feel even more pungent to new users taking ashwagandha root or the ashwagandha root extract.
But this special scent is not arbitrary—it tells about the outcomes of having ashwagandha, its efficacy, and its impact on the stress hormone cortisol.
So why does ashwagandha have a potent smell, and what does it mean?
This article will also take a look at some effective ways of taking Ashwagandha without getting put off by the stench.
Understanding Ashwagandha: The Herb with a Unique Aroma and Powerful Benefits
Known scientifically as Withania somnifera, it is a plant that has been used since time immemorial, especially in the Indian system of treatment, the Ayurveda.
Categorized as an adaptogen, the herb has the popular nickname of “Indian ginseng” because of its capacity to help the body ease stress and anxiety, sleep better, and just be healthier.
Ashwagandha root is used by people living in India, Africa, and the Middle East, who have benefited from its health properties for centuries.
Today, people use ashwagandha root extract to maintain normal cortisol, the primary stress hormone, and reduce stress in their lives (1).
However, one question frequently arises: why does ashwagandha have a unique odor?
The name itself indicates this. Ashwagandha means ‘smell of the horse’ when used in its Sanskrit presentation, where ‘ashwa’ means horse and ‘gandha’ means smell or odor.
Even though ashwagandha root does not refer to the odor typical of horses, the plant has a strong herbaceous scent associated with horse stables.
This unique odor has both explanatory and practical meanings in Ayurvedic, which is originally from Sanskrit medical texts of India.
Literature from antiquity also links the large and bulky odor of the herb to energies related to the power of a horse, meaning that it gives strength similar to that plant.
Regardless of the reason you choose ashwagandha extract as a stress and anxiety helper or a health booster, its smell is quite negligible for the great impact the root has.
The Chemistry Behind Ashwagandha Root and Its Unique Aroma
The distinct smell of ashwagandha root—often described as musky, earthy, or reminiscent of dried hay and barnyard animals—is a result of its unique chemical composition.
The herb contains alkaloids known as withanolides, which are steroidal lactones that play a crucial role in the effects of ashwagandha (2).
These compounds are not only responsible for their therapeutic benefits in Ayurvedic medicine but also contribute significantly to their strong, earthy scent.
When ashwagandha root extract is prepared, such as boiling it in cow’s milk—a traditional method in Ayurvedic practices—these withanolides and other organic compounds create the characteristic aroma.
This complex chemical profile gives ashwagandha its potent smell, a feature closely tied to its health-boosting properties, including its ability to help reduce stress and anxiety and support overall well-being.
Ashwagandha is a natural herb, but the smell can get in the way or cause some discomfort (3).
How to Use Ashwagandha for Maximum Gains
A common adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha reduces stress, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms while also boosting general well-being and enhancing sleep quality through cortisol regulation (4).
Even though the ashwagandha root and its extracts have such potential, the strong smell of musk and earth that accompanies the substance may be unattractive to users.
Here’s how you can take ashwagandha with directions to help minimize the smell.
Which Ashwagandha Root Extract Works Best to Reduce Stress and Cortisol Levels?
Different forms of ashwagandha produce different degrees of odor intensity.
Here's what you should know:
- Capsules: These are the best options when it comes to trying to avoid the scent altogether. How to take it: This extract comes in an easy-to-swallow capsule form, so you never have to deal with the rather pungent smell of the herb.
- Powder: Although powerful, ashwagandha powder possesses the most intense fragrance. It is advised to add it with other compounds in order to cover the smell.
- Tinctures: It should, however, be noted that liquid ashwagandha extract may possess a slightly less pungent smell, but the smell still remains strong, ng, and it is also fully concentrated.
- Ashwagandha-infused products: In the contemporary process of production, some manufacturers mix the ashwagandha with other flavors or herbs to make it less sensory yet efficacious.
The invention relates to the food industry and concerns methods and means for masking the aroma of Ashwagandha root extract, which is widely used and in demand.
How to Use Ashwagandha Root or Powder to Reduce Stress Without the Overpowering Smell
If you prefer ashwagandha in its raw or powdered form, here are some effective ways to reduce stress and anxiety without being overwhelmed by the odor:
- Blend It Into Smoothies: If you cannot bear the musky smell of ashwagandha powder, you can add fruits such as bananas, berries, or mango to mask the taste. For deep flavor, stir in nut butter or cocoa powder.
- Mix It with Herbal Teas: From the list of flavors that can be paired with ashwagandha, strong teas like chai, peppermint,t, or ginger help to neutralize the smell but still enhance the earthy note of the spice.
- Cook It Into Recipes: The final suggestion is to add ashwagandha to savory foods, such as soup or stew. It combines well with warm spices that are common in many, such as turmeric and cinnamon.
- Try Flavored Supplements: If you want to take flavored ashwagandha, you can find powders or capsule supplements from established brands that have developed products that do not have a strong herb smell.
Potential Benefits of Ashwagandha and Related Concepts
The therapeutic ability of Ashwagandha, such as decreased cortisol level, requires correct use and regular use. Here's how to make the most of this ancient herb:
- Start with a small dose: You need to start taking it gradually so that the body can be familiar with it during the process.
- Combine it with fat: Due to its properties as an adaptogen, ashwagandha root extract is best taken with a serving of healthy fats such as that provided by milk or coconut oil.
- Take it at the right time: Eating Ashwagandha supplements in the evening will help improve sleep and reduce the level of stress hormones.
Why Ashwagandha’s Aroma Reflects Its Stress-Relieving Power
The musty smell of ashwagandha is not just an aggravation; it is an indication of the high quality of the herb.
The compounds held responsible for the stress- and anxiety-relieving properties of ashwagandha are withanolides, all of which contribute to the characteristic smell (5).
With the ashwagandha being incorporated strategically into your lifestyle, you are able to get the full power of the supplement without worrying about the smell affecting you.
Does the Smell of Ashwagandha Root Indicate Quality and Withanolides Content?
It is often asked whether an intense, pungent smell of ashwagandha root indicates its quality.
That is, the concentration and density of the smell can indicate the richness in withanolides, that is, the compounds that affect the therapeutic properties of ashwagandha, which does not mean that a high concentration of withanolides is the hallmark of a good-quality herbal remedy.
Other parameters like how recently the product was prepared, how it was stored prior to shipping, and in what form it has been prepared—powder, capsules, tinctures, etc.—also go a long way in making the final product.
Ashwagandha that is spoiled or of low quality has a bad smell; it could smell like vinegar, have a sour smell, or even smell like mold.
If you want to obtain only the best, then it is best to buy products from reputable manufacturers, including KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract, which is of great quality and has formulations that are not subjected to heat stress.
You can trust brands and get your ashwagandha purchase to help you deal with stress, sleep better, and lead a healthy life.
Ashwagandha Odor Control: Instructions
For those sensitive to Ashwagandha’s odor, here are some tips to make it more palatable:
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Mix it into smoothies: To mask the musk of ashwagandha powder, add it to strongly flavored fruits such as bananas or berries.
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Add it to tea: Decaffeinate the smell by adding the powder to strong herbal teas like peppermint and chai.
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Use capsules: capsules are the best forms of ashwagandha that can be consumed without coming to terms with the pungent smell.
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Cook with it: It can be added to soups, stews, or any dish where the proof of its earthy taste will enhance the meal.
Different Floras of Ashwagandha And the Smell Intensity of Each
The form in which you take ashwagandha can affect how strongly you perceive its smell.
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Powder: Organic ashwagandha powder is aromatic when crushed or ground due to the stronger scent but ranks low when it comes to ultra-premium.
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Capsules: In encapsulated form, ashwagandha extract minimizes exposure to the smell.
- Tinctures/Extracts: The liquid extracts, while usually less aromatic in general, may retain musky undertones and a very concentrated liquid extract form.
Final Thoughts
The distinct scent of ashwagandha, which can be characterized as earthy or musky, should be overshadowed by the many health advantages of utilizing this herb.
This over-the-counter herb from the past practiced Ayurveda, and the main benefits are stress and anxiety reducers, balanced cortisol levels, and, best of all, helping to get a restful sleep.
Do not be put off by this smell when taking Ashwagandha root because it has other benefits to human health.
You can blend it into a shake, steep it in a cup of tea, or swallow it in capsule form—but rest assured that this flowering hero is more than versatile.
🌿 Blend it, brew it, or take it in capsules for stress relief, better sleep, and lasting vitality. Try it today and feel the difference. 💪✨
FAQs
Why does Ashwagandha smell like a barnyard?
The distinct barnyard-like smell comes from withanolides, the natural compounds in ashwagandha root responsible for its therapeutic benefits. These give it an earthy, musky aroma.
Does a strong smell mean better quality ashwagandha?
Not necessarily. While muskiness suggests potent withanolides, quality depends on sourcing, freshness, and proper storage.
Can I reduce the smell of ashwagandha when using it?
Yes! Mix it into smoothies, pair it with bold teas, use capsules, or cook it into savory dishes to mask its strong aroma.
What’s the difference in smell between powder, capsules, and extracts?
The powder has the strongest odor, capsules contain it well, and liquid extracts often have a milder scent unless highly concentrated.
Is ashwagandha still effective if it doesn’t smell strong?
Yes. Potency depends on the concentration of withanolides, not just the smell. Always choose trusted brands for guaranteed quality.
Related Studies
1. Title: Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?
This comprehensive review found that ashwagandha significantly reduces stress and anxiety levels and lowers serum cortisol in adults compared to placebo.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110215
2. Title: A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress
The study demonstrated that a standardized extract of ashwagandha with 2.5% withanolides effectively reduces cortisol and improves stress and anxiety symptoms.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000024151
3. Title: An investigation into the stress-relieving and anti-anxiety effects of ashwagandha
This randomized controlled trial indicated that ashwagandha significantly reduced anxiety and morning cortisol levels in chronically stressed adults over an 8-week period.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2602-3
4. Title: Ashwagandha: Does it really lower stress and benefit health?
The article discusses how ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen, potentially improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety through its effects on the body's stress response.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110215
5. Title: Withanolides in Ashwagandha: Health Benefits
This research highlights the role of withanolides in ashwagandha, showing their potential therapeutic benefits in reducing stress and anxiety.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00770
