Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub whose root has been used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic tradition for centuries. Dried and milled, the root becomes a fine, pale brown powder with a bitter, earthy taste. The good news is that it's easy to mix into drinks and food. Here are ten easy ways to use ashwagandha powder.
The quick answer
Stir a small amount of ashwagandha powder into warm milk, water, tea or a smoothie once a day. Start with a little and follow the serving suggestion on your pack. Because it tastes bitter, most people prefer it with milk, spices and a little honey.
1. Mix it with water
The simplest way to take ashwagandha powder with water is to stir it into a small glass of warm water, adding lemon and honey to soften the bitterness. Stir well and drink straight away, as the powder settles.
2. Warm spiced milk
This is the most traditional way to take it. Warm a mug of dairy or plant milk, whisk in the powder with a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg, and sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
3. Stir it into tea
Add the powder to a cup of chai, rooibos or ginger tea. Stronger, spiced teas hide the earthy flavour best.
4. Blend it into a smoothie
Banana, dates, cacao or nut butter all soften the bitter notes. Add the powder with the liquid so it blends evenly.
5. Add it to porridge or overnight oats
Stir the powder into porridge once it's cooked, or into overnight oats before chilling, and top with fruit and a drizzle of honey.
6. Make bliss balls
Blitz oats, dates, nuts and a little ashwagandha powder in a food processor, roll into balls and chill. Cacao and cinnamon work well here.
7. Bake it into muffins or flapjacks
Mix the powder into the dry ingredients of muffins, banana bread or flapjacks. Warm spices such as ginger and cinnamon complement it.
8. Stir it into hot chocolate
Chocolate is one of the best partners for ashwagandha's earthy taste. Whisk it into hot chocolate or a homemade cacao drink.
9. Add it to yoghurt
Swirl a little into yoghurt with honey, cinnamon and chopped fruit for a quick breakfast or snack.
10. Mix it into a golden milk
Combine ashwagandha with turmeric, ginger and black pepper in warm milk for a spiced golden milk.
What to mix with ashwagandha powder
- Milks: dairy, oat, almond or coconut milk
- Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, dates
- Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, turmeric
- Flavours: cacao, banana, vanilla, nut butter
What does it taste like?
Ashwagandha powder is bitter and earthy, with a slightly musky smell. That's normal; the name is often said to refer to its distinctive smell. Mixing it with milk, spices and something sweet makes it much more pleasant.
How to store it
Keep the pouch sealed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, and use a dry spoon to stop it clumping.
Is ashwagandha right for you?
Ashwagandha isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children. If you take any medication, or have a thyroid or liver condition, an autoimmune condition or any other health condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before using it. Don't exceed the serving suggestion on the pack.
Shop our Organic Ashwagandha Powder, or explore more Ayurvedic powders.
