Why Is ”Horse Smell” Cherished in Ayurvedic Practices?

What does the smell of the horse have to do with Ayurvedic practices? Well, one precious Ayurvedic herb is better known by its Sanskrit name, not by the translation. Let us introduce you to Ashwagandha, one of the most treasured herbs in ancient Indian, Persian, and Greek practices.

In Sanskrit, its name means “horse smell”, where “ashwa” means “horse” and “gandha” means “smell”. These refer to the herb’s physical qualities and wellness benefits. The herb’s roots emit the smell of a wet horse. 

On the other hand, comparison to the horse reflects Ashwagandha benefits for vitality and overall well-being: people believed that eating roots of the herb would make them as strong as a stallion.

Ashwagandha in Ancient Practices

Ayurveda (India)

In Hindu mythology, Ashwagandha was created when drops of the elixir of immortality — “amrita” — fell to the ground. Thus, the herb was associated with longevity and vitality.

According to Ayurvedic experts, Ashwagandha was first mentioned by Ayurvedic practitioner Charaka, who lived between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. In his book Charaka Samhita, he describes Ashwagandha as an ingredient in various formulations used to support skin, respiratory and joint health. One of the combinations was to take ashwagandha and turmeric together.

Unani (Greece and the Middle East)

In Unani — a system of health practices that originated in Ancient Greece — the herb was called “ashandh”. It was used to promote longevity, relieve occasional stress, and support women’s and men’s health.

Avicenna (Persia)

Medieval Persian practitioner Ibn-Cina (you might know him as Avicenna) also wrote about ashwagandha and mentioned its benefits for joint health.  

Ashwagandha in Ayurveda

Ashwagandha is a very popular rasayana herb. It means that it’s used to support vitality and longevity. 

Ayurvedic experts recommended to prepare various formulations with ashwagandha:

• kashaya (extract or decoction based on water);
• churna (powder);
• lehya (thick syrup);
• ghee (clarified butter).

Modern Ayurvedic practitioners suggest several ways of using ashwagandha:

• Ashwagandha milk. Heat a glass of milk (it shouldn’t be too hot, just warm) and mix a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder. Drink before bedtime to support restful sleep.
• Fruit smoothie. Make a portion of a smoothie with bananas, cinnamon, almond milk, and a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder. Drink it in the morning to support healthy energy levels.
• Ashwagandha tea. Steep the herb and drink this tea to support healthy focus and mental clarity.
• Honey water. Boil a teaspoon of ashwagandha, cool the water, and add some honey. Drink to support healthy immune function.
• Ashagandha ghee. Add ashwagandha powder to a tablespoon of ghee, and eat it every day to support vitality.

Ashwagandha Compounds

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is rich in bioactive compounds, such as witanolides and alkaloids. Among alkaloids there are chemicals with the root “somn”, which means “sleep”: somniferin, somnin, somniferinin. Even the Latin name - somnifera - is derived from sleep-related words. This reflects the traditional use of the herb to promote restful sleep.

Withanolides are antioxidants that support cellular health against oxidation and promote a healthy inflammatory response.

Ashwagandha Benefits

Ashwagandha is also used today in wellness practices all over the world. Herbalists cherish the herb for its numerous benefits: supporting a sense of calmness and relaxation, promoting restful sleep, supporting cognitive function, maintaining joint health, and promoting overall vitality.

Sense of Calmness

Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogenic herb, it is also one of the best herbs for energy and stamina. According to the study, it may support a sense of calmness and relaxation.

A 2019 study’s data show a similar phenomenon, another survey also describes the adaptogenic benefits of ashwagandha. 

Restful Sleep

Ashwagandha may also promote restful sleep. This phenomenon is described in a 2020 survey. The authors of the work also highlight two beneficial consequences of a good night’s sleep: alertness and cognitive health. 

A review of more than 1,000 records also describes this phenomenon.

Cognitive Function

You might consider Ashwagandha if you’re looking for herbs to support cognitive health. 

According to a 2019 study, Withania somnifera may support both immediate and general memory, and also attention and information processing speed.

Authors of a 2020 systematic review believe that it can be very beneficial to developed countries with a rapidly “graying” population. However, the herb may have benefits for different ages: read more about ashwagandha for teens. 

Joint Health

The antioxidants that Ashwagandha contains make it one of the best herbs for joint health.

The herb may promote a healthy inflammatory response and support joint health. This phenomenon is described in a 2020 and 2021 reviews.

Antioxidants also help support skin health: read to learn more about ashwagandha skin benefits.

Overall Vitality

Ashwagandha may also promote overall vitality and support physical performance. This phenomenon is described in a 2015 study and two systematic reviews.

Conclusion

For centuries, Ashwagandha has been cherished for its benefits. Today you can also harness its herbal power. Consume ashwagandha in herbal teas and smoothies, mixed with milk or with the best ashwagandha supplements.