The species name somnifera means "sleep-inducing" in Latin.The name, ashwagandha, is a combination of the Sanskrit words ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell, reflecting that the root has a strong horse-like odor. Ashwagandha Root commonly used as a medicinal herb in Ayurveda medicine, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that it is effective for treating any ailment. The plant, particularly its root powder, has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine.