What is ashwagandha? A plain-language guide to the adaptogen

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen: a root from the nightshade family (Withania somnifera) that has been used for more than 3,000 years in Ayurveda, India's traditional system of wellness, to help the body unwind and handle everyday stress. Today it is one of the most popular functional ingredients in drinks, and it is the one we put in JAS® Paloma Libre: 225mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha in every can.

What does "adaptogen" mean?

Adaptogen is the name for a group of herbs and mushrooms traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress and find its balance again. Ashwagandha is the best known of them. Others you may have seen on labels include reishi, rhodiola and holy basil.

The idea is not a jolt in one direction. Caffeine pushes you up and alcohol pulls you down. Adaptogens are traditionally used to help you come back to center, which is why people reach for ashwagandha at the end of a long day rather than the start of one.

Where does the name come from?

In Sanskrit, ashwagandha roughly means "smell of the horse," a nod to the root's earthy aroma and to the old belief that it gives you a horse's strength. It is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The part that is used is the root.

What is KSM-66?

KSM-66 is a specific, branded ashwagandha extract. Two things set it apart:

• Root only. Some ashwagandha extracts use leaves as well as root. KSM-66 uses only the root, which is how it was used traditionally.
• Studied. It is one of the most researched ashwagandha extracts on the market, with a long list of human studies behind it.

When you see "KSM-66" on a label, you know exactly which ashwagandha you are getting, instead of a generic powder of unknown strength.

How much ashwagandha is in a drink?

Every 8.4oz can of JAS® Paloma Libre contains 225mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha. For context, studies on KSM-66 have generally used amounts between 300mg and 600mg a day, often split across the day. A can of Paloma Libre is an everyday amount meant to be enjoyed, not a supplement dose.

We name the extract and the amount on purpose. A lot of functional drinks list "adaptogens" without telling you which or how much. We think you should know both.

What does ashwagandha taste like?

On its own, ashwagandha is earthy and bitter. That bitterness is why most ashwagandha drinks taste like medicine.

We built Paloma Libre around it instead. Grapefruit is naturally bittersweet, and a real Paloma already lives on that edge. Lime, cardamom, cinnamon and anise round it out, so the ashwagandha disappears into the drink. What you taste is a Paloma.

When to drink something with ashwagandha

Think of it as a wind-down drink. The moments we built Paloma Libre for:

• The first drink after work, when you want the ritual of a cocktail without the alcohol.
• Brunch that turns into a long afternoon.
• Dinner with friends, when you want something in your glass for the toast.
• A quiet night in. Paloma Libre is caffeine-free, so it works at any hour.

Who should check with a doctor first?

Ashwagandha is widely used, but it is not for everyone. If you are pregnant or nursing, have a thyroid condition, take medication for blood pressure, blood sugar, thyroid or sleep, or have an autoimmune condition, check with your healthcare provider before drinking ashwagandha regularly.

The numbers: JAS® Paloma Libre

• Functional ingredients: 225mg KSM-66 ashwagandha; cardamom, cinnamon and anise
• Calories: 50 per 8.4oz can
• Added sugar: 8g
• Real juice: 19%
• Caffeine: none
• Gluten-free, non-alcoholic, built from scratch (never dealcoholized)

Shop Paloma Libre → 12- and 24-can packs online, with 15% off when you subscribe. 4-packs at select Whole Foods Market, H-E-B and Central Market stores.

Frequently asked questions

Is ashwagandha an adaptogen?

Yes. Ashwagandha is the most widely known adaptogen, a group of herbs and mushrooms traditionally used to help the body handle stress and return to balance.

Does ashwagandha have caffeine?

No. Ashwagandha is caffeine-free, and so is JAS® Paloma Libre.

Can I drink ashwagandha at night?

Yes. Because it is traditionally used to help you unwind and has no caffeine, many people prefer it in the evening.

Does ashwagandha taste bad?

On its own it is earthy and bitter. In Paloma Libre the grapefruit, lime and warm spice carry the flavor, so you taste a Paloma, not the root.

Is ashwagandha safe to drink every day?

For most healthy adults, ashwagandha is commonly used daily. If you are pregnant, nursing, managing a medical condition or on medication, ask your healthcare provider first.

Written by Cecilia Rios Murrieta, Co-Founder & CEO of JAS®. This article is for general information and isn't medical advice.

Have a JAS® and be libre.