Ashwagandha powder comes from the root of the ashwagandha plant, also known as winter cherry. The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that´s native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant´s root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means that it is a nutritive substance that helps expand the body´s capacity to handle mental, physical, and emotional stress.