What it is used for
- Selected standardised preparations may modestly reduce short-term stress alongside usual care
- It may improve sleep in some adults, but results do not apply to every extract
- It is used traditionally for many purposes, but there is insufficient reliable evidence to treat diabetes, infertility, asthma or cancer
How it is used
- Follow the product label and do not combine more than one ashwagandha product
- Choose a product that states the plant part and extract type and comes from a reliable quality source
- Do not use it instead of prescribed treatment or continue long term without review because long-term safety information is limited
- Stop it and contact a doctor for yellowing, dark urine, severe abdominal pain or widespread itching
Possible side effects
- Sleepiness or dizziness
- Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Uncommon rash or allergy
- Rare liver injury
- An overactive thyroid or altered thyroid-hormone levels in some people
Who should not use it
- Avoid it during pregnancy because it may harm the pregnancy, and do not use while breastfeeding because safety information is insufficient
- Do not use with autoimmune or thyroid disease unless a doctor approves
- Avoid it before surgery and tell the surgeon that you have used it
- Do not use after previous ashwagandha-related liver injury
Before and while using it
- Supplements are not equivalent and active content or contamination can vary; choose a reliable source
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe itching may indicate liver injury and needs urgent assessment
- Thyroid hormones can rise and cause palpitations, sweating, tremor or weight loss
- Sleepiness may impair driving or machinery use, especially with sedatives
- Do not rely on it to treat severe anxiety, depression or persistent insomnia; seek medical assessment
- Safety beyond short-term use is unclear; ask a doctor before continuing
Medicine interactions
- Sedatives and epilepsy medicines can increase sleepiness
- Diabetes or blood-pressure medicines may have a stronger effect and need monitoring
- Immunosuppressants may conflict with its possible immune effects
- Thyroid-hormone medicines can increase the risk of an overactive thyroid
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Avoid ashwagandha during pregnancy because it may affect the pregnancy and no proven benefit justifies the risk
- Do not use while breastfeeding because there is insufficient information about transfer into milk or effects on the infant
How to store it
- Keep the product in its original container as the label directs, away from moisture, heat and children's reach
- Do not use it if the container is damaged or the product's colour or smell has changed
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.