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Overview: Ashwagandha is a plant called Withania somnifera. It is available as a dietary supplement in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, and tablets. People take ashwagandha for many different reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness. Before taking ashwagandha, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is ashwagandha used for?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is used for many different reasons. However, its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use ashwagandha include the following.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed ashwagandha for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does ashwagandha work (mechanism of action)?

Ashwagandha is a plant called Withania somnifera. Some people also refer to ashwagandha as Indian ginseng, but this plant is not related to other forms of ginseng. Ashwagandha is thought to act as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body respond to stressful changes in its environment. 

Some of the chemicals in ashwagandha, called withanolides, are thought to be responsible for its effects in the body. But it is unclear how these chemicals might work to relieve stress, improve sleep, or help with anxiety or depression.

Herbal products like ashwagandha naturally contain many different chemicals, such as withanolides. The amounts of each chemical in a specific product may vary from product to product. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may vary depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store ashwagandha?

You should store ashwagandha according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ashwagandha?

The most common side effects of ashwagandha are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of ashwagandha that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ashwagandha?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ashwagandha are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ashwagandha may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ashwagandha and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking ashwagandha. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ashwagandha?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ashwagandha.

  • Ashwagandha
  • Indian ginseng
  • Withania somnifera
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ashwagandha products they stock.

What should I know about ashwagandha before using it?

Ashwagandha is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep ashwagandha out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as ashwagandha, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific ashwagandha product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested.

Ashwagandha is available in many different forms, including liquid extracts, as a tea, and as dried ground powder found in capsules or tablets. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

Ashwagandha products may be made from different parts of the plant, including the root and the leaf. These plant parts contain different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. Traditionally, ashwagandha products have contained the root of the plant. It is important to read the label to confirm which part of the plant was used in that product. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested ashwagandha products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ashwagandha?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ashwagandha is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ashwagandha may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking ashwagandha, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ashwagandha could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ashwagandha passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does ashwagandha interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ashwagandha and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ashwagandha. But drinking alcohol while taking ashwagandha may increase your risk of drowsiness.

Does ashwagandha interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels.

The interactions between ashwagandha and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with ashwagandha is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using ashwagandha with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ashwagandha?

If you or someone else has used too much ashwagandha, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Ashwagandha comes in a range of doses and forms. Most ashwagandha products contain the root of the plant, but some products contain the leaf. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use ashwagandha safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.