Ashwagandha has become one of Ayurveda’s celebrity herbs for stress, sleep, hormonal function, energy, and emotional well-being.

But is Ashwagandha safe for everyone, at every dose, in every situation?

Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda for centuries and is safe at normal doses, such as those found in teas and supplements from reputable brands. But as with anything ingestible, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you're sensitive to nightshades, taking large doses of isolates, or have certain pre-existing health conditions.

So come along as we explore the safety, contraindications, and potential side effects of Ashwagandha, so you can make informed choices about your herbal supplements.

What is Ashwagandha?

Also known as “Indian Ginseng,” “Winter Cherry,” or “Withania somnifera,” Ashwagandha is a staple in Ayurveda for supporting a healthy stress response, hormonal balance, energy, thyroid function, sleep, emotional well-being, and a healthy sex drive.

Its name loosely translates to “smell of horse,” which speaks to its musky scent and flavor and its legendary strengthening properties.

In Ayurveda, its flavor (rasa) is considered bitter, sweet, and astringent, and its action is warming.

Today, Ashwagandha is a popular ingredient in many supplements and teas, particularly those for reducing stress, supporting sleep, and emotional well-being.

How Does Ashwagandha Work?

Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, a type of herb or other substance that supports a healthy stress response by acting on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis and nervous system.

Studies suggest the active plant compound withanolides, which support cells’ antioxidant defenses, likely drive many of Ashwagandha’s health benefits, though it also contains other phytochemicals that likely play a role.

In Ayurveda, it’s also considered a Rasayana, which is a rejuvenating herb that promotes energy, vitality, mental sharpness, immunity, and many other aspects of well-being. Ashwagandha is considered tridoshic, meaning it can benefit all three doshas (pitta, vata, and kapha); however, it’s also warming, so it may aggravate those with excess heat and fire.

For more information on the science of how Ashwagandha works, see: Ashwagandha For Sleep Or Energy? Both, Please.

Ashwagandha Side Effects

Ashwagandha is considered a very safe herb for most healthy people, and has a long history of traditional use.

Side effects are rare, and reports of adverse events typically stem from taking very high doses or purified/isolated versions of the herb or its constituents versus the whole herb.

Other adverse events occurred in people taking Ashwagandha with other herbs or supplements, so it was unclear if the Ashwagandha was responsible. For example, Ashwagandha may be included in formulas with adulterated herbs or unsafe stimulants, making it appear to have caused an adverse event when it likely did not.

What does research say about Ashwagandha safety?

Safety studies on Ashwagandha generally confirm its long history of safe use. For example, a 2026 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that healthy adults taking 2,000 mg a day of Ashwagandha had no serious adverse event, and no adverse effects on measured liver, kidney, or thyroid function. 

Another 2026 study entitled: “Safety of 12-Month Administration of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Standardized Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Prospective, Observational Study” also found no side effects or adverse events in healthy adults taking 600 mg of KSM Ashwagandha (the same type used in our Organic Ashwagandha Gummies) over the course of 12 months. So long-term use also appears safe.

Does it have side effects?

So, does Ashwagandha have any side effects? Yes, in rare cases it can.

Does Ashwagandha affect the liver?

Although rare, there is some evidence that Ashwagandha may cause liver injury, especially in people with a pre-existing liver condition. However, studies confirming this are rare and cannot establish incidence.

Who should avoid ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a nightshade, like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant, and people with nightshade allergies or sensitivities should generally avoid it.

As mentioned previously, Ashwagandha’s warming nature may aggravate certain constitutions, such as strong Pitta or Kapha doshas, so check with an Ayurvedic practitioner first.

Finally, although research suggests Ashwagandha may support thyroid health, it may not benefit everyone’s thyroid, so check with your practitioner.

The most commonly reported side effects of Ashwagandha include mild digestive upset and drowsiness (which can be helpful if you take it before bed), although many studies report no side effects.

When in doubt, discuss with your healthcare provider.

As always, talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking Ashwagandha, especially if you have liver disease, a pre-existing condition, or are pregnant or nursing.

Potential Ashwagandha Contraindications

The lack of safety data on Ashwagandha consumption during pregnancy and lactation suggests it’s best to avoid it unless your doctor suggests otherwise.

There is also very little data on Ashwagandha drug interactions, and the risk is considered mild to moderate.

Based on Ashwagandha’s studied and traditional effects, talk to your doctor if you’re taking medications, especially sedatives, thyroid medication, or anti-diabetic drugs.

Your doctor or pharmacist is your best source of advice on potential herb-drug contraindications, so talk with them before taking Ashwagandha.

So, Is Ashwagandha Safe?

Yes, historical use and modern safety studies suggest Ashwagandha is safe to take for most healthy people.

See previous sections for information on potential side effects and contraindications.

How to Source Pure, Authentic, High-Quality Ashwagandha

One of the best ways to ensure a supplement’s safety is to source it from reputable companies that use certified organic herbs and raw materials tested for purity, safety, and identity.

At Organic India, we’re proud to offer a variety of organic and regeneratively grown Ashwagandha supplements that meet these criteria.

Some of our best-sellers include:

• Certified Organic Ashwagandha Root: A clean, potent Ashwagandha supplement with 400 mg of organic Ashwagandha per capsule.
• Tulsi Ashwagandha Tea: An earthy, tropical infusion with Ashwagandha and mango that supports calm alertness without the caffeine crash.
• Peaceful Sleep: A relaxing adrenal-nourishing blend of organic Tulsi, Ashwagandha, and Gotu Kola.
• NEW Organic Ashwagandha Gummies: Great-tasting lemon lime gummies offer 300 mg of highly studied KSM-66® Ashwagandha root extract with just 3 grams of sugar per serving.
• Joy! Herbal Mood Supplement: Enjoy 100% herbal mood support with organic Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, Bacopa, and Shankhpushpi.

Ashwagandha Side Effect FAQs

Q: Is Ashwagandha safe during pregnancy?

A: Although there isn’t much evidence to suggest Ashwagandha is unsafe during pregnancy, its use is not recommended due to a lack of safety studies.

Q: Is Ashwagandha safe for children?

A: Ashwagandha is typically recommended for adults, and supplements are designed for adult dosing. However, some practitioners may recommend it for older children. Talk to your Ayurvedic doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice.

Q: Can I take Ashwagandha long-term?

A: It depends on who you ask. Many Ayurvedic practitioners recommend Ashwagandha for long-term use, and people have taken it for years without issue.

New research cited previously also supports long-term use of Ashwagandha at normal doses (300-600 mg) without side effects. However, long-term use may not be appropriate for everyone, so check with your practitioner.

Q: I’m not supposed to eat nightshades, should I take Ashwagandha?

A: Ashwagandha is a nightshade, so you should consider an alternative adaptogen, like Tulsi or Shatavari (for women).

Q: Will Ashwagandha make me drowsy?

A: It depends on how you take it. If you want to take Ashwagandha for sleep, it’s generally best to take 2 capsules 20-30 minutes before bed to help support the transition to sleep.

However, as an adaptogen, Ashwagandha can also support energy, especially when taken at a lower dose in the morning and/or afternoon.