Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ayurvedic herb
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Ashwagandha is a ayurvedic herb found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Himalaya Ashvagandha. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: ashvagandha, withania

What it is used for

Taken for stress, sleep and general strength.

How it works

An Ayurvedic herb (Withania somnifera) with small studies showing reduced stress and better sleep.

How to take it

Usually 250 to 600 mg of root extract a day, for up to 3 months.

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhoea

Get medical help straight away if

  • Yellow skin or dark urine (rare liver injury)
  • Palpitations or anxiety (thyroid overactivity)

Be careful

Rare reports of liver injury; avoid in pregnancy; can affect thyroid levels and add to sleeping-pill drowsiness.

Other medicines and interactions

Can add to sedatives, thyroid medicine and diabetes medicines; may affect immune-suppressing medicines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy (may cause miscarriage) and while breastfeeding.

Brands of Ashwagandha (1)

Himalaya Ashvagandha

Common questions

What is Ashwagandha used for?

Taken for stress, sleep and general strength.

How does Ashwagandha work?

An Ayurvedic herb (Withania somnifera) with small studies showing reduced stress and better sleep.

How should I take Ashwagandha?

Usually 250 to 600 mg of root extract a day, for up to 3 months.

What are the side effects of Ashwagandha?

Common: Drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhoea. Get help straight away for: Yellow skin or dark urine (rare liver injury), palpitations or anxiety (thyroid overactivity).

Does Ashwagandha interact with other medicines?

Can add to sedatives, thyroid medicine and diabetes medicines; may affect immune-suppressing medicines.

Is Ashwagandha safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Avoid in pregnancy (may cause miscarriage) and while breastfeeding.

Does Ashwagandha need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Ashwagandha?

Himalaya Ashvagandha.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.