Is NOW Foods Ashwagandha Safe?
Generic: withania somnifera extract
Generally yes, NOW Foods Ashwagandha is considered safe for most healthy adults when used as directed to help manage mild-to-moderate stress. It is an herbal supplement and not intended to treat or cure medical conditions like anxiety disorders or depression. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Who Should Avoid or Consult First
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis
- Individuals with hyperthyroidism or those taking thyroid hormone medications
- Anyone scheduled for surgery within two weeks
- People with stomach ulcers
- Individuals taking medications for diabetes or high blood pressure
Common Side Effects
- Stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea — generally mild and uncommon
- Drowsiness — reported in a small percentage of users, especially at higher doses
- Rare cases of liver injury have been reported, but a direct link to ashwagandha is not always clear.
Interactions to Watch For
Ashwagandha can stimulate the immune system, potentially reducing the effectiveness of these medications.
Ashwagandha can enhance the sedative effects, leading to increased drowsiness and impaired coordination.
Ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels, potentially causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Ashwagandha can lower blood sugar, which might lead to dangerously low blood sugar when combined with diabetes drugs.
Ashwagandha can lower blood pressure, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
People Also Ask
Can I take ashwagandha every day?
Yes, ashwagandha is generally safe for daily use for up to three months. The safety of continuous use beyond this period is less well-studied, so it's advisable to consult a doctor for long-term plans.
Is ashwagandha safe during pregnancy?
No, ashwagandha is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. There is some concern it might increase the risk of miscarriage, though evidence is limited.
Can children take ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is not recommended for children as there isn't enough reliable information to confirm its safety or appropriate dosage in pediatric populations. Always consult a pediatrician before giving any supplements to children.
What happens if I take too much ashwagandha?
Taking very high doses of ashwagandha can lead to significant stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, extremely high doses might cause more severe issues, so always stick to the recommended dosage.
Bottom Line
NOW Foods Ashwagandha can be a helpful supplement for stress relief for many adults, but it's crucial to be aware of potential interactions and conditions that might make it unsafe for you. Always discuss new supplements with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications.
References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — Adrenal and DHEA
FDA DailyMed: Adrenal and DHEA · FDA
- 2.Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Arumugam V, Vijayakumar V, Balakrishnan A, et al., Explore (New York, N.Y.), 2024 · PubMed
- 3.Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Cheah KL, Norhayati MN, Husniati Yaacob L, et al., PloS one, 2021 · PubMed
- 4.Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Akhgarjand C, Asoudeh F, Bagheri A, et al., Phytotherapy research : PTR, 2022 · PubMed
- 5.Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia.
Speers AB, Cabey KA, Soumyanath A, et al., Current neuropharmacology, 2021 · PubMed
- 6.Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects.
Mandlik Ingawale DS, Namdeo AG, Journal of dietary supplements, 2021 · PubMed
Want the full pharmacist analysis?
See full review of NOW Foods AshwagandhaEducational content based on FDA labeling, published research, and pharmacist review. Not a substitute for individualized medical advice.