In brief
A herb used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine, often promoted for stress, anxiety and sleep. The TGA has warned of very rare liver injury.
- The TGA issued a safety advisory on ashwagandha in 2024.
- Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.
- It may interact with medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid conditions and seizures, with sedatives, and with medicines that suppress the immune system.
How it works
Some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for insomnia and stress, according to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, but its effects on anxiety are unclear. It may be safe when taken short term, up to 3 months.
Cases of liver injury linked with ashwagandha continue to be reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, though the risk appears to be very rare. If you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness, stop taking it and seek medical advice, and avoid it if you have or have had liver problems.
Connections
3 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Ashwagandha has been studied for
- Chronic stress (allostatic load) Emerging
Some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for stress, according to NCCIH.
Source: NIH NCCIH, Ashwagandha
- Trouble sleeping Emerging
Some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for insomnia, according to NCCIH.
Source: NIH NCCIH, Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha affects
- Liver Supported
Cases of liver injury linked with ashwagandha continue to be reported to the TGA, though the risk appears to be very rare.
Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) and liver injury
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
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Summarised from the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Sources read on 13 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.