Quick facts
| Botanical name | Withania somnifera |
|---|---|
| Other names | Asgandh, winter cherry |
| Part used | Root |
| Common forms | Root powder (churna) with warm milk or water; standardised extract capsules; Ashwagandha ghrita and arishta. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Bitter, astringent, sweet |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Light, unctuous |
| Potency (virya) | Heating |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Sweet |
| Effect on doshas | Calms Vata and Kapha |
Traditional uses
- Stress, anxiety and poor sleep
- Weakness and recovery after illness
- Vata disorders — stiffness, pain, tremor
- Male fertility and vitality (Vajikarana)
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Several small to medium randomised trials report reduced stress and anxiety scores and modestly better sleep over 6–12 weeks. Small trials suggest improved sperm count and motility in infertile men. Most studies are short and use different extracts.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- Pregnancy
- Overactive thyroid (it can raise thyroid hormone levels)
- Liver disease
- Before surgery — stop 2 weeks ahead because of sedation
Possible interactions
- Sedatives, sleeping pills and alcohol — added drowsiness
- Thyroid medicines
- Medicines for diabetes and blood pressure — may add to their effect
- Immunosuppressants
Side effects
Usually well tolerated. Stomach upset and drowsiness can occur. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported, and some regulators outside India have restricted it.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Ashwagandha is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Turmeric (Haridra) Triphala Tulsi (Holy Basil) Guduchi (Giloy) Brahmi Shatavari Amalaki (Amla) Neem Guggulu Kapikacchu Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.