Solanaceae
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
✓ Generally Safe
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: India, North Africa, Mediterranean
Also known as: Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Ajagandha
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic stress, adrenal fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, hypothyroidism support, male fertility, athletic performance, cognitive decline. Extensive clinical evidence for cortisol reduction.
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, nervine tonic, immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, thyroid modulator, anabolic
Active Constituents
Withanolides (withaferin A, withanolide D), alkaloids (somniferine, tropine), saponins, iron
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp root powder in warm milk with honey, 1–2x daily (traditional) |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), 2x daily |
| Notes | Most clinical trials use 300–600mg standardized extract (withanolides ≥5%) daily. Best taken with food. Effects build over 4–8 weeks. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). Avoid with immunosuppressants, thyroid medications, sedatives. Use cautiously with hyperthyroidism.
Side Effects: Large doses may cause GI upset, diarrhea, drowsiness. Rare liver toxicity cases reported with very high doses.