Ashwagandha Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you hear "ashwagandha," you might think of stress relief, better sleep, or boosted energy. But ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurveda for centuries to help the body handle stress. Also known as Withania somnifera, it's now a staple in wellness routines across the U.S. and India. But just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe for everyone. The truth? Many people take it without knowing the risks — and end up with unexpected side effects.

One of the biggest hidden dangers is how ashwagandha, a herb that can influence thyroid hormone levels might interfere with thyroid meds like levothyroxine. If you’re on thyroid treatment, this isn’t a small concern — it can throw your whole hormone balance off. Then there’s drug interactions, how ashwagandha can mess with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or sedatives. A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology found that some users saw their thyroid levels spike after just four weeks of daily use. And if you’re already taking something for anxiety or sleep, combining it with ashwagandha could make you dizzy, drowsy, or even sick.

It’s not just about pills and hormones. People with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus should skip it — ashwagandha can overstimulate the immune system, making symptoms worse. Pregnant women? Avoid it. There’s enough evidence to suggest it might trigger early contractions. Even healthy people can get stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea, especially with high doses. And because herbal supplements aren’t tightly regulated, what’s on the label isn’t always what’s inside. One batch might be clean; the next could be contaminated with heavy metals or other herbs you didn’t sign up for.

So why do so many still take it? Because for some, it works — really well. But that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. The real question isn’t whether ashwagandha helps with stress. It’s whether you’ve checked with your doctor, ruled out hidden health issues, and picked a trusted brand. If you’re thinking about trying it, don’t just grab the cheapest bottle off Amazon. Look for third-party tested products. Talk to your pharmacist. Know your meds. And if you start feeling off — stop. That’s not normal. That’s your body telling you something’s wrong.

Below, you’ll find real posts from people who’ve dealt with ashwagandha side effects, herbal supplement risks, and how Ayurveda intersects with modern medicine. No hype. Just facts from those who’ve been there.