Ashwagandha

How does Ashwagandha work?

Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling (inflammation), lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system.

Are there safety concerns?

Ashwagandha seems to be safe when taken by mouth, short-term. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Do not use ashwagandha if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You have a stomach ulcer.
• You have an immune system disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions called "autoimmune disease."
• You are scheduled for surgery in the next two weeks. Ashwagandha might cause excessive sedation if combined with medications used during and after surgery.