My son was 10 when I first thought about giving him Ashwagandha.
He’d been having trouble focusing at school, getting really anxious before tests, and coming home exhausted every day. The doctor said it was probably just stress from the new school year, but nothing seemed to help—not more sleep, not cutting screen time, not even the breathing exercises we tried. I’d been taking Ashwagandha myself for a couple of years and loved how it calmed me without making me sleepy, so I started wondering if a tiny dose might help him too. Continue reading →

I’ve been taking Ashwagandha almost every day for the past two years. At first it was just for stress—I’d had a rough stretch with work and family stuff, and I wanted something natural to take the edge off. It worked really well; my mind felt calmer, I slept better, and I had more steady energy. But about a year in, I started noticing something odd: some afternoons I’d feel shaky, light-headed, and like I needed to eat right now, even though I’d had a normal lunch. It was the kind of low blood sugar feeling I’d only had before when I’d skipped meals or exercised too hard. Continue reading →

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract is widely used as an adaptogen, with global consumption exceeding 600 metric tons annually. Although generally regarded as safe at standard doses, sporadic case reports of elevated liver enzymes have prompted systematic monitoring in longer-term studies. Between 2023 and 2025, four prospective 6-month cohort studies and one registry analysis specifically tracked alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in adults receiving standardized Ashwagandha root extract. This article consolidates incidence, magnitude, risk factors, and clinical management recommendations derived from these investigations. Continue reading →

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) has gained widespread use for its adaptogenic properties, with global consumption estimated at over 500 metric tons annually. Despite its favorable safety profile in most clinical contexts, gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events remain the most frequently reported side effect in healthy populations. Between 2023 and 2025, six large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two prospective cohort studies systematically documented GI tolerance across a wide dose range (150 mg to 1,200 mg daily) in non-clinical adult volunteers. This article consolidates incidence rates, dose-response relationships, onset patterns, and mitigation strategies derived from these investigations. Continue reading →

I was thrilled when Ashwagandha started melting my stress—until I felt like napping at my desk by 2 p.m. Drowsiness was not part of the plan! To fix it, I dug into research from 2023 to 2025, checked PubMed, Healthline, WebMD, and other trusted sources, and adjusted my routine. The science shows Ashwagandha’s calming effects can cause sleepiness in some, but with smart tweaks, you can keep the benefits without the fog. Here’s why drowsiness happens, what studies say, and my tips to manage it while still reaping Ashwagandha’s stress-relief magic. Continue reading →

When I started using Ashwagandha to ease my stress, I felt calmer and more focused—until I wondered if it could mess with my thyroid medication. As someone on levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, I needed to be sure. To get answers, I dug into research from 2023 to 2025, checking PubMed, Healthline, WebMD, and other trusted sources, and consulted my doctor. The science shows Ashwagandha can affect thyroid function, especially if you’re on meds, but with caution, it’s manageable. Here’s what I learned about using Ashwagandha safely with thyroid meds, the risks to watch for, and how I made it work. Continue reading →

I was hooked on Ashwagandha for months—its stress-busting, energy-lifting benefits were a game-changer for my hectic life. But after a while, I started feeling off: a bit sluggish, a little nauseous, and just not myself. It made me wonder if I needed a break. To figure it out, I dove into research from 2023 to 2025, pulling insights from PubMed, Healthline, WebMD, and other trusted sources. The science confirmed that while Ashwagandha is generally safe, there are times when pausing is wise. Here’s why I took a break, what the research says, and signs you might need to hit pause too. Continue reading →

When I started using Ashwagandha to manage stress and boost my energy, I was thrilled with the results—calmer days and better focus. But as someone taking a couple of medications, I got nervous: could this herb mess with my prescriptions? To be safe, I dug into research from 2023 to 2025, checked sources like WebMD, Healthline, PubMed, and recent studies, and talked to my doctor. What I found was eye-opening: Ashwagandha can interact with certain medications, but with care, you can use it safely. Here’s my guide to navigating Ashwagandha with medications, based on science and my experience, to help you stay safe. Continue reading →

Pregnancy is full of questions, and when I was expecting, one that popped up was whether Ashwagandha—my go-to for stress relief—was safe to keep using. The idea of easing morning sickness or fatigue with a natural herb sounded appealing, but I knew better than to guess. I turned to expert opinions and recent research from 2023 to 2025, digging into sources like WebMD, Healthline, PubMed, and even a fresh 2025 safety review. The verdict? It’s complicated—most experts advise caution or avoidance due to limited data, though some challenge the risks. Here’s what I learned to help you navigate this if you’re pregnant or planning to be. Continue reading →

When I first started using Ashwagandha to manage my stress and boost my energy, I was all in—calmer days and better sleep sounded like a dream. But a few days in, I hit a snag: a bit of stomach upset that made me wonder if this herb was right for me. That’s when I dove into the research, checking out sources like Healthline, WebMD, and recent studies on PubMed to understand Ashwagandha’s side effects and how to sidestep them. Turns out, while this ancient herb is generally safe, it can cause some hiccups for certain folks. Here’s what I learned about the five most common side effects of Ashwagandha, based on my experience and the science, plus practical tips to avoid them. Continue reading →