Ashwagandha, the ancient adaptogen, has made its way from Ayurveda to your modern-day wellness stack.
But as you start taking it daily, there's a question that pops up often: Can I still enjoy a drink on Friday night?
Let’s explore what happens when you mix ashwagandha with alcohol—and whether you really should.
A potent herb used for centuries in Indian medicine is ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It's classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps your body handle stress.
People take it for anxiety, better sleep, hormone balance, and even workout recovery (1).
It works by regulating cortisol (your stress hormone), supporting the nervous system, and promoting overall balance.
Alcohol and Ashwagandha: What Happens When You Mix Them?
Here’s the deal. Ashwagandha has calming properties. It may reduce anxiety and help you wind down. Alcohol is also a depressant—it slows down your nervous system.
When combined, the two can amplify each other’s effects. In theory, this might sound relaxing.
But in practice? It can lead to extreme drowsiness, slower reaction times, risk of over-sedation, and added liver strain (2).
Let’s Talk Liver
Both alcohol and ashwagandha are processed by the liver. If you’re taking ashwagandha daily and drinking often, you're potentially adding extra load to your detox system.
This might not be a huge deal if you’re healthy and drink occasionally, but it's something to keep in mind.
What Does Science Say?
Studies on combining ashwagandha and alcohol are limited. Most research focuses on the herb alone.
But here’s what we do know: Ashwagandha may help reduce withdrawal symptoms from alcohol abuse (3).
It may protect brain cells from oxidative stress, which alcohol can increase (4).
Still, there’s no clear green light from science saying it’s safe—or beneficial—to mix the two.
Personal Sensitivity Matters
Some people might feel sleepy. Others feel nothing.
A few may get dizzy or nauseated. Your experience depends on your body weight, the dosage of ashwagandha, how much alcohol you drink, and your overall health. It’s very individual.
Real Talk: Should You Drink?
If you’re taking ashwagandha for anxiety or sleep, combining it with alcohol may undo the benefits.
Many users say they feel better without alcohol while taking the herb. That clearer headspace and reduced stress?
It might not pair well with a buzz. So if you're going to drink, keep it light, take ashwagandha earlier in the day, and try not to take them at the same time.
Safer Alternatives
Craving something relaxing that doesn’t come with side effects? Try a mocktail with lemon balm or passionflower, sip on herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos, or use magnesium supplements to unwind. Your body will thank you.
Final Word
You can drink alcohol while taking ashwagandha, but it’s not ideal. The combo might increase drowsiness, strain your liver, or even dull the benefits of the herb. If you’re using ashwagandha to reduce stress or improve sleep, alcohol might be working against you.
Balance is key. Occasional, moderate drinking while using ashwagandha is likely fine for most healthy people. But if your goal is to feel calm, focused, and energized, it might be worth skipping the cocktail.
👉 Ready to feel better without booze? Try ashwagandha for 30 days and notice the difference. Your body (and brain) will thank you. 💪
FAQs on Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Ashwagandha?
Can I take ashwagandha in the morning and drink at night?
Yes, spacing them out reduces the risk of side effects like drowsiness.
Will ashwagandha cancel out the effects of alcohol?
No, but it may make you feel more sedated when combined.
Is it safe to drink wine with ashwagandha?
One glass is unlikely to cause harm, but more than that could be risky.
Can ashwagandha help with hangovers?
Not directly, but it may support liver function and stress recovery.
What’s the safest way to combine them if I must?
Take ashwagandha earlier in the day, drink lightly, and hydrate well.
Related Studies
1. Title: Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?
A 2021 systematic review encompassing seven clinical trials with 491 participants found that ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved sleep quality, and lowered cortisol levels.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.102307
2. Title: Alcohol-Medication Interactions: Potentially Dangerous Mixes
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) highlights that combining alcohol with sedative medications, such as benzodiazepines, can lead to synergistic effects on the central nervous system, increasing the risk of respiratory depression, coma, and death.
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.012
3. Title: Clinician Guide to Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome from Alcohol
While this guide from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs discusses treatments for post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) from alcohol, it does not specifically mention ashwagandha. However, it provides insights into managing withdrawal symptoms, which could be relevant for exploring ashwagandha's potential role.
DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.11.010
4. Title: NO-Mediated Neuroprotection Against Alcohol: Mechanism and Potential Therapy
This NIH-funded project investigates nitric oxide-mediated neuroprotection against alcohol-induced neurotoxicity, offering insights into potential therapeutic mechanisms, though it does not directly study ashwagandha.
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.07.032
