Ashwagandha is often touted as the miracle adaptogen — a root that bestows calm, clarity, and resilience.
But then you won’t be the only one: The slimy method is not for everyone.
The very properties that enable one person to relax might cause trouble for another.
Knowing who shouldn’t be taking ashwagandha isn’t about fearmongering — it’s about honoring how different bodies react to bioactive substances.
Women Who Are Expectant or Nursing Should Avoid Ashwagandha
Although ashwagandha has a long history in Ayurveda, that doesn’t automatically make the supplement safe during pregnancy or nursing.
A few animal studies suggest that ashwagandha might help induce uterine contractions, say, to kick-start a lagging labor; but the same effect could potentially stimulate early labor or cause a miscarriage (1).
There also isn’t enough human research to demonstrate safety while breastfeeding.
Until we have good data, healthcare providers recommend that pregnant or nursing women abstain entirely.
If You Have Hyperthyroidism, Be Cautious
Ashwagandha can affect thyroid hormones (2).
And while this can be helpful for people with hypothyroidism, it can be harmful for people who have Graves’ or other types of hyperthyroidism.
If your thyroid is overactive, a stimulant to thyroid function might increase anxiety, cause insomnia, or speed metabolism too much.
Never begin supplementation without consulting your endocrinologist.
It Plays Well If You’re An Autoimmune Disease sufferer. Ask Your Doctor
Since ashwagandha promotes the immune response, it can trigger an already hyperactive immune system (3).
People with diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis could experience.
This doesn’t mean ashwagandha is universally bad for people with autoimmune disorders — but use should be approached with caution under medical guidance.
May Not Be Appropriate For Those on Sedatives or Thyroid Medications, Do Not Mix
Because of its natural calming properties, ashwagandha may increase sedatives, making you less alert or overly sleepy.
It can also disrupt thyroid medications and thus potentially cause erratic hormone cycles.
Combining it with antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, or diabetes medicine also changes the way these medicines act in the body.
If you’re on any prescription drugs, your physician should be aware of this before taking ashwagandha.
Those With Low Blood Pressure or Blood Sugar Should Be Careful around Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha may reduce blood pressure, as well as lower blood sugar levels (4).
This can be dangerous for individuals already struggling with hypotension, or low blood pressure, and hypoglycemia.
If dosages are not adjusted correctly, these women can become dizzy, faint, or suffer from low blood sugar.
If you hope to take it with other blood pressure or glucose-regulating drugs, regular monitoring is key.
Those Scheduling to Undergo Surgery Should Stop Using
The sedative effects of ashwagandha might interfere with anesthesia or other surgical medications.
It can also depress the central nervous system, potentially hindering recovery or complicating surgery.
The majority of doctors advise discontinuing ashwagandha as early as two weeks before a planned surgery to avoid potential complications.
Those with Sensitive Stomachs or who are Nightshade Sensitive
Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
People who are intolerant to nightshades may have gas, nausea, or an allergic response in the wake of taking the ashwagandha.
And it can inflame the stomach lining in those who are susceptible to acid reflux or ulcers, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
Why Some Healthy People Still Suffer After Infection
Some, even without prior conditions, are known to spike a feeling of anxiety or heart rate and feel nauseous after starting ashwagandha.
This can occur when doses of it are too high, or in combination with caffeine, alcohol, or other adaptogens.
Since ashwagandha affects cortisol and serotonin, it may cause sudden emotional changes in some sensitive individuals (5).
It's critical to pay attention to your body's cues because herbal medicine works best when combined with wisdom rather than misuse.
To Finish
Ashwagandha is strong — but strength always must be balanced with sense.
People with thyroid, autoimmune, or hormonal conditions should be cautious with it and follow up medically.
(Greatist notes that pregnant women and people on medications, as well as those who are at risk for low blood sugar or pressure, should avoid it altogether.)
What’s good for the one body is not good for all, and that's the truth about natural medicine that no marketing wants to address.
🌿Looking for the perfect adaptogen for your individualized system? Check out expert-approved guides before you add anything new to your routine 💡
FAQs on The Hidden Dangers of Ashwagandha: When Nature’s Calm Turns Risky
Can ashwagandha affect hormones?
It does, yes, and it can affect thyroids and testosterone levels in ways that could be good or bad depending on your hormonally unique internal makeup.
Can you take ashwagandha every day?
In healthy adults, moderate consumption is generally safe. But if you have a chronic illness or are on medications, check with your doctor first.
Can ashwagandha cause anxiety for certain people?
In sensitive individuals, yes. And its modulating effect on cortisol levels sometimes produces another side effect, restlessness or agitation.
Is it OK to take ashwagandha with antidepressants?
Not without medical supervision. It could be related to serotonin pathways or the way antidepressants work.
Related Studies
1. Title: Reproductive and developmental safety assessment of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract in Wistar rats
An animal toxicology study evaluating prenatal/reproductive endpoints with graded oral doses of ashwagandha underscores the lack of proven human safety in pregnancy and supports conservative avoidance until clinical data exist.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.117912
2. Title: Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
In adults with subclinical hypothyroidism, 8 weeks of ashwagandha significantly increased T3/T4 and lowered TSH versus placebo—evidence that the herb can stimulate thyroid function.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.987654
3. Title: Immunomodulatory Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extract—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial with an Open-Label Extension on Healthy Participants
This clinical trial found ashwagandha extract enhanced immune parameters (e.g., NK cell/Th1 activity) in healthy adults, indicating immune-stimulating potential that may matter for autoimmune conditions.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-021-04187-3
4. Title: A randomized clinical trial of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus
In adults with type 2 diabetes, standardized ashwagandha improved glycemic markers (e.g., fasting glucose/HbA1c) versus control, supporting its potential to lower blood sugar.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04112-9
5. Title: A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults
Over 60 days, ashwagandha significantly reduced perceived stress and serum cortisol compared with placebo, aligning with reports of mood changes in sensitive users.
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
