Ashwagandha Side Effects: Times You Must Immediately Discontinue Use

Ashwagandha has become one of the most popular herbal supplements in the world, often promoted as a natural stress reliever, energy booster, and immunity enhancer. Known in Ayurveda as Withania somnifera or “Indian ginseng,” it has been used for centuries as a rasayana — a rejuvenator meant to promote vitality and longevity.

In recent years, capsules, powders, and tinctures containing ashwagandha have found their way into health stores, gyms, and wellness routines. Many swear by its benefits, claiming better sleep, improved focus, and reduced anxiety. However, like all powerful herbs, ashwagandha is not for everyone. In certain situations, continuing to consume it may be harmful.

Knowing when to stop taking ashwagandha is just as important as knowing when to start. Ignoring warning signs can worsen health conditions or trigger unexpected side effects. Here’s a detailed look at when you should immediately discontinue ashwagandha use.

1. If You Experience Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may be allergic to ashwagandha or other members of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. Symptoms can include rashes, itching, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or breathing difficulties.

If such reactions occur, stop using ashwagandha immediately and seek medical attention. Allergic responses may escalate quickly and can become dangerous if ignored.

2. During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Ashwagandha is traditionally considered unsafe for pregnant women because it may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to complications or even miscarriage. Similarly, its safety during breastfeeding has not been conclusively established.

If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or currently breastfeeding, it is strongly advised to avoid ashwagandha or discontinue it if already in use.

3. If You Suffer from Hyperthyroidism

One of the lesser-known effects of ashwagandha is its influence on thyroid hormones. While some studies suggest it can help normalize thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism, it may overstimulate the thyroid in others.

If you already have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), ashwagandha can worsen symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, sweating, and nervousness. Anyone with thyroid imbalance should consult a doctor before use, and discontinue immediately if symptoms escalate.

4. In Case of Gastrointestinal Issues

Ashwagandha can sometimes irritate the stomach. People who take high doses may experience diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, or vomiting. If such digestive discomfort becomes frequent or severe, it’s best to stop using the supplement.

Those with pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic acidity should be especially cautious. Ashwagandha may aggravate these conditions.

5. When You Experience Excessive Drowsiness

Ashwagandha is often recommended for reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. While this is beneficial for many, in some cases, it can cause excessive drowsiness, sluggishness, or brain fog during the day.

If you feel constantly lethargic or unable to stay alert after starting ashwagandha, it may be a sign your body is not tolerating it well. Combining it with other sedatives, sleep medications, or alcohol can make these effects stronger and more dangerous.

6. If You Have Autoimmune Disorders

Since ashwagandha can stimulate the immune system, people with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis should be careful. For such individuals, boosting immune activity may worsen their condition.

If you notice flare-ups of autoimmune symptoms while taking ashwagandha, discontinuation is strongly recommended.

7. Before and After Surgery

Doctors usually advise stopping herbal supplements before any major surgery. Ashwagandha may interfere with medications given during and after surgery, particularly sedatives and blood pressure drugs.

If you are scheduled for an operation, it’s best to discontinue ashwagandha at least two weeks prior, unless advised otherwise by a medical professional.

8. When Liver Problems Arise

Though rare, there have been cases where prolonged use of ashwagandha led to liver-related complications. Warning signs include yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine, fatigue, or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

If such symptoms occur, stop the supplement immediately and get tested. Even natural herbs can stress the liver if consumed excessively or in combination with other medications.

9. If You’re on Multiple Medications

Ashwagandha may interact with several categories of drugs, including those for diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid, depression, and insomnia. Interactions can either weaken the effectiveness of the medication or amplify side effects.

If you notice unusual changes after combining ashwagandha with prescribed medicines, it is safer to stop and consult your healthcare provider.

10. When Anxiety or Insomnia Worsens

Ironically, while many take ashwagandha to reduce stress and improve sleep, some individuals experience the opposite. In rare cases, it can increase anxiety, cause restlessness, or trigger sleepless nights.

If your symptoms intensify instead of improving after regular use, ashwagandha may not be suitable for you.

11. In Children and Adolescents Without Guidance

Although Ayurvedic texts sometimes recommend herbs for young people, ashwagandha supplements in capsule or concentrated form are generally not considered safe for children without medical supervision. If a child experiences mood swings, stomach upset, or lethargy after taking it, stop use immediately.

Safe Dosage and Monitoring

For most healthy adults, moderate doses of ashwagandha are generally well tolerated. However, problems often arise with excessive consumption or prolonged unsupervised use. Monitoring your body’s response is essential.

Common safe ranges suggested in wellness circles hover between 300 mg to 600 mg of standardized extract daily. But responses vary widely, and some people are more sensitive than others. At any sign of adverse reaction, discontinuation is the safest step.

Listening to Your Body

The human body usually signals when something is wrong. Whether it is persistent fatigue, stomach upset, or unusual changes in mood, ignoring these signs while continuing supplements is never wise. With ashwagandha, the key lies in self-awareness.

Natural does not always mean harmless. Just as strong prescription medicines come with risks, potent herbs like ashwagandha demand respect and careful monitoring.

Ashwagandha can be a powerful ally for stress relief, energy, and overall wellness. Yet, it is not a universal remedy. Pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, thyroid imbalance, liver issues, allergies, and drug interactions are all situations where the herb can do more harm than good.

The moment you experience red flags — whether physical discomfort, unusual symptoms, or worsening of existing conditions — you should immediately stop taking the supplement and consult a medical professional.

Wellness is about balance, not blind adherence to trends. Understanding when to quit ashwagandha is as vital as knowing when to start. In the end, health is best protected by staying alert, informed, and responsive to the body’s signals.