Ashwagandha Side Effects & Safety: What Science and Ayurveda Say

October 24, 2025

Ashwagandha is everywhere now.

You see it in capsules, powders, gummies, even lattes. It’s like the “it-herb” of the wellness world. But the moment something becomes that popular, one question always follows: “Is it actually safe?”

Let’s unpack that, without sugar-coating it. Because while this ancient adaptogen has been helping people for thousands of years, it’s still important to understand the ashwagandha side effects and safety effects - both from what science says and what Ayurveda has known all along.

1. The Basics: What Ashwagandha Actually Does

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of Ayurveda’s most powerful Rasayanas - rejuvenating herbs that build strength, reduce stress, and restore balance. It’s adaptogenic, meaning it helps your body adapt to physical and emotional stress.

So, people use Ashwagandha Supplement for everything from sleep and anxiety to testosterone, energy, and even hair growth. But as with anything that powerful, timing, dosage, and your personal body type (Prakriti) matter a lot. That’s why the conversation around ashwagandha side effects for men and ashwagandha side effects for women can look very different.

2. Ashwagandha Side Effects for Men

Let’s start with men. There’s a reason gym bros, athletes, and even office go-getters swear by it. Studies show Ashwagandha can boost testosterone, improve fertility, and help with endurance. But here’s the catch, taking too much or taking it the wrong way can cause some issues.

Common ashwagandha side effects for male users include mild digestive discomfort, upset stomach, or excessive drowsiness if taken in high doses. It’s rare, but some men report a dip in energy when they start using it mostly because their cortisol levels drop suddenly.

Think of it like your body recalibrating. It’s not bad, it’s your system finding its new balance. But yes, if you’re already on medication for thyroid or testosterone, talk to a doctor before taking it. Ashwagandha influences hormones - that’s part of what makes it powerful, but also what requires awareness.

Ayurveda would say: “Laghu Matra, Maha Prabhava” - even a small dose can have a big effect.

3. Ashwagandha Side Effects for Women

Now, when it comes to women, things get a bit more nuanced. The ashwagandha side effects for female users depend on hormonal balance, life stage, and sensitivity to adaptogens.

Most women experience benefits - reduced anxiety, better sleep, hormonal balance, improved libido, and relief from PMS symptoms. But the side effects of ashwagandha on females can include mild stomach upset, nausea, or excessive warmth (since it’s a heating herb).

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, Ayurveda traditionally advises avoiding Ashwagandha unless prescribed by a practitioner. It’s a strong Rasayana, meant to rejuvenate - and in sensitive stages like pregnancy, too much rejuvenation can over-stimulate the system.

There’s also a small set of women who experience lighter menstrual flow or delayed periods - again, that’s hormonal recalibration, not permanent imbalance.

4. What About the Liver and Kidney?

A big question online right now: “Is Ashwagandha bad for the liver or kidneys?”

Let’s address that head-on.

Research generally finds that Ashwagandha is safe for healthy adults when used within the recommended dose (300–600 mg of root extract daily). But in rare cases, there have been reports of ashwagandha side effects liver related - temporary liver enzyme elevation, or mild jaundice-like symptoms.

Those are extremely rare and usually connected to either:

Very high doses.
Contaminated or low-quality supplements.
Pre-existing liver issues.

So, if you’re using a trusted, lab-tested brand like Bharat Wellness, you’re in safe hands. Always check for GMP certification and purity reports.

As for ashwagandha side effects on kidney, again - there’s no evidence of kidney damage in healthy individuals. In fact, some studies suggest it might support kidney health indirectly by lowering oxidative stress. But if you have kidney disease, or are taking diuretics, it’s best to speak with your doctor. Herbs like Ashwagandha can amplify the effects of certain medications, which is why dosage and monitoring matter.

5. Ashwagandha Side Effects and Safety Effects: The Ayurveda Angle

Ayurveda doesn’t see Ashwagandha as a one-size-fits-all herb. It looks at your body type. Are you fiery (Pitta)? Airy (Vata)? Or earthy (Kapha)?

For Vata people (who tend to be anxious, dry, restless) - Ashwagandha is a gift. It grounds them.
For Pitta types (intense, ambitious, quick-to-heat) - it’s great in moderation but can cause warmth or acidity if overused.
For Kapha people (calm, heavy, slower metabolism) - it energizes and balances them beautifully.

So, when Ayurveda talks about ashwagandha side effects and safety effects, it’s not about “good or bad.” It’s about fit. The herb isn’t wrong - the mismatch is.

If you’re prone to acidity, take it after meals with milk. If you’re sensitive to heat, avoid pairing it with other warming herbs. Ayurveda always personalizes wellness - it’s not about chasing trends, it’s about listening to your body.

6. When Side Effects Show Up

If you start feeling uneasy after taking Ashwagandha, don’t panic. Here’s what might be happening:

You’re taking too much, too soon.
You’re taking it on an empty stomach.
You’re mixing it with caffeine or alcohol.

Sometimes the body just needs time to adjust. Ashwagandha doesn’t “force” change; it teaches your system to handle stress better. But that takes patience.

So, if you feel bloated, jittery, or too sleepy - cut the dose in half. If you’re still uncomfortable, pause for a week and restart. Ayurvedic herbs work best when they’re respected, not rushed.

7. The Science Side: What Studies Say

Modern research mostly backs Ayurveda’s long-standing reputation for Ashwagandha’s safety. Clinical trials with hundreds of participants report only mild and reversible effects things like stomach upset, sleepiness, or loose stool in a small percentage of users.

No consistent evidence links Ashwagandha to major organ toxicity in normal doses. That said, the handful of studies that mentioned ashwagandha side effects liver or ashwagandha side effects on kidney often involve people taking massive doses or unregulated powders.

So, while the internet loves to dramatize, science quietly says: “You’re fine. Just don’t be reckless.”

8. Combining with Other Herbs or Medications

People often ask: “Can I take Ashwagandha with other herbs?” Sure - but strategically.

If you’re combining it with Safed Musli, Shilajit, or Gokshura for strength, great combo - just stay consistent with dosage. If you’re using it alongside medication for thyroid, diabetes, or hypertension, consult your doctor.

Ayurveda supports synergy, but modern medicine adds safety checks. The two can coexist beautifully when done right.

9. Ashwagandha in Real Life

Let’s get real - most people won’t face serious side effects. You’re more likely to feel calm, grounded, and balanced than anything else.

At Bharat Wellness, we’ve seen thousands of customers use our Ashwagandha Capsules without issues. They’re made with standardized KSM-66 extract - the gold standard of safety and potency. Each capsule delivers consistent results without the unpredictability of raw powders.

We still remind users: Start small. One capsule after meals. Track your body. Notice the difference in your sleep, focus, or mood. Ayurveda is about observation, not blind consumption.

10. So… Is Ashwagandha Safe?

Short answer: yes - when used wisely.

Long answer: It’s like anything powerful - respect it. Learn how it interacts with your system. If you have liver or kidney concerns, consult your doctor. If you’re pregnant, pause. If you’re healthy, eat well, sleep right, and take your capsule after meals, you’re good.

The beauty of Ashwagandha is how gentle it is on most people. It’s not a synthetic compound forcing change overnight. It’s an ancient herb that’s seen generations come and go - from Vedic sages to startup founders helping them stay centered in chaos.

11. A Quick Recap

Ashwagandha side effects for men: rare, mostly mild stomach upset or drowsiness.
Ashwagandha side effects for women: can include warmth, mild nausea, or hormonal shifts. Avoid during pregnancy.
Side effects of ashwagandha on males: mild digestion issues in some; otherwise safe.
Side effects of ashwagandha on females: same - mostly dose-related, not dangerous.
Ashwagandha side effects liver: rare and linked to poor-quality products or overdose.
Ashwagandha side effects on kidney: negligible for healthy people; watch out if you already have kidney issues.
Ashwagandha side effects and safety effects: overall, minimal. Ayurveda and science agree - it’s safe when respected.

12. Final Thoughts

You don’t need to fear Ashwagandha - just understand it.

In a world full of quick fixes and synthetic pills, here’s an herb that works in harmony with your body. Sure, it has nuances but so does coffee, protein powder, or even lemon water if you overdo it.

So if you’re ready to start, do it right. Choose purity. Choose balance. Choose a brand that’s transparent about its sourcing and testing - like Bharat Wellness.

Ashwagandha isn’t just another supplement; it’s centuries of wisdom packed in a capsule. And like all wisdom, it rewards the ones who listen.