Ashwagandha
An adaptogen from Ayurveda studied for stress and sleep.
Benefits
- May reduce stress and anxiety
- Studied for sleep and stamina
How it's used
- Capsules and powders (often KSM-66 or Sensoril)
Cautions & interactions
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Caution with thyroid, sedatives and autoimmune conditions
- Rare liver reports
Forms & sources
- Root extract
- some use leaf
How to read the evidence for botanicals
"Traditionally used for" describes historical use — it is not the same as proven effectiveness. Most botanical products have laboratory or small-trial evidence at best, and few have the large clinical trials that medicines require. In the UK, a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) mark means a product meets quality standards, not that it has been proven to work.
Before taking any botanical: tell your doctor or pharmacist — herb–drug interactions are common (St John's Wort alone interacts with contraceptives, antidepressants, anticoagulants and transplant medication). Avoid botanicals in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or alongside prescription medicines unless a clinician has confirmed it is safe.