Ashwagandha (Pure Herbs)
Himalaya · 60 tabs (30 servings); 120-tab pack ₹480
Contains: Ashwagandha 250 mg
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Moderate evidenceAdaptogens
Ashwagandha
Also called: Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng; KSM-66 and Sensoril are standardised extracts
India's best-known adaptogen. Studied for stress, sleep and recovery, with effects building over 6–8 weeks.
- Typical amount
- 300–600 mg standardised root extract a day
- Best time
- Evening (or morning) · Timing guide
- Food
- With food
- Typical course
- 8 weeks, then review
- Upper limit
- 600 mg extract a day; use in 8–12 week cycles
Where to buy
3 products₹260
Ashwagandha 600 mg KSM-66
TrueBasics · 60 caps (60 servings)
Contains: Ashwagandha 600 mg
Ashwagandha KSM-66 600 mg
Carbamide Forte · 60 tabs (60 servings)
Contains: Ashwagandha 600 mg
Also inside 6 other products (combinations and multivitamins)
- Qbit Daily Health Nutritional Drink (All-in-One) · Qbit · ₹2,09760+ vitamins, minerals and superfoods; Vitamin B12 100% daily value; Vitamin D 100% daily value; Probiotic 12 bn CFU; adaptogens (not named on the website)
- melts Multivitamin oral strips (Tropical Mango) · Wellbeing Nutrition · ₹599Vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D3, K2; Iodine; Ashwagandha; Korean ginseng
- Bi-Layer Multivitamin+ Men · HK Vitals (HealthKart)Multivitamin; B-complex vitamins; Folic acid; Vitamin D3; Vitamin C; Zinc; Ginseng; Probiotic 1 bn CFU
- Shilajit Gold Resin, 20 g · Kapiva · ₹1,099Shilajit 500 mg; Black musli; Swarna bhasma (gold); Ashwagandha; Gokshura
- melts Calm & Relaxation oral strips · Wellbeing Nutrition · ₹649L-theanine 40 mg; Saffron 15 mg; Chamomile 20 mg; Lemon balm 15 mg; Magnesium 2 mg; Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha Sleep & Energize Capsules (ashwagandha, brahmi, tagara, jatamansi) · Kapiva · ₹749Tagara (valerian); Ashwagandha; Brahmi; Jatamansi; Chaye
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a root used in Ayurveda for centuries as a rasayana (rejuvenating herb). Modern trials, mostly with standardised extracts like KSM-66, suggest it can lower perceived stress and cortisol and improve sleep. It isn't for everyone: it can affect thyroid hormones and interact with several medicines, and rare cases of liver injury have been reported.
Forms. Standardised root extract capsules (KSM-66, Sensoril) are best studied. Plain root powder (churna) is weaker per gram.
What it may help with
Evidence grade- ModerateLowers perceived stress and anxiety scores in trials
- ModerateMay improve sleep quality
- LimitedMay support strength and recovery with training
- TraditionalUsed in Ayurveda as a general rejuvenating tonic
Strong: several good human trials. Moderate: some trials, mixed results. Limited: small or early studies. Traditional: long use, little trial evidence.
Safety and interactions
- Side effects
- Drowsiness, stomach upset or loose stools. Rare liver injury: stop if you notice yellow eyes or dark urine. Avoid in pregnancy, hyperthyroidism and autoimmune disease.
- Who should be careful
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune disease: avoid; thyroid, sedative, diabetes, BP and immunosuppressant medicines: doctor first; rare liver injury reports
- Medicines
- Ask your doctor first if you take thyroid medicine. Ask your doctor first if you take diabetes medicine. Ask your doctor first if you take blood pressure medicine. Ask your doctor first if you take antidepressants or sleeping pills. Avoid if you take steroids or immunosuppressants. Ask your doctor first if you take pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Stop and call a doctor if
- Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, palpitations, unusual drowsiness
Food sources
Not found in everyday foods.
Common questions
How long does ashwagandha take to work?
Most trials see effects after 6–8 weeks. Use it in cycles of 8–12 weeks, then reassess.
Can I take it with thyroid medicine?
Only with your doctor's agreement, because it can change thyroid hormone levels.
Morning or night?
Evening suits sleep and stress; morning is fine if it doesn't make you drowsy.
Sources
For information only, not medical advice. Prices and links are checked by hand and can change; we may earn a small commission on some links. This plan is based on your answers and is not a medical diagnosis. It does not replace advice from your doctor. If you take medicines or have a health condition, check with your doctor before starting any supplement.