Ashwagandha Guide

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in Ayurveda and is used in herbal medicine as an adaptogen. Learn about its traditional uses, current research, and how to choose a supplement.¹,²

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a plant traditionally used in Ayurveda.¹

What is an adaptogen?

An adaptogen is an herbal ingredient used to help increase energy and resistance to stress over time.¹

Which part of the plant is used?

Ashwagandha supplements may use the root, the whole plant, or extracts made from them.¹

Can ashwagandha cause drowsiness?

Yes. Some people may experience drowsiness, so caution is recommended when driving or using machinery.¹

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a plant that has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine originating in India. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it is sometimes called Indian ginseng or winter cherry.¹ 

Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used as a Rasayana, or rejuvenative tonic, and to help relieve restlessness, nervousness, and general debility. It is also used in herbal medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress over time.¹ 

How might ashwagandha support the body?

Ashwagandha contains naturally occurring plant compounds, including a group known as withanolides. Extracts can differ in the plant parts used, their concentration, and how they are prepared. 

Researchers are studying how these compounds may relate to stress, anxiety, and sleep. Some studies suggest potential benefits, but different products, doses, and study designs make it difficult to apply the findings to every ashwagandha supplement.² 

Which health goals can ashwagandha support?

Stress Support

Ashwagandha is used in herbal medicine as an adaptogen to help increase resistance to stress over time, including mental and physical fatigue related to stress.¹

Sleep Support

Ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurveda to help relieve restlessness and nervousness, which can help promote sleep.¹

Energy Support

As an adaptogen, ashwagandha is used to help increase energy over time in cases of mental and physical fatigue related to stress.¹

Brain Health

Ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurveda for memory enhancement. Research continues to explore its potential effects on cognition and mental well-being.¹,²

How can ashwagandha fit into your routine?

  • Follow the label: Recommended amounts and directions vary by product and preparation. 
  • Be consistent: Adaptogenic support is intended to develop over time rather than provide an immediate stimulant effect.¹ 
  • Choose your timing: Ashwagandha can be taken at different times, depending on the product and your routine. 
  • Watch for drowsiness: Use caution before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness.¹ 
  • Pay attention to how you feel: Stop and seek advice if you experience an unexpected reaction. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in an ashwagandha supplement?

Start with what you need, then choose a product that fits your life.

  • Know your goal: Stress support, help with restlessness, or adaptogenic energy support? 
  • Check the source: Look for the botanical name, Withania somnifera, and the plant part used. 
  • Review the preparation: Whole-root powders and concentrated extracts are not interchangeable. 
  • Check the amount: Compare the recommended daily dose, extract ratio, and withanolide information. 
  • Consider the formula: Choose ashwagandha alone or combined with complementary ingredients. 
  • Find the right format: Select a capsule, gummy, or combination that fits your routine. 
  • Look for quality: Check for an eight-digit NPN and testing for identity, purity, and potency.³ 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

FAQs

Is ashwagandha the same as ginseng?

No. Ashwagandha is sometimes called Indian ginseng, but it is botanically different from Asian, Korean, or American ginseng. Its botanical name is Withaniasomnifera.¹

How long does ashwagandha take to work?

Studies have generally evaluated consistent use over several weeks. Results can vary depending on the extract, dose, reason for use, and individual.²

Can you take ashwagandha every day?

Many studies have examined daily use for up to approximately three months. Longer-term safety is not well established, so follow the label and consult a healthcare practitioner about extended use.²

Sources
  1. Health Canada. “Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera Monograph.” Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated February 28, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_ashwagandha_english.pdf 
  2. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. “Ashwagandha: Is It Helpful for Stress, Anxiety, or Sleep?” Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated May 2, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ 
  3. Health Canada. “Licensed Natural Health Products Database.” Accessed July 14, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/applications-submissions/product-licensing/licensed-natural-health-products-database.html