Organic ashwagandha root powder from Iswari, 150 g. Ashwagandha — Withania somnifera, a nightshade — is a long-established Ayurvedic herb and, over the past decade, one of the most aggressively marketed botanicals in the world.
This listing is deliberately more cautious than most, and here is why.
What we are not going to claim
This product is commonly sold on the claim that ashwagandha helps the body resist stress and supports resilience and vitality. No health claim for ashwagandha is authorised in the EU, so those words do not appear here. The underlying evidence is also weaker than the marketing suggests — mostly small, short, industry-funded trials.
What you should know before taking it
Regulatory concern in Europe. After a risk assessment by its National Food Institute, Denmark concluded that ashwagandha should not be used in food supplements, citing possible effects on thyroid and reproductive hormones. Other EU states have raised similar questions. It is legally sold in Portugal; you should still know the assessment exists.
Liver injury has been reported. Published case reports and a case series describe liver injury — usually cholestatic — in people taking ashwagandha, resolving after stopping. It is uncommon but documented. Stop and see a doctor if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea or unexplained tiredness.
Thyroid effects. Ashwagandha can raise thyroid hormone levels and cases of thyrotoxicosis have been reported. Do not take it alongside thyroid medication or with any thyroid condition without your doctor's agreement.
Who should not take it
Pregnant women — avoid it outright; it has a traditional use as an abortifacient. Breastfeeding women. Anyone with liver, thyroid, autoimmune or hormone-sensitive conditions. Anyone on sedatives, thyroid medication, immunosuppressants, or blood-pressure or diabetes medication. Anyone with a nightshade allergy. Stop well before any planned surgery.
If none of that applies
It is earthy and frankly bitter — the Sanskrit name refers to the smell of a horse, which is fair. Traditionally it is taken in warm milk with honey, and that is still much the most pleasant way.
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Iswari
