Is ashwagandha a narcotic?

Ashwagandha is not legally classified as a narcotic, although traditional medicine sources sometimes describe it as having "narcotic" or "sedative" properties due to its calming effects. It is not an addictive substance like a controlled drug, nor does it typically appear on routine drug tests.

Is ashwagandha a controlled substance?

Ashwagandha appears to be safe for short-term use (up to 12 weeks), but its long-term safety is unknown. Ashwagandha is not on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List, and it shouldn't cause a positive result on a routine military drug test.

Can I pass a drug test if I take ashwagandha?

Taking ashwagandha generally shouldn't make you fail a standard drug test, as it's not a banned substance, but there's a small risk of a false positive for some drug classes (like benzos) due to its compounds (GABA) or hidden ingredients in unregulated supplements, so it's best to use third-party tested products if you're concerned about employment or military testing. 

What kind of substance is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is an adaptogenic substance, which means it comes from a plant and can help your body manage stress.

Does ashwagandha make you feel drugged?

Ashwagandha may cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness, headache, and liver injury. Ashwagandha is generally safe and well-tolerated, but may have side effects like nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and headaches. More serious side effects can include liver problems, increased thyroid function, and allergic reactions.

The DARK SIDE of Ashwagandha

Why do I feel so good after taking ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, which means it helps to balance the stress response, lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and help your body to deal with stressful situations, increase emotional resistance and improve relaxation.

What cannot be mixed with ashwagandha?

Taking ashwagandha with other hepatotoxic medications may increase your risk for liver damage.

• Indocin (indomethacin)
• Dilantin (phenytoin)
• Rifadin (rifampin)
• Garcinia.
• Green tea extract.
• Black cohosh.
• Kava.

Why don't doctors recommend ashwagandha?

In addition, ashwagandha can increase thyroid activity. So, it shouldn't be used if you have borderline thyroid or hyperthyroidism. Ashwagandha may contribute to uterine contractions, too. The risk is considered low, but it's not recommended during pregnancy.

Is ashwagandha like a steroid?

Ashwagandha is rich in phytochemicals, including steroidal lactones (known as withanolides) and alkaloids. While withanolides are believed to be responsible for many of ashwagandha's proposed effects, evidence from preclinical studies suggests that other, non-withanolide components may also be involved [6-8].

Can you drive with ashwagandha?

Drowsiness: Due to its calming properties, ashwagandha can make some people drowsy. If you experience drowsiness as a side effect, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking ashwagandha.

What herbs cause a false positive drug test?

To minimize the risk of false positive results, avoid consuming poppy seeds, hemp products, coca tea, and excessive amounts of tonic water for at least 48-72 hours before testing. Further, if you're taking any OTC medications, prescription drugs, or supplements, make a complete list to provide to the testing facility.

Does ashwagandha fail a drug screen?

Ashwagandha itself generally should not cause a positive result on standard drug tests, with major certifications showing it's drug-free; however, some adaptogens can trigger false positives for certain substances like benzodiazepines, and unregulated products might contain hidden banned ingredients, so checking for third-party testing is crucial for safety. 

Why be careful with ashwagandha?

In some individuals, ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

Can the army take ashwagandha?

Yes, you can generally take ashwagandha in the Army as it's not a banned substance and shouldn't cause a positive result on routine drug tests, but you must ensure the supplement is third-party tested for purity to avoid hidden banned ingredients, as the Department of Defense (DoD) prohibits supplements with unapproved substances. Always use resources like Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) to check ingredients and consider potential health conditions, as ashwagandha isn't recommended for pregnant women or those with certain health issues like autoimmune disorders. 

What is the controversy with ashwagandha?

The ashwagandha controversy centers on European regulatory actions, particularly Denmark's 2023 ban, citing potential risks like harm to thyroid/sex hormones, liver toxicity (herb-induced liver injury), and possible abortion-inducing effects, although these concerns are debated and evidence is mixed, with some experts arguing for better standardization and context. Other countries like France and Poland have issued warnings or set intake limits, while the UK investigates, highlighting a regulatory divide between potential traditional benefits and modern safety concerns. 

What happens if I take ashwagandha every day?

Ashwagandha is generally considered safe to take daily in the short term (up to three months). If you're taking ashwagandha longer than that, it may still be safe for you, but speak with your doctor before starting. Does ashwagandha help anxiety? There is some evidence that ashwagandha may improve anxiety and stress.

Does ashwagandha help with overthinking?

Taking ashwagandha at night may be ideal if your primary goal is relaxation or improving sleep quality. If stress or overthinking keeps you awake, consuming ashwagandha before bedtime may help you relax and prepare for deeper, more restorative sleep.

Does ashwagandha change your appearance?

A study on the efficacy of ashwagandha lotion in healthy photoaged people revealed the plant can significantly reduce the appearance of aging signs caused by UV radiation, including fine lines and wrinkles. As a potent antioxidant, ashwagandha repairs cellular damage caused by free radicals.

What's better for anxiety, theanine or ashwagandha?

While L-theanine helps you relax when you need to give yourself a time out, ashwagandha helps you keep from getting all worked up in the first place! Indeed, ashwagandha is practically the poster child of adaptogens (substances that help support healthy stress response and cortisol levels).

Why did Denmark ban ashwagandha?

Denmark banned ashwagandha in 2023 due to a 2020 risk assessment by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) highlighting concerns about potential negative impacts on thyroid and sex hormones, liver health, and possible abortifacient (abortion-inducing) effects, making it impossible to establish a safe daily intake limit for supplements. The ban, enforced by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, aimed to protect public health from unregulated products with inconsistent dosages and unproven safety profiles, leading to withdrawal of products from shelves.
 

Can you take Xanax with ashwagandha?

No, you should not mix Xanax (alprazolam) with ashwagandha because both cause drowsiness, and combining them significantly increases the risk of excessive sedation, extreme sleepiness, impaired coordination, and dangerous central nervous system depression. Ashwagandha enhances the sedative effects of benzodiazepines like Xanax, so consult your doctor before taking them together to avoid serious side effects. 

How long does it take ashwagandha to work?

How long does it take for ashwagandha to work? That varies from person to person, just as it does when people try a new medication. I recommend taking ashwagandha for at least three months to see if you notice a difference. Typically, in four to 12 weeks, you'll notice feeling calmer and probably sleeping better.