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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services / National Institutes of Health
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Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub found in parts of India, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years, especially in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
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Currently, ashwagandha supplements are often promoted for stress and anxiety, sleep, male infertility, and athletic performance. Ashwagandha has also been promoted for COVID-19, but there isn’t sufficient high-quality evidence to support its use.
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Some ashwagandha preparations may be helpful for insomnia and stress. It’s unclear whether they help with anxiety.
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Limited evidence suggests that taking ashwagandha for 2 to 4 months may increase testosterone levels and sperm quality.
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There isn’t enough evidence to determine whether ashwagandha is helpful for any other health conditions.
What Do We Know About Safety?
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Ashwagandha may be safe for short-term use, but its long-term safety has not been established.
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In some individuals, ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
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Ashwagandha is not recommended for people with certain health problems, such as autoimmune or thyroid disorders and hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
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