Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
what is ashwagandha used for
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
General Medicine
Question #24579
64 days ago
114

what is ashwagandha used for - #24579

Gabriel

I am really curious about what is ashwagandha used for because I’ve been hearing about it everywhere lately. A friend who's into holistic stuff raved about how it helped her with stress and sleep, but I’ve been kinda skeptical. I mean, I’ve been dealing with insomnia and low energy for months now, and nothing else seems to work. Tried yoga, meditation, even some over-the-counter stuff—but nothing sticks. Just last week, I decided to give this herb a shot and got a bottle of ashwagandha capsules from a local store. Now, I've been taking it for a few days but haven't really noticed anything different yet. What is ashwagandha used for, really? Should I be expecting results soon or is it more like a long-term thing? I read it can help with anxiety too, but not sure if that’s me. And I worry about, like, side effects or if it interacts with anything else. Any insights? Thanks!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Ashwagandha, known in Ayurveda as Withania somnifera or sometimes called Indian ginseng, has been traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. It is particularly revered for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress. This might be why your friend found it helpful for stress and sleep like many individuals dealing with insomnia or low energy.

In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is renowned for balancing Vata and Kapha doshas, though it can be warming for Pitta if taken in excess. It promotes a healthy response to stress, supports the immune system, and enhances mental clarity and concentration. For sleep issues, it can potentially aid by calming the mind, especially when taken in the evening with warm milk or water. However, for some people, effects might take a few weeks to manifest. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t seen immediate results; as with many herbal treatments, consistency is key.

As for your concerns about anxiety, ashwagandha can be beneficial due to its stress-reducing abilities. Anxiety, closely linked with Vata imbalance, can be alleviated by the herb’s calming nature. However, it’s essential to ensure there are no contraindications like thyroid imbalances or pregnancy, where Ashwagandha’s use should be monitored.

Side effects are generally rare but can include mild digestive upset or change in appetite if taken at high doses. Interaction with medications is a consideration. If you’re taking medications especially for thyroid function, immune suppression, or sedation, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional.

Generally, aim for a dose recommended on your bottle unless advised differently by a healthcare provider. Combine it with practices like meditation or yoga for synergistic effects. Always remember, Ayurvedic treatments are most effective when tailored, considering the individuals’ unique constitution and lifestyle, bringing both immediate relief and long-term health benefits.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Karthika
I am currently a PG 2nd yr student in the dept of Shalakya Tantra at Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, batch 2024. I joined right after UG—no break—straight into PG (regular batch). I did my undergrad from Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (2017 batch, CCRAS syllabus under Pondicherry Univ). Somehow managed to secure 2nd rank university-wide back then, which I didn’t totally expect. Right now, my core interest lies in the Ayurvedic and integrative management of eye disorders. I’ve got decent exposure to both classical texts and clinical practice. From anatomy to pathology, I try to stay grounded in both the traditional Ayurvedic view and also the modern opthalmic understanding, especially with conditions related to the cornea, retina, and anterior segment. During PG deputation in 2nd year, I handled like 200+ OPD patients daily within 1–2 hrs (felt crazy at first but got used to the pace). I’m also trained hands-on in cataract and cornea surgeries under supervision. Not calling myself a surgeon yet, but I did get a good amout of surgical exposure in the PG postings. In terms of academics, I got 82% in the first-year PG exams—distinction score—secured department 1st and university topper at Parul Institute. Sometimes I do wonder if all this speed actually lets me go deep into each case but I’m learning to balance efficiency with proper patient care. Honestly I think that’s the biggest challenge in clinical ayurveda today—staying rooted in shastra while also being practically useful in today's overloaded OPDs. Anyway, still got a lot to learn, but I try to show up with clarity, humility and the will to keep improving every day.
5
168 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.
5
51 reviews
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.
5
377 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Anupriya
I am an Ayurvedic doctor trained at one of the most reputed institutes (yeah, the kind that makes u sweat but also feel proud lol) where I completed my BAMS with 70%—not just numbers but real grind behind it. My focus during & after graduation has always been on treating the patient not just the disease, and honestly that philosophy keeps guiding me even now. I usually see anywhere around 50 to 60 patients a day, sometimes more if there's a health camp or local rush. It’s hectic, but I kinda thrive in that rhythm. What matters to me is not the number but going deep into each case—reading every complaint, understanding symptoms, prakriti, current state, season changes etc. and putting together a treatment that feels “right” for that person, not just for the condition. Like, I don’t do one-size-fits-all plans. I sit down, make case reports (yup, proper handwritten notes sometimes), observe small shifts, modify herbs, suggest diet tweaks, even plan rest patterns when needed. I find that holistic angle super powerful. And patients feel it too—some who come in dull n restless, over weeks show clarity, skin settles, energy kinda gets back... that makes the day worth it tbh. There’s no shortcut to trust, and i get that. Maybe that’s why patients keep referring their siblings or maa-papa too. Not bragging, but when people say things like “you actually listened” or “I felt heard”, it stays in the back of my mind even when I’m dog tired lol. My goal? Just to keep learning, treating honestly and evolving as per what each new case teaches me. Ayurveda isn’t static—it grows with u if u let it. I guess I’m just walking that path, one custom plan at a time.
5
41 reviews
Dr. Atul Painuli
I am Vaidya Atul Painuli, currently working as an Ayurvedic Consultant at Patanjali Chikitsalaya, Delhi... been here a while now. My focus from the start—over 10+ yrs in this field—has been to stay true to what Ayurveda *actually* is, not just surface-level remedies or buzzwords. I’ve treated a wide mix of patients, from people battling chronic illnesses to those just looking to fix their lifestyle before it leads to disease (which is v underrated tbh). During these years, I kinda shaped my practice around the idea that one solution never fits all. Whether it’s diabetes, gut disorders, stress-related problems or hormone issues—everything goes back to the root, the *nidana*. I usually go with classic Ayurvedic meds, but I mix it up with Panchakarma, diet tweaks and daily routine correction, depending on the case. Most of the time, ppl don’t even realize how much their habits are feeding into the problem. It’s not just about herbs or massages... though those are important too. At Patanjali Chikitsalaya, I see patients from literally all walks of life—office-goers, elderly, even young kids sometimes. Everyone’s got something diff going on, which keeps me grounded. What I try to do is not just treat the symptoms but help ppl *see* what’s happening in their bodies and minds. Like Ayurveda says—if your digestion, sleep and emotions are off... then eventually health’s gonna wobble. I don’t promise quick results but I do stay with my patients through the process, adjusting things based on how they respond. That part makes a big difference I think. For me, Ayurveda isn’t a “last resort” kinda thing—it’s a system that can prevent 80% of the lifestyle diseases ppl suffer from today, if done right. My goal? Just to keep doing this in a way that feels real, grounded, and actually helps ppl—not overwhelm them with too much jargon or fear. Just practical, clean, honest healing.
5
47 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
295 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Mohammad Faizan Siddiqui
I am working in the field of Ayurveda from last few years, around 3+ yrs now, and honestly the journey’s taught me more than books ever could. I got to work with quite a mix of setups—NirogStreet, MyUpchar, Gorgeouss Atara, Dr. Monga Medi Clinic, Aksa Ayurveda—each one totally diff but gave me solid ground-level clinical exp that kinda reshaped how I understand patient care. I didn't just follow protocols, I had to see what's working and why. At MyUpchar and NirogStreet, online consultations made me rethink the way we connect with people—harder in some ways, but weirdly more personal too at times. It pushed me to explain things better, listen more carefully, and figure out how to build trust even on screen. I used those convos to craft custom treatment plans, balancing Ayurvedic classics with modern lifestyle tweaks—especially for folks dealing with digestion issues, hormone chaos, PCOS, stress burnout, and hair-skin flareups. Dr. Monga and Aksa gave me more complex, offline cases, real-world scenarios where I couldn’t just say "take this churnam". It was more—analyzing Dosha states, checking Prakriti-vikriti patterns, managing metabolic stuff like pre-diabetes, obesity or PCOD that don't show textbook behavior. Had to rely on pulse-reading, gut sense (literally and otherwise), and yeah, a fair bit of patient education too, coz if people don’t get what’s happening inside them, results don't last. Mostly, I use herbs, Panchakarma detox (only when needed tho—not overusing it), food timing, routines, even breathwork sometimes, all tailored to their body types. I’m not into one-size-fits-all stuff. Each plan’s personal and flexible…like if someone works night shifts or can’t quit coffee or lives alone—I keep that in mind while suggesting treatments. For me, Ayurveda’s not about just fixing disease.. it's more like guiding ppl back to their baseline. Not perfect health maybe, but balance. And yeah, I'm still learning every day through these exp’s, refining my approach, trying to go deeper into root-cause level care instead of just symptom handling. That’s kinda what keeps me at it.
0 reviews
Dr. Isha Bhardwaj
I am someone who kinda learned early that medicine isn’t just about protocols or pills—like, it’s more about people, right? I did my BAMS with proper grounding in both classical Ayurveda and also the basics of modern med, which honestly helped me see both sides better. During internship, I got to work 6 months at Civil Hospital Sonipat—very clinical, very fast paced—and the other 6 at our own Ayurvedic hospital in the college. That mix showed me how blending traditional and integrative care isn't just theory, it actually works with real patients. After that I joined Kbir Wellness, an Ayurvedic aushdhalaya setup, where I dived into Naadi Pariksha—like really deep. It’s weird how much you can tell from pulse if you just listen right?? Doing regular consultations there sharpened my sense of prakriti, vikriti and how doshas show up subtle first. I used classical Ayurvedic texts to shape treatment plans, but always kept the patient’s routine, mental space and capacity in mind. Also I was part of some health camps around Karnal and Panipat—especially in govt schools and remote areas. That part really stays with me. You get to help ppl who dont usually have access to consistent care, and you start valuing simple awareness more than anything. I kinda think prevention should be a bigger focus in Ayurveda, like we keep talking about root cause but don’t always reach people before it gets worse. My whole method is pretty much built around that—root-cause treatment, yes, but also guiding patients on how to live with their body instead of fighting symptoms all the time. I rely a lot on traditional diagnostics like Naadi, but I mix that with practical therapies they can actually follow. No point in giving hard-to-do regimens if someone’s already overwhelmed. I keep it flexible. Most of my plans include dietary changes, natural formulations, lifestyle corrections and sometimes breathwork, daily rhythms and all that. I’m not here to just “treat illness”—what I really aim for is helping someone feel like they’ve got a handle on their own health again. That shift from just surviving to kinda thriving... that’s what I look for in every case.
5
400 reviews
Dr. Srinivasa Debata
I am a second-gen Vaidya—Ayurveda was literally around me all the time since childhood, not just as medicines or clinic work, but in our food, lifestyle, even convos at home. Practicing for 17+ yrs now, I mostly work on neuro-musculo-skeletal conditions & pain stuff—things like cervical or lumbar spine issues, nerve compressions, frozen shoulders, long-term stiffness, stroke rehab, even post-surgical chronic pain that keeps showing up again n again. I don’t stick to one-line protocols, never worked for my patients that way. I mix core Ayurvedic methods—Panchakarma, Basti, Marma points, oils, swedana, all that—with Acupuncture, some Quantum therapy tools I picked up later, & sometimes Mantra chikitsa if the pattern’s deeper. When a case’s stubborn, I even consider Jyotish influences—not for predictions, but to spot repeating energetic patterns. Not everyone is open to that part tho. And that's fine. In cases like hemiplegia, trauma, or conditions where ppl have lost function, I track even the smallest progress—finger twitching after 20 days of nothing can be huge. But all of this only works if the root constitution’s understood. Prakriti-Vikriti is non-negotiable, otherwise treatments just float around without landing. Every patient who comes to me brings a different puzzle. I don’t use fixed “packages”—each treatment becomes its own evolving plan, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. But I always stay close to the classical Ayurvedic base—text-based logic, herbs, diagnosis through pulse or tongue—but yeah, I'm flexible about *how* we apply those principles. The work is demanding but I actually like digging deep into complex pain pathways, where both physical & emotional imprints need untangling. That’s where Ayurveda, if applied with care & intuition, really shines.
5
2 reviews

Latest reviews

Hannah
7 hours ago
Really appreciate the detailed response! Gave me some practical steps to take and eased my worries a bit. Thanks for the clarity!
Really appreciate the detailed response! Gave me some practical steps to take and eased my worries a bit. Thanks for the clarity!
Elijah
7 hours ago
Thanks for the detailed advice! Really helped me understand more about handling my situation. Feeling way more positive now!
Thanks for the detailed advice! Really helped me understand more about handling my situation. Feeling way more positive now!
Alexander
7 hours ago
Thanks so much! Your advice was clear and gave me hope. Feeling more positive knowing there's a natural approach to try! 😊
Thanks so much! Your advice was clear and gave me hope. Feeling more positive knowing there's a natural approach to try! 😊
Matthew
7 hours ago
Thanks for the detailed advice! Finally feels like I have a clear path to follow. I'll start on it right away.
Thanks for the detailed advice! Finally feels like I have a clear path to follow. I'll start on it right away.