Ingredient
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera root, used in standardized oral extracts and traditional Ayurvedic medicine; evidence for stress outcomes comes mainly from repeated supplementation over weeks rather than single-dose rescue use.
Reviewed health uses
Insomnia
Small randomized trials and meta-analyses suggest some standardized ashwagandha extracts can modestly improve sleep, with larger effects reported in adults who already have insomnia. The evidence base is still small, preparations vary, and this does not establish that ashwagandha tea or an arbitrary powder amount has the same effect.
Situational stress
Several trials suggest that some standardized ashwagandha extracts taken for weeks may reduce stress symptoms, but findings are inconsistent and products vary. One meta-analysis found improvement in perceived stress, while another found lower cortisol without a clear perceived-stress benefit. Ashwagandha should not be presented as an immediate rescue remedy.
Household preparations
Safety information
Ashwagandha can cause drowsiness and gastrointestinal effects; rare liver injury has been reported, and thyroid, autoimmune, pregnancy, breastfeeding, surgery, and medicine-interaction concerns materially affect suitability.
No published ingredient-specific cautions are attached.