← Back to the library

Ashwagandha

supplement

Withania somnifera · KSM-66 · Sensoril

Recovery / stress

Research status · Dietary supplement

Herbal dietary supplement.

An adaptogenic herb discussed for stress, sleep, and recovery. Trials suggest modest reductions in perceived stress and cortisol. Rare liver-injury reports and thyroid interactions make it worth mentioning to your clinician, and many take breaks rather than running it year-round.

How it works

Withanolides are thought to modulate the stress (HPA) axis and cortisol response.

Commonly discussed use cases

  • Perceived stress
  • Sleep quality (discussed)
  • Recovery (discussed)

Supposed / potential benefits

  • Modest reductions in perceived stress/anxiety in trials

Common side effects

  • GI upset
  • Drowsiness
  • Rare liver-injury reports

Warnings & contraindications

  • Can affect thyroid hormone levels — caution with thyroid conditions/medication
  • Avoid in pregnancy; stop and call your clinician for dark urine or jaundice

Typical timing considerations

Daily, morning or evening; many cycle it (e.g., breaks every couple of months).

Administration route

Oral

Questions to ask your clinician

  • Any thyroid or liver reason I should avoid this?
  • How long before we judge whether it helps?

Commonly tracked in Reta

Taken (daily)Stress ratingSleep rating

Tracking fields organize user-entered, clinician-directed routines — Reta never recommends or computes doses.

Sources

Track this in Reta

Beta members get a ready-made tracker for Ashwagandha — schedule, dose log, reminders, and check-ins — for organizing a clinician-directed routine. Personal tracking is available to everyone during the Public Beta.

Reta is a tracking and education tool — not a medical provider. Nothing here is a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or dosing recommendation. Peptides and medications should only be used under the direction of a licensed clinician. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, combining, or changing anything. Many compounds below are not FDA-approved for human use; some are investigational or sold through unregulated channels where purity and dosing are not guaranteed.