Why Ashwagandha Feels Weird: What’s Really Happening in Your Body

When you take ashwagandha, a traditional Ayurvedic herb used for stress and energy. Also known as Withania somnifera, it’s one of the most popular adaptogens in India and beyond. But for some people, it doesn’t just calm them down—it makes them feel off. Headaches. Nausea. Weird dreams. Even anxiety. That’s not a glitch. It’s your body responding to powerful plant compounds.

That weird feeling isn’t random. ashwagandha, a natural adaptogen that modulates cortisol and GABA, interacts with your nervous system like a dimmer switch, not an on/off button. If your body’s already low on GABA—the calming neurotransmitter—ashwagandha might push it too far, leaving you foggy or dizzy. If your liver is sluggish from years of processed food or alcohol, it can’t process the herb cleanly, leading to nausea. And if you’re sensitive to sedative herbs, it can feel like your brain is underwater. This isn’t rare. A 2021 study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found nearly 1 in 5 users reported unusual side effects, especially when starting high doses.

It’s not just about ashwagandha. adaptogens, a class of herbs that help the body handle stress, don’t work the same for everyone. Think of them like vitamins: some people need more, some need less, and some shouldn’t take them at all. herbal supplements, including ashwagandha, often lack standardization, so one bottle might have 5% withanolides, another 15%. That’s like taking half a pill versus two full ones. And if you’re on thyroid meds, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs, ashwagandha can interfere—sometimes subtly, sometimes strongly.

That’s why people say it feels weird. It’s not magic. It’s biochemistry. Your gut microbiome, liver enzymes, hormone levels, and even your sleep schedule change how you react. One person feels calm. Another feels wired. Neither is wrong. Your body is just telling you something different.

Below, you’ll find real stories and science-backed answers about why ashwagandha affects people so differently. You’ll learn what herbs might be making your anxiety worse, how liver health plays a role, and what to do if you feel off after taking it. This isn’t about pushing supplements. It’s about understanding your body’s signals—and knowing when to stop, slow down, or switch paths.