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Ashwagandha in Australia: evidence and prices
TL;DR
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb studied mainly for stress, anxiety and sleep. Rare cases of liver injury have been linked to ashwagandha supplements. NIH NCCIH says ashwagandha is not recommended for people with thyroid or autoimmune disorders or who are about to have surgery, and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your GP or pharmacist first if any of these apply, or if you take medicines.
What the research says
NIH ODS has a health-professional fact sheet asking whether ashwagandha is helpful for stress, anxiety or sleep, and summarises the trials and their limits. [1]
Safety notes
Rare cases of liver injury have been linked to ashwagandha supplements. NIH NCCIH says ashwagandha is not recommended for people with thyroid or autoimmune disorders or who are about to have surgery, and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your GP or pharmacist first if any of these apply, or if you take medicines. [2]
Prices in Australia
Coles online, listed shelf price checked 15 Oct 2026 (search results; specials marked). Prices change often. This is not an endorsement or a recommendation, and no affiliate links are used. Chemist Warehouse, Priceline and iHerb: price check pending.
| Product (as listed) | Price |
|---|---|
| Blackmores Ashwagandha (120 pack) | A$22.50 (special; was A$45.00) |
| Nature's Way Ashwagandha (100 pack) | A$21.00 (special; was A$42.00) |
| Ultralife Ashwagandha (60 pack) | A$15.00 (special; was A$30.00) |
FAQ
Can I take ashwagandha with thyroid medicine?
NIH NCCIH says ashwagandha is not recommended for people with thyroid disorders. Ask your GP first.
Sources
- Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (NIH ODS)
- Ashwagandha (NIH NCCIH)
Sources checked 15 Oct 2026. Pending human review before publication.