Ashwagandha and CBD Oil: Can You Take Them Together? (2026)

Last updated: October 2026.

Ashwagandha and CBD are two of the most popular supplements in Ireland, and many people wonder whether they can take them together. The short answer is that many people do, but it is worth understanding what each one is, what the evidence says, and the safety points before you combine them.

The short answer

• Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic root; CBD is a non-intoxicating compound from hemp.
• There is little research on taking them together. Both can make some people drowsy.
• Start with one, then add the other, so you know how each affects you.
• Check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication, and avoid both during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub whose root has been used in Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine, for thousands of years. Supplements are usually made from root extract. Several small clinical trials have looked at ashwagandha and everyday stress and sleep over 6 to 8 weeks, with encouraging but limited results. Read our honest guide: ashwagandha reviews Ireland.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of more than 100 cannabinoids in hemp. It does not cause a high and is sold in Ireland as a food supplement. The World Health Organization’s 2018 review found it generally well tolerated, with no evidence of abuse or dependence potential. Research on CBD continues, but CBD supplements cannot claim to treat any condition.

Ashwagandha vs CBD at a glance

	Ashwagandha	CBD
Source	Root of Withania somnifera	Hemp extract
Traditional use	Ayurvedic tonic	Modern supplement
Research	Several small trials on stress and sleep	Large safety data; limited supplement research
Common side effects	Stomach upset, drowsiness; rare liver reports	Tiredness, dry mouth, stomach upset
Interactions	Thyroid, sedative, diabetes, blood pressure medicines	Many medicines processed by the liver
Avoid in pregnancy?	Yes	Yes

Can you take ashwagandha and CBD together?

There are no published studies on combining them, and no known serious interaction between the two in healthy adults. But both can cause drowsiness in some people, both can affect how some medicines work, and there have been rare reports of liver problems with ashwagandha, while high doses of CBD in clinical trials have raised liver enzymes. That is why it makes sense to introduce them one at a time and to check with a pharmacist if you take any medication.

Why do people combine them?

People who combine ashwagandha and CBD usually describe it as part of a wider routine for winding down or coping with a busy life. Some like ashwagandha for its long history in Ayurveda and CBD for its modern research base. Others simply prefer to take two supplements at different times of day. These are personal choices, not proven benefits, and neither supplement can claim to treat stress, anxiety or sleep problems.

What the research does not tell us

• whether taking both together is better than either alone
• the ideal amount or timing of each when combined
• long-term safety of the combination
• how the combination works in people taking other medicines

Because of these gaps, a cautious, step-by-step approach is sensible.

Forms to choose from

	Ashwagandha	CBD
Drops	Easy to adjust; earthy taste	Under the tongue; adjustable
Capsules	No taste	No taste; 25mg each (ours)
Gummies	Some brands	15mg each (ours)
Powder or tea	Traditional; harder to measure	Add oil to milk or honey

How to combine them sensibly

• Start with one for one to two weeks, at a consistent time each day.
• Add the second at a low amount and keep a short diary.
• Watch for drowsiness, especially in the first week; do not drive until you know how you feel.
• Choose consistent timing: many people take ashwagandha in the morning or evening and CBD in the evening.
• Review after a month: is the combination worth continuing?

How much of each?

Follow the directions on each product label. For CBD, many people start with 5 drops of a 10% oil (about 25mg) once a day. For ashwagandha, amounts vary by product and extract, so use the serving on the label rather than comparing with other brands. Increase gradually, if at all, one product at a time, with at least a week between changes. If you take medication, ask your pharmacist about suitable amounts before starting.

Sample routine

Time	What
Morning	Ashwagandha drops, as directed on the label
Evening	5 drops of 10% CBD oil, held under the tongue
Throughout	Water, regular meals, daylight, movement

This is an example, not a prescription. Many people take only one of the two.

Signs to stop and seek advice

• yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or itching
• marked drowsiness or dizziness
• persistent stomach upset
• racing heart, feeling shaky or unusual anxiety
• any new symptom you are worried about

A wider routine

Supplements work best as one small part of looking after yourself. Regular sleep and wake times, daylight in the morning, movement every day, caffeine before early afternoon, light alcohol, and time to switch off in the evening all matter more than any capsule or drop. If stress or poor sleep is affecting your life, talk to your GP. Read CBD and stress for practical tools.

Who should avoid them

• people who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding
• anyone under 18
• people with thyroid or autoimmune conditions (ashwagandha), unless their doctor agrees
• people with liver problems
• people taking sedatives, sleeping tablets, thyroid, diabetes, blood pressure, blood-thinning or immunosuppressant medicines, unless their GP or pharmacist agrees
• anyone due to have surgery

Keeping a two-week diary

If you decide to combine them, a simple diary makes it much easier to judge. Each day, note what you took and when, how you slept, your energy in the afternoon, your mood, and anything unusual, such as drowsiness or an upset stomach. After two weeks on one supplement and two weeks on both, look back. You will usually have a much clearer picture than relying on memory.

Ashwagandha and CBD for older adults

Older adults are more likely to take regular medicines and to be more sensitive to drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falls. If you are over 65, or caring for someone who is, check with a GP or pharmacist before starting either supplement, start low, and avoid taking them before driving.

Can ashwagandha and CBD be taken with coffee?

Yes, there is no known problem. Some people like to take ashwagandha drops in a morning coffee and keep CBD for the evening. Keep caffeine to the morning and early afternoon so it does not affect your sleep.

Choosing good products

• Ashwagandha: root extract, amount per serving stated, tested for contaminants.
• CBD: CBD content in mg, lab report showing no detectable THC.
• Both: a real company with contact details and no medical claims.

We sell Ashwagandha Drops (1500mg) and CBD oils, each with clear labelling.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take ashwagandha and CBD at the same time?

Many people do, but introduce them one at a time and check with your pharmacist if you take any medication.

Do ashwagandha and CBD interact?

No serious interaction is known in healthy adults, but both can cause drowsiness and both can affect some medicines.

Should I take them in the morning or at night?

Either. Many people take ashwagandha in the morning and CBD in the evening. Consistency matters most.

Can I take them every day?

Many people do. Follow the labels and review after a month or two.

Are they safe in pregnancy?

No. Avoid both during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can I drink alcohol with them?

It is best not to, as alcohol adds to drowsiness.

How long until I notice anything?

Ashwagandha has usually been studied over 6 to 8 weeks. CBD effects vary. Give each a few weeks.

Can ashwagandha affect my thyroid?

It may affect thyroid hormone levels. Speak to your GP if you have a thyroid condition.

Is there a combined product?

Some brands sell blends. Separate products make it easier to adjust each one.

What are the side effects?

Both can cause drowsiness or stomach upset. Stop and seek advice if you notice anything unusual.

Is ashwagandha legal in Ireland?

Yes, ashwagandha root extract is sold as a food supplement in Ireland.

Can men and women both take them?

Yes, adults can, with the same precautions. Avoid both during pregnancy, while trying to conceive and while breastfeeding.

Do I need to cycle ashwagandha?

Some people take a short break every couple of months. There is no firm evidence either way; it is a sensible way to review how you feel.

Can I give ashwagandha or CBD to my pet?

Do not give human supplements to pets. For CBD, use a product made for animals, after speaking to your vet.

Disclaimer: CBD is sold as a food supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.