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

Last updated: September 2026.

The short answer

Yes. For most healthy adults, CBD and ashwagandha can be taken together. There is no known direct interaction between the two, and many people use them side by side for stress and sleep. No clinical trial has tested the pair as a combination yet, so start low with each, add one at a time, and give it a few weeks. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you take regular medication, have a thyroid or liver condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Below we cover what each one is, what the research says, how people take them together, how much to take, and who should be careful.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound from the hemp plant. It does not cause a “high”. It works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors involved in keeping the body in balance, including around mood, rest and stress. Most people take CBD as an oil under the tongue. Our 10% CBD oil gives 5mg per drop and is where most first-time customers start. People who already use CBD often move up to the 20% CBD oil.

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub whose root has been used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, for over 3,000 years. It is sometimes called “Indian ginseng” or “winter cherry”. It is known as an adaptogen: a plant traditionally used to help the body cope with everyday stress. Its main active compounds are called withanolides.

Today ashwagandha is one of the most popular herbal supplements in Ireland and the UK, sold as capsules, powders, gummies and liquid drops like our Ashwagandha Drops 1500mg.

Why do people take CBD and ashwagandha together?

The two work in different ways, which is why people like to pair them. CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system and is usually felt within an hour or so. Ashwagandha is thought to act more on the body’s stress-hormone system (the HPA axis, which controls cortisol) and tends to build up over several weeks of daily use. So people often use ashwagandha as a steady daily base and CBD for the moments when they want to switch off, such as the evening.

The most common reasons our customers give for combining them are:

• Feeling “wired and tired” after long, stressful days
• Trouble winding down at night
• Wanting a plant-based routine instead of relying on caffeine and alcohol to manage energy and stress
• Already taking one and wanting to add the other

What does the research say?

It helps to be honest here. There are good studies on ashwagandha and a growing number on CBD, but no study has yet tested the two together. Here is what the separate research shows.

Ashwagandha and stress

In a 2012 trial, 64 adults with long-term stress took 300mg of ashwagandha root extract twice a day or a placebo for 60 days. The ashwagandha group reported lower stress scores and had around 28% lower cortisol levels by the end (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012). A 2019 trial of 60 healthy adults found similar results at 250mg and 600mg a day over 8 weeks (Salve et al., 2019).

Ashwagandha and sleep

A 2021 review pooled five controlled trials with around 400 people. It found a small but real improvement in overall sleep, with the clearest results in people who already had trouble sleeping, at doses of 600mg a day or more taken for at least 8 weeks (Cheah et al., 2021).

CBD and anxiety and sleep

In a 2019 study, 57 healthy men were given CBD or a placebo before a public-speaking test. Those given 300mg of CBD reported less anxiety during the talk, while lower and higher doses did not show the same effect (Linares et al., 2019). A 2019 case series of 72 adults using CBD found that anxiety scores fell in most people within the first month, while sleep scores improved in about two thirds, though they changed over time (Shannon et al., 2019).

What this means for the combination

Because CBD and ashwagandha appear to work on different systems, many people see them as complementary. That is a reasonable idea, but it has not been proven in a trial. The fair way to put it is: each has some promising research on its own, and the two are generally considered safe to use together for healthy adults.

How to take CBD and ashwagandha together

There are three common ways people build the two into their day:

• Ashwagandha in the morning, CBD in the evening. The most popular routine. Ashwagandha becomes part of breakfast, and CBD is taken an hour or so before bed to help you wind down.
• Both in the evening. Good if your main goal is sleep. Take both around an hour before bed.
• Both at the same time, once a day. The simplest option. Our CBD oils and Ashwagandha Drops are both liquid drops, so you can take them one after the other under the tongue, hold for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow. You can also add them to tea, coffee or a smoothie.

Whatever you choose, keep it consistent. Ashwagandha in particular works best taken daily for several weeks rather than now and then.

Add one at a time

If you are new to both, start with one for a week or two, then add the other. That way, if you notice anything you do not like, you know which one caused it.

How much should you take?

CBD

Most people start with around 25mg of CBD a day (5 drops of our 10% oil) and adjust slowly over one to two weeks. Our CBD dosing guide explains how to find the right amount for you.

Ashwagandha

Most studies have used between 250mg and 600mg of ashwagandha root extract a day, usually for 8 weeks or longer. Always follow the dose on the label of the product you buy, as strength varies a lot between brands and forms.

When combining the two, start at the lower end of each and only increase one at a time.

Who should be careful?

CBD and ashwagandha are well tolerated by most healthy adults, but they are not for everyone. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before combining them if any of the following apply to you:

• You take prescription medication. CBD is processed by the same liver enzymes (called CYP450) as many common medicines, including blood thinners such as warfarin, some epilepsy medicines and some antidepressants. It can change how these are broken down.
• You take thyroid medication or have a thyroid condition. Ashwagandha may raise thyroid hormone levels.
• You take sedatives or sleeping tablets. Both CBD and ashwagandha can make some people drowsy, and the effects may add up.
• You take medicine for diabetes, blood pressure or to suppress the immune system. Ashwagandha may affect blood sugar and blood pressure, and may stimulate the immune system.
• You have a liver condition. There have been rare reports of liver problems linked to ashwagandha supplements.
• You have an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or MS.
• You are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Neither is recommended.
• You have surgery coming up. Stop both at least two weeks beforehand.

Food safety agencies in some European countries, including Denmark and France, have raised concerns about ashwagandha supplements, particularly for pregnant women and people with thyroid or liver conditions. This is another reason to buy from a trusted supplier and to talk to a professional if you are unsure.

Possible side effects

Side effects are usually mild. With ashwagandha, the most common are an upset stomach, loose stools and drowsiness. With CBD, people sometimes notice tiredness, a dry mouth or changes in appetite. If you notice anything unusual, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or ongoing tiredness, stop taking ashwagandha and see your GP.

CBD and ashwagandha for stress and anxious feelings

Stress relief is the number one reason people search for this combination. The studies above suggest each may help with everyday stress and feelings of worry on its own. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or depression, or you take medication for your mood, please speak to your GP before adding either supplement. Neither is a replacement for medical treatment.

Oils, gummies, capsules or tea?

You can combine CBD and ashwagandha in whatever form suits you. Drops are the easiest to adjust because you can change the amount one drop at a time, and taking them under the tongue means they are absorbed faster than capsules. Gummies are more convenient and taste better but give a fixed dose. Teas that blend ashwagandha with herbs like tulsi (holy basil) are a gentle option in the evening, though they usually contain much less of each ingredient than supplements. If you prefer something chewable, see our CBD gummies.

Other popular CBD combinations

If you are building a routine, you may also find these guides useful:

• CBD and magnesium: a popular evening pairing for sleep
• L-theanine vs CBD: how the two compare for calm focus
• CBD and turmeric: for joints and recovery
• CBD and lion’s mane: for focus and brain health

Frequently asked questions

Can you take CBD and ashwagandha at the same time?

Yes. Most healthy adults can take them at the same time, and there is no known direct interaction between the two. Many people prefer ashwagandha in the morning and CBD in the evening, but taking them together is fine. Check with your doctor first if you take medication.

Does CBD interact with ashwagandha?

No direct interaction has been reported. Both can cause drowsiness in some people, so the calming effect may feel stronger together. Start with a low dose of each and see how you feel before driving or operating machinery.

How long does it take for CBD and ashwagandha to work?

CBD oil taken under the tongue is usually felt within 15 to 60 minutes. Ashwagandha works more gradually. In studies, benefits were usually measured after 6 to 8 weeks of daily use, so give it time.

Is it safe to take CBD and ashwagandha every day?

Studies have used ashwagandha daily for up to 8 to 12 weeks, and many people take CBD daily long term. Some people choose to take a short break from ashwagandha every few months. If you plan to use both long term, it is sensible to mention it to your GP.

Can I take CBD and ashwagandha with alcohol?

It is best not to. Alcohol, CBD and ashwagandha can all cause drowsiness, and alcohol also works against the relaxation and sleep benefits most people are looking for. See our guide to CBD and alcohol.

Where to buy CBD and ashwagandha in Ireland

Dr. Hemp Me has been serving Irish customers since 2018 and has looked after over 15,000 customers. You can buy our Ashwagandha Drops 1500mg alongside our CBD oils in one order. Every batch of our CBD oil is lab tested, and orders placed before 2pm are dispatched the same working day.

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

References

1. Chandrasekhar, K. et al. (2012) “A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.” Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine
2. Salve, J. et al. (2019) “Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study.” Cureus
3. Cheah, K.L. et al. (2021) “Effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” PLoS One
4. Linares, I.M. et al. (2019) “Cannabidiol presents an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in a simulated public speaking test.” Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry
5. Shannon, S. et al. (2019) “Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series.” The Permanente Journal
6. Singh, N. et al. (2011) “An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda.” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines