There’s a lot of hype around Ashwagandha and it’s incredible benefits for women over 40, helping to reduce stress and improve sleep. It works brilliantly for some people and can be a massive support so I couldn’t understand it when I found it didn’t work for me. It actually made me feel worse. What’s wrong with me? Has anyone else had this reaction? It wasn’t until I did my own research that I understood why and it again emphasised how important it is to listen to your own body.

Ashwagandha & Nightshade Sensitivity

As women in midlife, we’re often told that ashwagandha is the golden key to restoring calm, balancing hormones, and fighting fatigue. But what happens when it makes you feel worse instead of better? It’s not like we need another thing to feel frustrated about or that we’re failing in some way because this wonder herb doesn’t work for us when it seems to work for everyone else.

Here’s something they’re not telling you – for some women — especially those with nightshade sensitivity, autoimmune conditions, or a sensitive gut — ashwagandha can be more aggravating than helpful.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb long used in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body adapt to stress, support thyroid health, calm anxiety, and promote hormone balance. It’s often recommended during perimenopause for its effects on the HPA axis and cortisol regulation.

Sounds like a dream, right?

Well, not always.

The Nightshade Connection

Ashwagandha is a member of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family — the same botanical family as:

• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Peppers
• Aubergines

And for many people, these foods can trigger inflammation, gut discomfort, joint pain, or autoimmune flares. So if you react to nightshades, there’s a possibility you might also react to ashwagandha. This is most definitely me!

Shared Compounds

Nightshades contain alkaloids, which can:

• Irritate the gut lining
• Alter immune signalling
• Trigger inflammatory responses
• Exacerbate autoimmune symptoms

Ashwagandha contains withanolides, which are structurally similar to other nightshade alkaloids — potentially provoking similar reactions.

Signs Ashwagandha May Not Be Right for You

You feel wired instead of calm

• It disrupts your sleep or increases anxiety
• You notice digestive upset, bloating, or cramps
• Your joints ache or swell more than usual
• You feel restless, overstimulated, or have heart palpitations

While many of these symptoms can be linked to dosage or form, for some women it’s a deeper issue of immune sensitivity and nightshade reactivity.

Autoimmune Conditions & Gut Health

If you live with Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease, you may already know that nightshades can flare symptoms. In these cases, ashwagandha can unknowingly contribute to:

• Increased gut permeability (“leaky gut”)
• Immune system activation
• Thyroid disruption (especially if not dosed carefully)

Reference: Solomon et al., 2017. “Nightshades and Autoimmunity.” Journal of Inflammation Research.

So… Should You Avoid Ashwagandha?

Not necessarily — but here’s what to consider:

Avoid or proceed with caution if:

• You’ve reacted to nightshades in the past
• You have a diagnosed autoimmune condition
• You feel overstimulated or unwell after taking it

Try carefully if:

• You’re using it in a low-dose, whole-root form
• Your gut is in good shape and you tolerate nightshades
• You work with a practitioner who can guide dosage and response

Alternatives to Ashwagandha for Women Over 40

If ashwagandha doesn’t suit you, these adaptogens may offer similar benefits without the nightshade risk:

• Holy Basil (Tulsi) – calming, gut-soothing, hormone-supportive
• Rhodiola Rosea – energising, improves focus and mental resilience
• Lemon Balm – great for nervous system calming, especially in perimenopause
• Schisandra – liver-supportive and balances energy and stress
• Reishi Mushroom – calming and immune-modulating

Final Thoughts

Just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s right for every body. For women over 40 navigating hormonal shifts, autoimmune stress, or gut issues, knowing your own sensitivities matters more than following trends.

If you’re feeling worse instead of better, it’s not all in your head — your body might just be asking you to choose a different path to healing. Personally I feel better without it.