Ashwagandha: Can This Ancient Herb Be Useful for Managing Migraine?

Thousands of years ago, our ancestors chewed on herbs or dug up roots to cure what ailed them, including painful headaches and migraine attacks. While headache medicine has come a long way since then, sometimes going back to our roots — literally — still has its place in modern medicine cabinets.

One such ancient herb making a comeback is ashwagandha, which in recent years has become increasingly popular, appearing in dietary supplements, teas, gummies, and even “wellness waters.” But can it be helpful for migraine? Let’s dig into what the experts and the research say.

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What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone that plays an important role in the body’s “fight or flight” response. When cortisol levels are elevated, heart rate and blood pressure also may increase.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also known as “Indian ginseng,” “winter cherry,” or “poison gooseberry,” though it’s botanically not the same as any of these. The word ashwagandha is Sanskrit for “like a horse,” which describes the smell of its root.

While migraine doesn’t appear on this lengthy list, ashwagandha is said to help manage stress and improve memory and cognitive function, which frequently go hand in hand with migraine.

What Are the Benefits of Ashwagandha?

Many clinical trials have looked at the use of ashwagandha for a number of health conditions, but many of those studies were small and limited. However, there is evidence that it:

• Helps with stress reduction
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Has a calming effect that can help with sleep/insomnia
• Has antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage
• Helps athletic performance
• Helps stabilize blood sugar

How Can Ashwagandha Help With Migraine?

Despite what some herbalists or ayurvedic practitioners might say, ashwagandha on its own is not a treatment for migraine, and we know it’s not a cure because nothing is. Research is limited on the use of ashwagandha specifically for migraine; however, it has been shown to be helpful with other symptoms and triggers related to migraine. So it can have a place in your migraine toolbox, alongside other treatment options.

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“To date, no studies have examined the effects of ashwagandha on migraine in humans,” says Lauren Natbony, MD, medical director of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York and associate clinical professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. However, she says, “Considering its potential stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects, it might have some indirect benefits for migraine patients. Ashwagandha use may indirectly reduce migraine frequency by helping to lower stress levels, which is a common trigger for migraine.”

As with other natural or complementary treatments people with migraine often turn to, ashwagandha may work best when used in conjunction with other therapies, but of course, check with your doctor first.

“Though ashwagandha is generally well tolerated, it may interact with certain prescription medications,” says Dr. Natbony. “Make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating ashwagandha or any new supplement into your routine, especially if you have preexisting health conditions or take other medications.”

Natbony says that further research must be conducted before recommending this herb as a valid therapeutic option for migraine prevention or acute treatment.

How Do I Take Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha comes in the form of a capsule, powder, and liquid extract. There has been no specific dose studied or recommended for migraine, however Natbony says in general, doses ranging from 300 milligrams (mg) to 600 mg of standardized extract (containing around 5 percent withanolides) have been studied for stress and anxiety.

Keep in mind that like other supplements, ashwagandha is not regulated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Make sure to purchase a reputable brand that includes labeling assuring that it meets all regulatory requirements.

Safety and Side Effects of Ashwagandha

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health in Bethesda, Maryland, ashwagandha may be safe to take for up to three months. There is not enough information or evidence on its long-term safety or adverse effects. Most people can tolerate small or medium doses of ashwagandha, but taking larger doses can lead to:

• Digestive upset
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Liver injury (in rare cases)

Who Should Not Take Ashwagandha

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Ashwagandha should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, by people who are about to have surgery, or those who have autoimmune or thyroid disorders.

Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family of plants, so people who are allergic to other nightshade plants, such as potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers, might experience allergic reactions.

There is some evidence that it might interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders. It also should not be taken with immunosuppressants, sedatives, or antiseizure medications.

Again, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement like ashwagandha.

Final Thoughts

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It has been shown in small studies to help with many of the symptoms and triggers that come with migraine, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Research on its specific use for migraine has been limited, but it can indirectly reduce migraine frequency by helping to lower stress levels and improve sleep.

More research needs to be conducted on its therapeutic use for migraine specifically, as well as its long-term effects and safety, especially when combined with other medications. As with any supplement, be sure to check with your doctor before adding it to your migraine toolbox.

Have you tried ashwagandha for migraine? Please share your tips and experience with the community.

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