Canada Reviews Ashwagandha Safety Amid Liver Concerns

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published August 31, 2026
Updated September 1, 2026

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Health Canada has reviewed the safety of ashwagandha supplements, which are increasingly used to help manage stress and improve sleep, following concerns about a possible link to liver injury. The review found that the available evidence is not strong enough to confirm a definite association, but it also does not allow that possibility to be ruled out.

Health Canada reported the findings in its August 27, 2026 health product safety update and said it would continue monitoring products containing ashwagandha. The conclusion does not mean the supplement has been declared unsafe or that consumers have been advised to stop using it, but rather that a potential safety signal remains under observation.

Ashwagandha, an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, has become increasingly popular in the supplement market and is widely promoted for stress relief, better sleep and relaxation. Some studies suggest that certain preparations may help reduce stress and support sleep, but the available evidence remains limited, and formulations and doses vary considerably between products.

That distinction is important because the word “natural” on a supplement label can sometimes create the impression that a product is automatically risk-free. Herbal products, however, can cause side effects and may interact with medications just as other health products can.

Ashwagandha may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea or vomiting in some users, while information about the safety of long-term use remains limited. Rare cases of liver injury have also been reported internationally among people who used products containing the herb, prompting health authorities to examine whether there could be a connection.

Speaking with a doctor or pharmacist becomes particularly important for people taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid conditions, as well as those using sedatives, anti-seizure medicines or immunosuppressive drugs, because interactions may occur.

For women, ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy, while its use is also not recommended during breastfeeding because there is insufficient safety information. People with chronic conditions, thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases should also discuss its use with a healthcare professional before starting the supplement.

In Canada, consumers can check whether a natural health product is licensed for sale by looking for an eight-digit Natural Product Number, or NPN, on the package. An NPN, however, does not mean that a product is suitable for everyone; it should still be used according to the label directions and warnings and with consideration of the user’s health conditions and medications.

The Canadian review reinforces a simple rule when it comes to supplements: “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe for everyone.” For people considering regular ashwagandha use, particularly alongside prescription medications or with an existing medical condition, asking a doctor or pharmacist may be safer than relying on recommendations circulating on social media.