Have you ever come across ashwagandha while searching for pain relief?
Or has someone recommended it for stress, sleep, "calming the nerves"...
In the world of trigeminal neuralgia, we grasp at all kinds of solutions. That's no surprise — chronic, piercing pain can rob you of calm, sleep, and any sense of control over your own body. When we hear words like "natural," "Ayurvedic," "for nerves and stress," ashwagandha sounds like a promise of relief.
And indeed, for centuries it has been used as a "strengthening" herb that reduces tension, anxiety, and fatigue. And stress, as we know all too well, can dramatically intensify nerve pain. From that perspective, many people with neuralgia think: "maybe this is something for me?"
But... there's an important "but."
Europe says: proceed with caution
Ashwagandha is not banned across all of Europe, but several countries have introduced restrictions or prohibitions due to health safety concerns. The main concerns relate to the risk of toxicity, hormonal disruption, and liver damage, confirmed in studies and clinical case reports.
Countries with restrictions:
- Denmark — banned since 2023; no safe dose identified, effects on sex hormones, thyroid, and potential reproductive risk cited.
- Netherlands — sale in supplements banned due to drug interactions and side effects.
- France — listed as a prohibited plant in supplements; products removed from the market.
- Belgium — treated as a medicinal product requiring authorization; some preparations also blocked in Germany.
And in other countries?
In Poland, for example, it remains popular and widely available, though experts recommend caution.
What research and clinical practice show
Cases of HILI (herb-induced liver injury) associated with ashwagandha are being reported with increasing frequency.
Symptoms include:
- Jaundice, nausea, itching
- They typically appear after 2–12 weeks of use
- Symptoms often resolve after discontinuation, but severe cases do occur
Cases of hyperthyroidism in previously healthy individuals have also been reported (fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss), which resolved after stopping supplementation. Endocrine disruption, drug interactions, and even transplant rejection have been described as well.
Scientific reviews document cholestatic or mixed liver injury in case series from various countries. Biopsies revealed inflammation and cholestasis, and analysis of several dozen cases confirmed hepatotoxicity — particularly in individuals with existing liver conditions.
Hormonal effects have also been described (increased testosterone and DHEA-S), alongside risks to the thyroid and during pregnancy.
Long-term safety data are lacking, which is why specialists advise against use in individuals with liver disease, thyroid conditions, and autoimmune disorders.
Why this matters specifically for us
In people with trigeminal neuralgia:
- We are often already taking strong medications (antiepileptics, analgesics, sometimes several simultaneously)
- The body is burdened by chronic pain and stress
- The liver and endocrine system are already working at high capacity
That's why "natural" does not always mean "harmless." Sometimes what is meant to calm the nerves can add another health problem on top.
I'm not writing this to frighten anyone — but to encourage mindfulness. If you're considering ashwagandha or have already been taking it, it's worth discussing with your doctor, considering liver function tests, and not treating supplements like harmless candy.
Sometimes the greatest relief isn't a new capsule — it's calm, sleep, a sense of safety, and informed choices.
Natalia — since 2014 I've been living with trigeminal nerve pain. I write in plain language, based on reliable sources and personal experience. Read my story →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial pain condition. It manifests as sudden, severe, usually one-sided pain attacks — often described as an electric shock. A single attack typically lasts from a few seconds to about two minutes.
Do regular painkillers help with neuropathic pain?
Usually not. Neuropathic pain responds poorly to paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs. Instead, medications that act on nerves are used, such as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine.
Which doctor should I see for facial pain?
First, see a neurologist. If surgery is being considered, a neurosurgeon. If a dental cause is suspected, it is also worth ruling it out with a dentist.
Is ashwagandha safe for people with trigeminal neuralgia?
Ashwagandha has been restricted in several European countries due to liver toxicity concerns and hormonal effects. For people already taking strong medications, adding ashwagandha may pose additional risks. Discuss with your doctor before use.
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