It's breaking popularity records in Poland. This supplement has already been banned in four countries.

Author: KKR • Source: Rynek Zdrowia • Published: September 22, 2025 7:47 PM
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been winning the hearts of Poles for years as a supplement that supports stress management, improves sleep, and improves concentration. However, concerns about its safety are growing in Europe, with some countries already imposing sales bans. Find out what research and official regulations say.
- Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and research confirms its anti-stress properties and its ability to support sleep and concentration.
- Denmark and the Netherlands have banned the sale of supplements containing this plant due to concerns about its effects on hormones, the thyroid and the reproductive system.
- In Poland, ashwagandha remains legal, but there are limits on daily consumption set by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate and the Ministry of Health.
- Experts recommend caution, consulting a doctor and choosing proven supplements to minimize the risk of side effects.
For thousands of years, ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural adaptogen, a substance that supports the body in combating stress and fatigue. In 2023, Denmark banned the sale of supplements containing ashwagandha. The decision was based on a report from the Technical University of Denmark, which indicated potential hormonal disruption, possible effects on the thyroid and reproductive system, and the risk of miscarriage.
Shortly after, the Netherlands took a similar step, while Finland and Sweden are conducting analyses that may lead to the adoption of equally restrictive regulations. French health authorities, in turn, have issued warnings aimed primarily at pregnant women and people under 18.
Ashwagandha is completely legal in Poland , but the Ministry of Health and the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate have introduced limits on the maximum daily dose. This means that supplements can be sold, but their composition must meet specific standards.
Although ashwagandha is available in Poland without age restrictions, caution is advised. People with thyroid conditions, hormonal imbalances, or pregnant women should consult a doctor before starting supplementation. It's also important to choose products from reliable sources, reported to the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS), and labeled in accordance with applicable regulations. The most important rule is not to exceed the recommended doses – higher doses will not increase effectiveness and may increase the risk of side effects.
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