Ashwagandha - a plant from Ayurvedic medicine that until recently few had heard of - is today among the best-selling anti-stress supplements in the world. But between what science has confirmed and what marketing promises, there is a wide gap. Cardiologist Aurelio Rojas says the plant really does have an effect - but he adds a sentence the industry does not want to hear out loud: "natural does not automatically mean safe for everyone."

According to Rojas, certain standardised ashwagandha extracts can reduce stress, anxiety and mental fatigue, improve sleep and physical performance, and even some metabolic markers. The most-cited figure is that it can lower cortisol - the stress hormone - by around 30 percent. There are also claims of better memory, concentration, insulin sensitivity, and even male fertility and menopause symptoms.

It sounds almost too good - and this is exactly where the second, quieter part of the story begins. Rojas and pharmacist Mar Santamaria warn that ashwagandha is NOT for everyone. It should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with liver or kidney disease, those with hyperthyroidism or autoimmune conditions, and anyone taking sedatives, antidepressants, thyroid medication or immunosuppressants.

In other words, this is not a tea you take because some influencer praised it. Ashwagandha has solid scientific backing as an adaptogen, but it requires medical supervision - especially if you are already on medication or have a chronic condition. The healthiest habit here is not to buy a bottle, but to ask one question first: do you even need it, and what else are you already taking? The answer to that is not on the label.