Can You Take Ashwagandha and Kava Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Kava has well-documented hepatotoxicity from kavalactones. Ashwagandha has emerging case reports of hepatocellular injury. While Ashwagandha's hepatotoxicity risk is lower, combining it with Kava may increase overall liver burden.

How to arrange timing

If using both, monitor liver function. Consider staggering use rather than daily concurrent supplementation.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Teschke R., Ann Intern Med 2010; Björnsson HK et al., J Hepatol 2020; LiverTox (NIH/NLM)

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.