Best Ashwagandha Alternatives

Over the past few years, ashwagandha has become one of the most talked-about herbal supplements — largely because many people take it to help manage stress, balance mood, improve sleep, and support energy and focus. But then, some questions and controversies emerged around its effects and safety.

Why did Denmark ban ashwagandha?

In 2023, Denmark banned ashwagandha in food supplements after a national risk assessment: Safety officials concluded that a safe intake level couldn’t be established based on the available data. Concerns were being raised about possible effects on liver health, hormonal changes and metabolism. 

Now Sweden and Finland are considering similar restrictions, and other European countries have issued warnings. When things feel uncertain, exploring research-backed alternatives can help you take a more confident choice. And we've dug into the research for you.

Are there safe alternatives for ashwagandha?

Even though some experts stand against the ban of ashwagandha, it might be a reason to turn to alternatives, to be on the safe side. That's also why Lemira decided not to include ashwagandha in their formula Motherhood Daily. Instead of taking risks, our natural choice was Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng. In the following, we'll explain why.

But first: Why did people turn to ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen — meaning it’s traditionally used to help the body respond to stress. People commonly take it in hopes of:

-Managing stress and anxiety
-Supporting sleep quality
-Balancing mood and mental clarity

But not all ashwagandha products are equal. Quality can vary dramatically, and this affects safety and effectiveness.

3 reasons ashwagandha supplements differ in quality:

• Root vs. leaf: Leaf extract contains higher levels of the active compound withaferin A, which is often considered too potent or potentially cytotoxic for regular consumption.
• Standardization varies: Supplements not standardized for withanolides can have inconsistent effects.
• Contamination risk: Ashwagandha is known to carry heavy metals or impurities if quality control is poor.

While research on adaptogens is still growing, Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) and Rhodiola rosea seem to have more clinical evidence behind them, and many people find they support stress resilience, energy, and mental clarity just as well as ashwagandha. Let's have a closer look at these benefits. 

Ashwagandha-alternatives: Rhodiola & Ginseng

Panax Ginseng — for Calm & Balance

Panax ginseng — also called Asian or Korean ginseng — is a traditional herb used for centuries to support energy, focus, stress adaptation, and overall resilience.

• Mental clarity & focus: Ginseng’s active compounds (ginsenosides) influence neurotransmitters linked to learning and memory, which can support clearer thinking when life feels busy. (Frontiers, 2014)
• Stress response: Panax ginseng has also shown to help the body respond to stress by influencing stress hormone pathways. (J Ginseng R, 2025)
• Steady energy: Panax ginseng is caffeine-free. Unlike coffee’s quick stimulant boost, it promotes steady, sustained energy throughout the day—without the risk of an energy crash.

→ For who can ginseng be a good alternative?
If part of what drew you to ashwagandha was feeling calmer under pressure with balanced mental energy, Panax ginseng offers similar benefits.

Rhodiola Rosea — Resilience & Less Fatigue

Rhodiola rosea — sometimes called golden root — grows in cold mountain regions and has been used traditionally in Scandinavia and Asia to support endurance, reduce fatigue, and help the body manage stress.

• Fatigue reduction: Studies show Rhodiola can significantly reduce feelings of tiredness and improve energy in people experiencing stress-related fatigue. (Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 2018)
• Mood support: Some clinical studies show that Rhodiola can boost cognitive performance and improve mood fluctuations (Physiotherapy Research, 2015)
• Balanced calm: Rather than sedation, Rhodiola tends to support a stable sense of calm and alertness when life gets overwhelming. (Molecules, 2022)

→ For who can rhodiola rosea be a good alternative?
Rhodiola’s research shows consistent benefits for everyday stress systems and energy levels, making it a favorite for people who want steady resilience and fewer mid-day slumps — without strong stimulation.

A Balanced Approach: The Adaptogens in Motherhood Daily

Motherhood Daily brings together Panax ginseng and Rhodiola rosea in a thoughtfully balanced blend. Alongside essential vitamins and minerals as well as selected probiotic strains, it supports the everyday demands of motherhood.