Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it is prized as a "rasayana" or rejuvenating herb. In the context of postpartum care, ashwagandha is often included in formulations intended to support new mothers. Traditional Ayurvedic texts recommend ashwagandha for improving general vitality, reducing stress, and aiding in the restoration of strength after childbirth. Some Ayurvedic practices specifically mention ashwagandha as part of herbal combinations to help mothers cope with afterbirth pain (the cramping and discomfort that can occur as the uterus returns to its normal size).

However, the evidence supporting ashwagandha’s use for afterbirth pain is primarily anecdotal and rooted in traditional practice, rather than scientific research. Modern clinical studies have not specifically evaluated ashwagandha for afterbirth pain or uterine cramping. Most contemporary research on ashwagandha focuses on its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic effects, which could theoretically offer indirect benefits for postpartum women, such as improved stress response or reduced systemic inflammation. Nevertheless, there is a lack of direct scientific validation for its use in treating afterbirth pain specifically. Thus, while its inclusion in postpartum care is justified by tradition, the level of scientific evidence supporting this particular use remains very low.