10 Ashwagandha Side Effects Everyone Should Know!
10 Ashwagandha Side Effects Everyone Should Know! What are the possible side effects of ashwagandha?
Taking ashwagandha orally for up to three months appears to be safe. Large doses might cause stomach distress, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in rare cases, liver damage.
Pregnant women should avoid ashwagandha because it may raise the risk of miscarriage.
Ashwagandha, often known as “Indian Ginseng,” is a herb that has been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times. However, you may be unaware of its extensive list of adverse effects.
This page therefore discusses the effects of ashwagandha on the skin, heart, liver, kidney, body weight, male sexuality, and other areas.
Continue reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Ashwagandha Side Effects ~ Ashwagandha Overview
Ashwagandha is a valued herb in Ayurveda, India’s traditional wellness treatment.
It is also gaining popularity in the Western world due to its potential advantages for a variety of health issues.
Ashwagandha as a whole herb/root extract is extremely safe, having a lengthy track record of efficacy and only a few reported adverse occurrences.
However, before using Ashwagandha, you should be aware of some rare but possible adverse effects and contraindications.
This information is especially important if:
- You’re consuming large amounts of pure alkaloid Ashwagandha extract.
- You take certain drugs.
- You are allergic to certain foods.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Or suffer from certain types of chronic illness
Furthermore, we will discuss 10 potential Ashwagandha side effects to be aware of
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known as Ashwagandha Root, Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, or Withania somnifera, is a nightshade-related herb.
Ashwagandha Nutritional Value
The nutrients present in 100 grams of ashwagandha are:
Nutrient | Value |
Energy | 250 g |
Total dietary fibre | 25 g |
Carbohydrate | 75 g |
Origin
Ashwagandha is an Eastern Asian plant that has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
It has traditionally been used to promote a wide range of issues, including
- Chronic stress/poor stress response
- Menstrual problems, such as PMS or irregular periods
- Infertility
- Adrenal health
- Sleep
- Immunity
- Thyroid assistance
- Male and female libido
- Male and female hormonal imbalances
- Vitality
- Tiredness
- Cognitive ability
- And many others
Ashwagandha is classified as a nervine, which supports the nerve system, and an adaptogen, which assists the body in adapting to physical, mental, and emotional stress.
Modern research on Ashwagandha has revealed approximately 50 chemical compounds, including steroidal alkaloids and lactones, that are involved in the plant’s functions and possible health benefits. These constituents are known as withanolides.
Is Ashwagandha effective? Does Ashwagandha work?
It is uncommon for a single drug, like ashwagandha, to give such a broad range of health advantages.
However, laboratory research on ashwagandha has revealed that it reduces cell inflammation and relaxes the central nervous system.
Furthermore, animal studies have shown that this plant can reduce blood sugar levels. It also strengthens the immune system.
However, the findings of laboratory and animal investigations have yet to be confirmed in human trials.
Despite tiny human studies, ashwagandha appears to help reduce stress, and anxiety, enhance mental health in bipolar patients, and aid in better sleep for those with insomnia
Now that you have a basic grasp of this amazing plant, let’s look at some of its potential adverse effects.
Ashwagandha Side Effects ~ Warnings and Special Precautions
When used orally, ashwagandha may be safe for up to three months. Ashwagandha’s long-term safety is unknown.
Ashwagandha at high doses might cause stomach distress, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver issues such as severe liver failure and the need for a liver transplant may arise.
When applied to the skin: There is insufficient credible information to determine whether ashwagandha is safe or what the potential adverse effects are.
Pregnancy: Using ashwagandha while pregnant is probably dangerous. Some data suggest that ashwagandha may induce miscarriages.
Breastfeeding: There is insufficient credible information to determine whether ashwagandha is safe to use while breastfeeding. To be on the safe side, avoid using.
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Ashwagandha may stimulate the immune system, causing symptoms of auto-immune diseases to worsen. If you have any of these problems, you should avoid using ashwagandha.
Surgery: Ashwagandha has been shown to slow down the central nervous system.
Healthcare practitioners are concerned that anesthetics and other drugs used before and after surgery may amplify this effect.
Stop taking ashwagandha at least two weeks before surgery.
Thyroid problems: Ashwagandha may raise thyroid hormone levels. If you have a thyroid issue or take thyroid hormone prescriptions, you should use ashwagandha with caution.
Ashwagandha Side Effects ~ Interactions?
Interaction Level: Moderate
Use this combination with caution.
- Ashwagandha can stimulate the immune system. Some drugs, such as those administered after a transplant, reduce immune system function. Taking ashwagandha alongside certain drugs may reduce their effectiveness.
- Ashwagandha may produce drowsiness and sluggish breathing. Sedative medicines can also produce tiredness and decreased breathing. When used with sedative drugs, ashwagandha may induce respiratory issues and/or excessive sleepiness.
- Ashwagandha may produce drowsiness and sluggish breathing. Sedative medicines can also produce tiredness and decreased breathing. When used with sedative drugs, ashwagandha may induce respiratory issues and/or excessive sleepiness.
- Thyroid hormones are produced naturally by the body. Ashwagandha may enhance the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the body. Taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone pills may result in an excess of thyroid hormone in the body, as well as an increase in the effects and negative effects of thyroid hormone.
- Ashwagandha has the potential to reduce blood sugar levels. When used with diabetes drugs, ashwagandha may cause blood sugar levels to plummet dangerously low. Keep a tight eye on your blood sugar levels.
- Ashwagandha has the potential to reduce blood pressure. Taking ashwagandha with blood pressure drugs may cause blood pressure to drop too low. Keep a tight eye on your blood pressure.
Dosing
Adults have traditionally utilized ashwagandha at doses of up to 1000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose for a specific disease.
Summary of the Side Effects of Ashwagandha
Ayurvedic medicine uses ashwagandha as a natural therapy. According to some research, ashwagandha may offer a variety of health advantages, including stress and anxiety reduction and arthritis relief.
Before consuming ashwagandha, pregnant women and those with preexisting health concerns should consult their doctor.
Many of the previous investigations were tiny, conducted on animals, or had problems in their methodology. As a result, researchers cannot be positive that it is an effective treatment. More work is required.
If a person decides to utilize this herb as part of a treatment plan, they should first consult with their doctor.
FAQs about the Side Effects of Ashwagandha
Understand The Flip Side of Ashwagandha
Short-Term Effects
Drowsiness, headache, stomach upset, or abnormally low blood sugar levels are possible side effects.
Long-Term Effects
Certain circumstances may have an impact on liver health.
Drug Reactions
May interact with medications that suppress the immune system responses or are used to treat insomnia in addition to medication for lowering blood pressure.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you have rashes, difficulty breathing, or chest pain as a result of an allergic response.
What happens if you take ashwagandha daily?
In a 2019 human trial, researchers discovered that consuming 240 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha daily dramatically lowered stress levels when compared to a placebo.
This includes lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Are there any drawbacks to Ashwagandha?
Despite its reputation for being good for human health, ashwagandha can be damaging to your body.
It can cause nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and liver damage. If you have an autoimmune problem, check with your doctor before using ashwagandha.
Does ashwagandha increase female fertility?
In a nutshell, Ashwagandha is a herb that supports human health in general. It has been used successfully to promote conception because of its capacity to improve various functions in the body.
This herb alleviates stress and stimulates the synthesis of reproductive hormones in both men and women.
Is it safe to consume ashwagandha daily?
It is completely safe to take ashwagandha daily for up to eight weeks. More research is needed, however, to verify the long-term safety of ashwagandha.
You should avoid taking more than the suggested dose, and you should avoid taking it on an empty stomach.
When should I discontinue using Ashwagandha?
Stop using Ashwagandha if:
You are pregnant or nursing. According to certain research, ashwagandha may be associated with miscarriages. Because ashwagandha may enhance testosterone levels, you have hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
How long should you take Ashwagandha to reap the benefits?
four to twelve weeks
There is no official recommendation for the ideal time of day to take ashwagandha, whether it can be taken on an empty stomach, or how long it would take to notice results.
However, studies often observe effects four to twelve weeks after consumption.
Is taking Ashwagandha every night safe?
It is taken at night.
Overall, it’s vital to pick a time when you’ll be most consistent in taking it, as well as when it feels best for you.
Ashwagandha can be taken at any time of day, including the morning, evening, and night.
Is it safe to take Ashwagandha every night?
While taking ashwagandha nightly for several weeks might help encourage improved sleep, it should not be regarded as a long-term treatment.
Remember that research, particularly long-term studies, is still restricted. At the moment, it is only regarded safe as a daily supplement for three months.
How much ashwagandha should I take daily for fertility?
For fertility and hormonal balance, use up to 5,000 mg every day. Ashwagandha dose for arthritic symptoms and inflammation reduction: 250-500 mg per day.
For muscular building, use 500-600 milligrams of ashwagandha per day.
Can I take Ashwagandha without consulting a doctor?
You can take ashwagandha pills without consulting a doctor. However, if you have a medical condition, you must first contact your doctor before proceeding.
What should you avoid when using ashwagandha?
There is evidence that ashwagandha may interfere with some medications, including those for diabetes and high blood pressure, immunosuppressants, sedatives, anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants), and thyroid hormone prescriptions.
Who should avoid using ashwagandha?
Thyroid disorders: Ashwagandha may raise thyroid hormone levels. If you have a thyroid issue or take thyroid hormone prescriptions, you should use ashwagandha with caution.
Is ashwagandha a steroid
Is Ashwagandha a Steroid? No, Ashwagandha is not a steroid. It’s worth noting that ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated and may have a variety of health benefits.
The adaptogenic health effects of nightshades are attributed to withanolides, which are naturally occurring steroids.
Advantages of Ashwagandha Powder
Here are a few scientifically proven ashwagandha benefits.
- It alleviates stress and anxiety.
- Lowers blood sugar and fat levels.
- Builds muscle and strength.
- Enhances female sexual function.
- Increases male fertility and testosterone levels.
- Improves focus and memory.
- Promotes heart health.
Benefits of Ashwagandha Tablets ~ What are the advantages of Ashwagandha tablets?
7 Health Advantages of Ashwagandha
- It alleviates stress and anxiety. Perhaps the most well-known benefit of ashwagandha is its ability to relieve stress.
- Lowers blood sugar and fat levels.
- Builds muscle and strength.
- Enhances female sexual function.
- Increases male fertility and testosterone levels.
- Improves focus and memory.
- Promotes heart health.
How to Use Ashwagandha Powder
To boost sperm quality, take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha root powder with ghee, sugar, and honey once or twice a day for a month.
- Alternatively, add ¼ – ½teaspoon Ashwagandha root powder to a glass of warm milk. Drink this before going to bed.
Benefits of Ashwagandha powder with milk ~ What happens when we take ashwagandha with milk?
Drinking ashwagandha with milk might be a strong natural method to improve your health and wellness.
The advantages of this strong herb are numerous, ranging from improved immunity and stress relief to weight loss support and improved cognitive performance.
How do you take ashwagandha powder at night with milk?
Ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels and aids in the reduction of stress and stress-related issues such as sleeplessness.
Take a pinch of Ashwagandha powder to start. Combine it with 1 glass of warm milk.
What goes best with ashwagandha powder?
Powdered ashwagandha root is typically blended with ghee, honey, or water and consumed or used topically on swollen joints or as part of an Ayurvedic skincare regimen.
To counteract the earthy, bitter flavor of ashwagandha powder, use it in sweet pastries, hot beverages, and smoothies.
Ashwagandha uses ~ What is ashwagandha mainly used for?
Ashwagandha is an Asian and African evergreen shrub. It is widely used to relieve tension.
It includes compounds that may help relax the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and change the immune system, but there is insufficient evidence to support its usage as an “adaptogen.”
Ashwagandha pills ~ What do ashwagandha pills do?
Ashwagandha contains compounds that may aid in brain relaxation, edema reduction, blood pressure reduction, and immune system modulation.
Because ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen, it is utilized to treat a variety of stress-related disorders.
Adaptogens are thought to aid the body’s resistance to physical and mental stress.
Ashwagandha reviews ~ Does ashwagandha increase fertility?
In a nutshell, Ashwagandha is an herb that supports human health in general.
It has been used successfully to promote conception because of its capacity to improve various functions in the body.
This herb alleviates stress and stimulates the synthesis of reproductive hormones in both men and women.