ASHWAGANDHA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the precautions for ashwagandha? ›

Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding. Ashwagandha is not recommended for people who are about to have surgery, or for those who have autoimmune or thyroid disorders.

Common side effects are mild and include stomach upset, loose stools, nausea, and drowsiness [7,14]. However, evidence on the safety of longer term ashwagandha use over many months or years is lacking.

If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using ashwagandha supplements. They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid supplements, drugs that suppress the immune system, and drugs for anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

When taken by mouth: Ashwagandha is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems, including severe liver failure and a need for liver transplantation, might occur.

Nutrients that support adrenal health, such as ashwagandha, cordyceps, Schisandra, Rhodiola, rosemary, licorice, and ginger, can indirectly benefit your kidneys. Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue can put a strain on your kidneys, so supporting your adrenal glands can help alleviate this burden.

Since Ashwagandha is a natural herbal supplement, it is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Ashwagandha may cause a drop in blood sugar levels. In some cases, this could worsen depressive symptoms, especially for those already dealing with low energy, mental fog, lack of motivation, or occasional depressive states.

Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of ashwagandha. Ashwagandha has not been studied as an aid to gain or lose weight, though a small study did find that it may help reduce food cravings in adults who are chronically stressed.

The answer to how long it takes for Ashwagandha to work depends on various factors, including the type and form of Ashwagandha used and the individual taking it. Generally speaking, users may expect to feel its effects within 1-3 weeks when taken consistently.

Why don't doctors recommend ashwagandha? ›

Why is ashwagandha not advisable for people with autoimmune disorders? In people with autoimmune disorders, the immune system is already overactive. Because ashwagandha can stimulate the immune system, it can rev up your immune system even more, and that can be harmful.

Certain vitamins, such as vitamin D or calcium, may hinder the absorption of ashwagandha if taken simultaneously. This could reduce the effectiveness of the herb and limit its benefits. Additionally, it is important to note that taking ashwagandha with rhodiola may also have potential absorption interference.

Ashwagandha is commonly called “Indian winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng” and is used in Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda) for its wide-ranging benefits. Yes, taking ashwagandha daily is safe, but people should never take it beyond the recommended doses or periods.

Ashwagandha withdrawal is rare, but some people may experience mild symptoms such as insomnia, brain fog, and headaches after stopping taking the supplement. These symptoms are thought to be caused by a change in GABA levels in the brain.

Conclusions: Ashwagandha-HILI presents with cholestatic hepatitis and can lead to the syndrome of acute-on-chronic liver failure with high mortality in those with pre-existing liver disease.

Evidence suggests that one of our most widely prescribed herbs, ashwagandha, poses a risk to liver health. Withanolides have been implicated in hepatic injury and investigations have found adulteration of root supplies by withanolide-rich leaves.

Ashwagandha may make some people feel vitality through mental clarity, while it may also induce feelings of calmness and relaxation, so it can be a good idea to try taking it both in the morning and in the evening to see how it affects you — then you can decide when it best fits into your routine.

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in alternative medicine. Preliminary research shows that it may improve thyroid levels in those with hypothyroidism. However, it may worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha for a thyroid condition.