Thinking about adding ashwagandha to your daily self-care routine? You’re not alone — this natural supplement is quickly gaining traction for its potential health benefits. While you may have heard about the many positive aspects associated with taking ashwagandha, it’s important to be aware of the possible negative side effects as well. By understanding and monitoring these adverse reactions, you can make an informed decision about whether adding this traditional ayurvedic herb to your lifestyleis really safe for you. In this blog post, we'll dive into common ashwagandha negative side effects so that men's and women's health enthusiasts alike can feel confident in their choices.
What is ashwagandha and what are its benefits
Ashwagandha, also known as indian ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb used in ayurvedic medicine. This ancient practice has been embraced by the modern holistic health movement for its many benefits, which include reduced stress and anxiety, improved cognitive function, increased energy levels and endurance, and an overall sense of well-being.
Ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may also help to lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure as well as boost fertility in both men and women. As if that weren’t enough, it can also aid with weight loss by reducing cravings and improving metabolism. However, since different bodies respond differently to herbs it is important to work with your healthcare provider or a trusted herbalist when trying ashwagandha or any other herb.
The potential negative side effects of ashwagandha
1- Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea
Ashwagandha is a popular herbal supplement; however, it can cause some negative side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these ashwagandha negative side effects, it is important to seek medical attention.
Additionally, ashwagandha should not be taken without consulting your healthcare provider since it can interact with medications. Furthermore, ashwagandha supplements can also have different strength or concentrations depending on the brand. Overall, ashwagandha could potentially improve your health but always be mindful of side effects that may arise from taking ashwagandha supplements.
2- Drowsiness
Most people are familiar with the feeling of drowsiness, the overwhelming urge to take a nap that can creep up on us throughout the day. It can be especially noticeable after meals or during periods of long mental effort. Unfortunately, ashwagandha, an herb commonly used in ayurveda medicine, can also cause drowsiness as one of its negative side effects. Since ashwagandha has been used for centuries for its potential therapeutic benefits, it’s important to be mindful and aware of not only its potential benefits but also its possible side effects, such as drowsiness.
One way to avoid ashwagandha-induced sleepiness is to take the herb at night before bedtime so that any unintentional drowsiness will not interfere with normal daily activities. Additionally, consulting your physician before taking ashwagandha is a safe and important step towards understanding the benefits and risks associated with this herbal remedy.
3- May increase thyroid function
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to help increase thyroid function, however, many people don't realize ashwagandha also has potential side effects. These can range from digestive disturbances and skin rashes to more serious issues - excessive use of ashwagandha can even lead to low potassium levels in the body. It's important to talk with a doctor before taking ashwaghanda or any supplements to fully understand the possible side effects and consider your own health risks and needs.
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4- Can decrease blood pressure
While ashwagandha is a natural remedy with many potential benefits, some of the side effects of ashwagandha may be uncomfortable or serious. Although ashwagandha is believed to decrease blood pressure, it could also potentially cause an increase in blood pressure in certain individuals if taken in high doses and for long periods of time.
People with already low blood pressure should avoid taking ashwagandha, as it may further lower your blood pressure and lead to dizziness, confusion and weakness. It's always important to consult your doctor prior to taking ashwagandha or any supplement for that matter, as there could be interactions with other existing health conditions or medications you are taking.
5- May irritate gi tract
One of ashwagandha's side effects can be irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. People with issues such as ulcers and acid reflux should exercise caution when taking ashwagandha, as it may further irritate their systems. While ashwagandha can be used to reduce digestive discomfort in some cases, it is important to consult a doctor before taking it if one already has gi problems. In some cases ashwagandha may have positive benefits, but for sufferers of gi conditions, it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid ashwagandha altogether.
6- May induce miscarriages
It is important to be aware of ashwagandha’s potential negative side effects before using it. Research has indicated that ashwagandha may induce miscarriages if taken in high doses during pregnancy. Therefore, it is always recommended that pregnant women avoid taking ashwagandha completely and speak with their doctor if they have any questions or concerns about the possible side effects.
When taken responsibly and in recommended doses ashwagandha can be a beneficial addition to one’s wellness regimen and help regulate hormones, reduce stress, boost immunity and enhance cognition. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before trying ashwagandha for the first time, as their advice will help ensure safe use of ashwagandha products.
7- May decrease blood sugar
Consuming ashwagandha is known to have numerous benefits. However, those with diabetes should take caution as ashwagandha may decrease blood sugar levels too much- leading to a potential ashwagandha negative side effect. As such, it is important to closely monitor your blood sugar levels when consuming ashwagandha and be aware of other ashwagandha side effects including headaches, stomach upset, rashes, and itchiness. If you have been prescribed medications for diabetes or any other medical condition, you should consult with your doctor before adding ashwagandha - even if its dosage is small - in order to ensure the safety of your health.
Precautions to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ashwagandha has been known to have potentially negative side effects and caution must be taken when consuming ashwagandha. As ashwagandha isn't yet regulated by the fda, it is wise to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss the potential risks associated with ashwagandha consumption before adding ashwagandha as part of your daily regimen. In general, as ashwagandha may act as an immuno-modulator, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should take precaution when using ashwagandha and consider its side effects including gastrointestinal upset, nausea, dizziness and changes in blood pressure before beginning its consumption.
Who should not take ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb commonly used in ayurvedic medicine, but it is important to consider ashwagandha's potential negative side effects before incorporating it into your routine. Those with autoimmune disorders, pregnant or lactating individuals, and those who are allergic to ashwagandha should avoid taking it. Additionally, ashwagandha can interact with certain medications, so if you take any prescription drugs, make sure to consult a medical doctor before beginning ashwagandha therapy.
Lastly, different people may experience ashwagandha differently and some could suffer from gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rashes, diarrhoea and headache due to ashwaganda consumption. If you experience any of these side effects or have any concerns about ashwagandha therapy, contact a healthcare professional to ensure that you're using ashwagandha safely.
Dosage recommendations for ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb that has become increasingly popular due to its traditional use in ayurvedic medicine to potentially aid in stress relief and providing other health benefits. However, there are potential ashwagandha negative side effects to consider when deciding on the appropriate ashwagandha dosage for you. The general recommendation for short-term ashwagandha use is to take a dose of 500–600mg per day.
It may be best to start with a lower ashwagandha dose and then gradually increase depending on desired effects, as with many other supplements. Typically ashwaghanda is considered safe for most adults, but it’s important to consult a doctor before taking ashwaghanda or any other supplement, as some side effects of ashwaghanda have been reported such as nausea and/or vomiting in some people.
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Conclusion
In summary, it is important to note that ashwagandha has many beneficial and therapeutic effects for a variety of conditions. Despite these vast positive benefits, ashwagandha does carry potential side effects. It is therefore advised to consult a trained and licensed practitioner before starting an ashwagandha regime.
Ultimately, as with any herbal medicine, preventative measures should be taken to ensure that you are using the right dosage and not overmedicating in order to minimize the risk of experiencing any adverse or negative side effects. By understanding the possible risks and by following professional guidance when determining dose, those looking to use this ancient plant medicine can benefit from its amazing healing properties with peace of mind.
Please book an appointment with the best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 02137136090 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
