Ashwagandha has become a widely popular herb in recent years. Known as the Indian Ginseng, it is used for managing stress, improving energy, boosting immunity, and supporting reproductive health.
While it is praised for its natural healing properties and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, it is not without potential side effects. Herbal medicines, including Ashwagandha, are often assumed to be completely safe because they are natural. However, the truth is more complex.
Just like any supplement, Ashwagandha can affect people differently based on their health conditions, medications, or how much of it they take. Understanding these side effects is essential before adding it to your routine.
In this article, we will explore the possible Ashwagandha side effects, helping you make an informed decision about its use.
Common Ashwagandha side effects
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb mainly found in India and North Africa. It belongs to a class of herbs called adaptogens, which are believed to help the body cope with physical and emotional stress.
While its benefits are well-known, such as reduced anxiety, better sleep, and improved strength, its side effects are often less discussed.
Let us now look at those in detail.
Digestive problems
One of the most common side effects of Ashwagandha is related to the stomach. People who take high doses or who are sensitive to herbs may experience stomach issues:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gas and bloating
These symptoms usually appear in the first few days of starting the supplement. Taking it with food or starting with a low dose can help reduce these issues.
Drowsiness and sedation
Ashwagandha is known for its calming effects. While this is helpful for people with anxiety or sleep problems, it may lead to:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Fatigue during the day
- Slow reaction times
It’s important not to combine Ashwagandha with sedatives, alcohol, or sleep medicines unless advised by a doctor. If you feel unusually tired or sleepy, it may be a sign that your dose is too high.
Allergic reactions
Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to Ashwagandha. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Itchy skin
- Rashes
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face or lips
These can be serious and require medical help. If you have known allergies to other herbs or plants, be cautious when trying Ashwagandha for the first time.
Hormonal effects
Ashwagandha can affect hormones in the body. For some, this is a benefit, especially in cases of low testosterone or thyroid problems. However, in others, it may cause hormonal imbalances such as irregular menstrual cycles, High Testosterone levels, and overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism).
Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should be especially careful, as Ashwagandha may interfere with hormone levels and pregnancy outcomes. It is also not safe for breastfeeding women.
Lower blood pressure
Ashwagandha may help lower blood pressure, which can benefit people with Hypertension. But for those with already Low Blood Pressure, it can lead to:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Light-headedness
If you are on blood pressure medicine, ask your doctor before using Ashwagandha to avoid a sudden drop in pressure.
Effect on blood sugar levels
Ashwagandha may lower blood sugar. While this is helpful for people with high blood sugar or type 2 Diabetes, it could be harmful if:
- You have normal or low blood sugar
- You are taking anti-diabetic medication
Using Ashwagandha in such cases may cause blood sugar to fall too low, leading to symptoms like sweating, shakiness, confusion, or even fainting.
Interaction with medications
Ashwagandha can interact with many medications, including:
- Thyroid medicines
- Diabetes medicines
- Sedatives and anti-anxiety pills
- Immune-suppressing medicines
- Blood pressure medicines
These interactions can change the medication’s effect or increase side effects. If you are taking prescription medicines, always consult your doctor before using it.
Liver damage (Rare cases)
Although rare, there have been reports of liver problems linked to Ashwagandha use. These cases involved people who took high doses for several weeks or months. Signs of liver damage include:
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the herb and consult a doctor immediately.
How to use Ashwagandha safely
If you decide to use Ashwagandha, follow these safety tips:
- Start with a low dose (125 mg to 250 mg per day).
- Take it with a meal to avoid stomach issues.
- Avoid combining it with alcohol or sedative medicines.
- Monitor your body’s response closely.
- Choose a trusted brand that lists ingredients clearly and has third-party testing.
- Avoid if you have autoimmune diseases like Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Avoid if you are allergic to nightshade plants (like tomatoes or bell peppers).
Always talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is a powerful stress relief herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its benefits for stress, sleep, immunity, and energy have made it a popular choice worldwide. However, its natural origin does not mean it is free from side effects.
Ashwagandha can cause digestive issues, sleepiness, hormonal changes, and allergic reactions. It may also interact with medications or affect blood pressure and blood sugar levels. In rare cases, it may even impact liver health.
To use Ashwagandha safely, it is important to start with a low dose, monitor the response of your body, and consult a doctor, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or dealing with any existing health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it have any withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, in some cases, people who take Ashwagandha daily for long periods and stop suddenly may feel irritability, sleep problems, and Anxiety. This does not happen to everyone, but it’s wise to reduce the dose slowly instead of stopping all at once.
How do I know if Ashwagandha is causing a side effect or if it’s something else?
If new symptoms like stomach upset, sleepiness, rash, or mood changes start soon after taking Ashwagandha and go away when you stop, it’s likely the herb. To be sure, consult a doctor and avoid self-diagnosing.
Can Ashwagandha cause headaches?
Yes, in some cases, headache can be a side effect of Ashwagandha, especially when taken in large amounts or on an empty stomach. If you experience frequent headaches after starting the supplement, consider lowering the dose or stopping use.
Can Ashwagandha affect your appetite?
Yes, Ashwagandha may change your appetite. Some people report increased hunger, while others feel a reduced desire to eat. These effects usually depend on how your body responds to the herb’s influence on stress and metabolism.
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