Introduction
Ashwagandha, also known as "Indian Ginseng," is a herb known for its medicinal benefits since ancient days. However, you may not know its wide range of side effects. This article sheds some light on ashwagandha's side effects on skin, heart, liver, kidney, body weight, man's sexuality, and much more. Read to find out more!
What do people use Ashwagandha for?
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb in Ayurveda, one of the ancient medical systems that originated in India. Ayurveda classifies ashwagandha as Rasayana, which helps stay young physically and mentally.
The herb has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal diseases that begin with inflammation. For instance, people use ashwagandha to treat stress, anxiety, exhaustion, skin disorders, diabetes, arthritis, and epilepsy.
How to use Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha can be used in several forms. For instance
- You can take an ashwagandha tablet twice daily with a glass of warm milk or water after food or as prescribed by the physician.
- You can take ashwagandha capsules twice daily with a glass of warm milk or water after food or prescribed by your doctor.
- You can take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of ashwagandha churna with honey or milk or as per doctors' advice.
- You can take ashwagandha tea by adding one spoon of powder to two cups of water and then boiling it until it reduces to half quantity. Add milk and honey to this tea for additional flavour.
- You can make an ashwagandha milkshake by blending two teaspoons of powder, one spoonful of honey, and a glass of milk.
- Lastly, you can prepare yummy ashwagandha laddus. All you need is two tablespoons of ashwagandha churna, one tablespoon of jaggery, and a pinch of black salt and pepper, knead this mixture, and you are ready to make laddus.
Does Ashwagandha work?
It's rare for any single substance, including ashwagandha, to provide such a wide range of health benefits. However, lab studies on ashwagandha have shown reduced cell inflammation and relaxation of the central nervous system. In addition, animal studies have demonstrated the effect of this herb on lowering blood sugar levels. Also, it boosts the immune system. However, the results from laboratory and animal studies have yet to be verified in human research.
Although small human research indicates that ashwagandha helps reduce stress, lower anxiety, improve mental health in bipolar cases, and help with better sleep in those with insomnia.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
1. Maybe Harmful during Pregnancy
Certain substances in ashwagandha can cause miscarriage, early birth, or even uterine contractions. Ashwagandha is not considered safe in pregnancy since it has abortifacient effects, which means it can cause miscarriages.
Also Read: Top 15 Ashwagandha Benefits For Females, Side Effects, More
2. May Cause Liver Damage
As per studies, patients taking commercial herbal products containing ashwagandha were found to experience liver damage. However, the herb’s mechanism in this regard is yet to be understood.
3. May Lower Blood Sugar
As per studies, ashwagandha has been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels. However, if you're taking diabetes medicine, this might not be a good idea. The herb may cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Other issues may arise as a result.
4. May Cause Dry Mouth
In certain people, taking too much ashwagandha can cause dry mouth. Even though there isn't enough evidence, it's best to be cautious and visit your doctor if the problem emerges.
The majority of ashwagandha's adverse effects are based on hearsay. While further study is being conducted, it is critical to use caution.
5. May Cause Bleeding
People with bleeding issues should avoid using the herb. However, there is no concrete research to back this notion other than anecdotal evidence.
6. May Cause Fever
Some people may experience an increase in body temperature after taking ashwagandha. The method by which this occurs, however, is uncertain. The high body temperature is expected to return to normal in a few days. If you have a high body temperature for any reason, talk to your doctor before taking ashwagandha.
7. May Cause Allergies
Ashwagandha might cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to nightshades. Skin rashes, itching, inflammation, chest pain, and breathing difficulties are all possible side effects. However, additional research is required in this area.
8. May Cause Drowsiness
Ashwagandha has sleep-inducing properties. Taking the herb along with sedatives may lead to excessive drowsiness. Hence, consult your doctor.
9. May Aggravate Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is excess thyroid hormones in the blood. As per studies, thyroid hormone concentrations are reported to be increased by ashwagandha. As a result, people with hyperthyroidism may suffer unpleasant symptoms.
Individuals with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) should also seek medical advice before consuming ashwagandha, as the herb may interact with their prescriptions.
10. Ashwagandha Tea Side Effects
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid ashwagandha tea. Before starting a supplement regimen, people with autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus erythematosus, should talk to their doctor about consuming Ashwagandha tea.
11. Ashwagandharishta Syrup Side Effects
When taken in the recommended dose, Ashwagandharishta is generally well-tolerated and has no side effects. However, before consuming Ashwagandharishta, you should see your doctor.
People with kidney problems should also get medical advice before using Ashwagandharishta.
12. Ashwagandha Weight Gain Side Effect
No evidence suggests ashwagandha can induce weight gain. In fact, the herb may aid in weight management in individuals who are under chronic stress.
Also Read: Ashwagandha For Weight Loss In Women | All You Need To Know
13. Ashwagandha Side Effects on Heart
As per studies, the medicine does not affect heart rate, blood pressure, or cardiac output in healthy individuals. But it causes an increase in cardiac output, blood pressure, and heart rate in patients with a failing heart.
14. Ashwagandha Capsule Side Effects
Ashwagandha capsules are considered relatively safe and helpful in managing stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness, among other health issues.
15. Ashwagandha Leaf Juice Side Effects
When Ashwagandha juice is not ingested in the proper quantity and manner, it might be harmful to the body. Problems such as gas, unrest, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive sleep, and so on can arise.
16. Side Effects of Ashwagandha Powder for Height
HGH hormone synthesis and cell regeneration are boosted even more by a healthy chemical balance of proteins and vitamins in your body. Adding Ashwagandha root extract to your diet can help your body produce more growth hormones. Overall, bone formation, muscular development, and strength influence height growth. There is not much information on the side effects of the capsules on height.
17. Ashwagandha Side Effects on Kidney
As per studies, ashwagandha has immunostimulatory effects and may lead to kidney allograft rejection.
Patients getting a kidney transplant should be aware of the adverse effects of Ashwagandha before taking it and consult with their doctor.
18. Ashwagandha Side Effects on Stomach
Large doses of ashwagandha (more than 6,000 mg of root powder or 1500 mg of root extract) can irritate the membranes inside the stomach.
19. Ashwagandha Side effects on Skin
There isn't enough reliable information to know if ashwagandha is safe when applied to the skin or the side effects.
Precautions While Taking Ashwagandha
To avoid any negative side effects, strictly follow medical recommendations. The following are some extra precautions that must be taken:
- Ashwagandha root extract, unlike Withaferin A, should only be taken as a supplement.
- Ashwagandha should be taken with a full glass of water and with meals.
- As ashwagandha can intensify the effects of some medications, double-check your medication list before using it or consult a doctor to know about all possible interactions.
- Ashwagandha's long-term safety is unknown, so there is little information on ashwagandha's long term side effects. But, ashwagandha at high doses might cause stomach distress, diarrhoea, and vomiting. These are some of the Ashwagandha overdose side effects. Liver issues are a rare occurrence. Those who experience gastrointestinal issues after taking ashwagandha should consult a physician.
Ashwagandha Recommended Dosage
- For Ashwagandha powder: 1-2 tablespoons per day.
- For Ashwagandha root: 1-2 tablespoons of root every day.
- For Ashwagandha capsules: 1-6 g of whole herb per day (by mouth) in capsule form.
- For Ashwagandha tea: 3 glasses of whole herb tea per day (1-6 g)
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is a healthy herb with potent health benefits. On the other hand, excessive consumption may be hazardous to one's health and may cause ashwagandha negative side effects. The majority of its adverse effects have yet to be determined. However, one must take measures. Stop using it and consult your doctor if you encounter any negative side effects.
If you wish to use ashwagandha supplements, make sure you get them from a reputable source and talk to your doctor about it.
References
- W D Ratnasooriya, T R Weerasooriya, December 2002; Effect of Withania somnifera root extract on the sexual behaviour of male rats - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12508132/
- Krishna Kolappa Pillai, Muzaffar Iqbal, June 2008; Effect of Withania somnifera on insulin sensitivity in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus rats - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18346053/
- S Panda, A Kar, September 1998; Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9811169/
- Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Biren Shah, July 2010; Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC2996571
