What are the Benefits and Ashwagandha Side Effects?

Ashwagandha the Indian Ginseng - Benefits and Uses

What are the Benefits and Ashwagandha Side Effects?

Ashwagandha the Indian Ginseng - Benefits and Uses

Ashwagandha is an herb that many people use to improve their mood, energy levels, and sleep. It seems like a miracle cure for everything- but it’s not! There are some side effects of ashwagandha that you need to know about before taking this supplement. In this blog post, I’ll be talking about what the side effects are and how to avoid them.

Ashwagandha – Indian Ginseng with natural chemicals and flavonoids

Ashwagandha is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family that grows as a short shrub at 35-75 cm but the plant can grow up to about five meters tall. The shrub grows wild in areas of Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The flowers are small and green, while the ripe fruit is orange-red like berry and has milk-coagulating properties.

The medicinal purpose used from this plant is their long brown tuberous roots. That’s why some people also have known this plant as Indian ginseng. And some other name is Withania somnifera, Winter cherry, Samm Al Ferakh, Kanaje Hindi, Amukkuram in Malayalam, and Ajagandha.

Unlike standard ginseng which has a sedative effect on the central nervous system and regular ginseng which has a stimulating effect, by producing natural chemicals and flavonoids, Ashwagandha has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory as well, comparable to hydrocortisone.

Ashwagandha the Indian Ginseng

Ashwagandha leaves and organic seeds probably have the ability to kill the lice and are also useful as a pain reducer herbal. Whereas the herbal root of Organic Ashwagandha sometimes is used as a tranquilizer in India. The herb can help boost the immune system, and improve overall health while used as a tonic. Some other uses ashwagandha seeds and leaves for organic soap making.

Ashwagandha plants are known as herbs with an important component in the history of our species. The plants of the Solanaceae family have different traces of a toxin with some plants that are lethal to humans, while others, such as tomatoes and potatoes are vegetables for common ground. Herbal uses of Ashwagandha provide good results for many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, sciatica, and Vata-dominant diseases.

1. What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an herb that comes from the Withania somnifera plant. It’s been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries and has become popular in the west in recent years as a natural way to improve mood, energy levels, and sleep. It is considered a Rasayana, or rejuvenating herb; meaning that it promotes youth and longevity.

2. Ashwagandha Benefits

The main benefits of ashwagandha are summarized in this review by Examine.com :

  • Improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression
  • Reduce stress levels
  • Improve energy levels, endurance, strength, and muscle growth
  • Increase cognitive function
  • Improve thyroid function
  • Lower blood sugar levels (may help people with diabetes)
  • Improve sleep quality and duration

3. How do I take Ashwagandha?

There are various forms of ashwagandha available: capsules, powder, and liquid extract. The typical dosage is 400 to 600 milligrams twice daily, though it can range from 100 milligrams 3 times per day to 1,500 milligrams twice per day. There are many positive reviews of ashwagandha on the internet, but some users report side effects such as fatigue and decreased libido.

4. How does ashwagandha work?

The specific mechanism of action is unknown, but it seems to be able to activate certain enzymes and interfere with the stress response. It also seems to impact thyroid function, which is just one possible reason that it has so many benefits for people who are struggling to lose weight or have other health issues.

5. Side effects of ashwagandha

Some of the common side effects of taking ashwagandha are fatigue, dry mouth, and decreased libido. In some cases, people have also experienced upset stomachs, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking ashwagandha and speak to your doctor.

6. How to avoid ashwagandha side effects

If you’re experiencing any side effects from taking ashwagandha, there are a few things you can do to help reduce them.

  • Try taking a lower dose of ashwagandha.
  • Take ashwagandha with food to help reduce stomach upset.
  • Drink plenty of water while taking ashwagandha to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid taking ashwagandha at night.
  • Avoid taking high doses of ashwagandha for more than 8 weeks

7. Recommended Dosage of Ashwagandha

The recommended daily dose of ashwagandha is 500 milligrams (the typical dosage for one serving), though some people take as much as 1,500 milligrams per day. Take the supplement in two divided doses- it’s best to take it with food or milk to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

8. How Long Does Ashwagandha Take to Work?

As with most supplements, it may take some time for you to feel the effects of ashwagandha. The majority of people who have reviewed ashwagandha on Amazon report positive results, but there are some negative reviews as well. Give the supplement a few weeks to see if it works for you- if not, speak to your doctor.

9. Ashwagandha Interactions

If you’re taking other supplements or medication, it’s important to speak to your doctor before taking ashwagandha. There are some potential interactions with ashwagandha and medications, particularly with blood thinners.

10. Side Effects of Other Supplements

Ashwagandha is considered to be very safe when taken at recommended doses, but it has the potential to interact with certain medications or other supplements that you are taking. Be careful not to take more than 1,000 milligrams per day unless absolutely necessary (for example, if you’re dealing with a health issue where your doctor recommends it).

11. Is ashwagandha safe?

Ashwagandha is generally considered to be very safe, even when taken at high doses; however, there are some potential side effects such as fatigue and decreased sex drive. It’s important to speak to your doctor before taking ashwagandha if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.

12. Is Ashwagandha a Stimulant?

No, it’s not a stimulant and doesn’t impact blood pressure or heart rate. It can be used by people who are sensitive to caffeine without any problems.

Conclusion

The benefits of ashwagandha are many, but it is important to note that not everyone will experience the same effects. This supplement has shown promise in improving mood and reducing anxiety for some people while others may find themselves feeling more agitated than before they took the herb.

If you’re looking for something strong enough to give yourself a pick-me-up or help alleviate your stress levels, this might be exactly what you need! But if you’ve been struggling with depression or other mental health issues like PTSD, please consult your doctor first before adding any new supplements into your routine.

Ashwagandha can also cause side effects during pregnancy so make sure to talk to your OBGYN about how best to take care of both you and your baby.

Biophytopharm

an Expert writer on Phytotherapy, aromatherapy, essential oils, and aromatic plants, and different uses for Women beauty and general Health, Have a Master On Phytogenetic resources and Phytotherapy

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