Are there side effects of taking ashwagandha daily?

Are you feeling stressed and tired both physically and mentally? Or do you wish to calm your brain, reduce inflammation, improve your immune system, or lower blood pressure? If yes, then you need to try the evergreen shrub called Ashwagandha. 

Native to Asia and Africa, this herb has been used as an "adaptogen", however, there is very little medically backed evidence. 

Since ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen, it is very useful in treating stress, sleep deprivation, high blood pressure, and more. When the world was reeling from coronavirus, many ayurvedists claimed ashwagandha was effective in treating most of the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, however, there is no medical evidence supporting this claim. 

Potentially Effective for 

If you are stressed or suffering from lethargicness, it is believed that oral consumption of ashwagandha helps in reducing stress in certain individuals. It has also shown signs of helping those who seek to reduce weight.  

Side Effects of Ashwagandha 

• Oral Consumption: Ashwagandha is considered safe when taken orally for 90 days and has no serious side effects. However, it is said that consuming ashwagandha in large quantities could lead to stomach pain, nausea, loose bowels, and vomiting, and in some cases liver issues. 
• Topical Application: There isn't sufficient data to support whether topical application of ashwagandha has any known side effects.

Precautions To Keep When Taking Ashwagandha 

• Pregnancy: It might be dangerous to consume ashwagandha when pregnant, however, there is no medical evidence of side effects of consuming ashwagandha when a woman is pregnant.  

• Breastfeeding: There isn't sufficient data to support the side-effects of consuming ashwagandha when breastfeeding. However, stay vigilant and be cautious of the quantity you are consuming.  

• Auto-immune illnesses: If you are suffering from auto-immune illnesses like multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid joint inflammation (RA), or something other, then consuming ashwagandha could worsen the issues, as this herb is known to improve the immune system and it could make your immune system more active that may worsen the condition.  
• Medical procedure: Ashwagandha might interact negatively with your nervous system when you are undergoing medical procedures as you are under sedation and different drugs. You should avoid the herb at least two weeks before the surgery.

• Thyroid problems: Ashwagandha may give a rise to thyroid chemical levels. It is advisable to stay away from ashwagandha if you are taking thyroid medications.  

Interaction With Other Drugs   

Although ashwagandha is considered the safest herb to consume, you need to be careful if you are on certain medications:

Immunosuppressants: You need to avoid consuming ashwagandha if you have a weak immune system and are on immunosuppressants. Ashwagandha improves the immune response of your body, so consuming ashwagandha alongside drugs that decline to treat auto-immune medication could complicate the issue.  

Sedatives: Ashwagandha does not interact well with sedative medications like Benzodiazepines. Consuming it with such medication could lead to sluggishness and sleepiness. Taking ashwagandha alongside narcotic meds could cause drowsiness. 

Thyroid Medications: The chemical from thyroid medications does not interact well with ashwagandha. The body normally creates thyroid hormones. Ashwagandha may affect how much thyroid hormone your body might produce. Taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone medication may cause an excess of thyroid hormones in the body, and could complicate the issue. 

Dosage of Ashwagandha 

Adults can consume about 1000 mg of ashwagandha every day, for as long as 12 weeks without any major side effects. However, it is best to talk to your physician before including anything new in your diet.  

Conclusion:

Ashwagandha is the root of Ayurveda. It has been used for over centuries to help calm nerves, lower blood pressure, as well as help, treat children with memory deficits. So, why are you waiting, try out this Rasayana tonic now!