Side Effects of Ashwagandha: What You Need to Know Before Using
Ashwagandha holds a premier status among adaptogenic therapeutic plants, and people utilize it extensively to reduce stress and enhance energy and well-being.
However, you should be mindful of the possible side effects of Ashwagandha on your body before consuming it.
While Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for use, some persons experience side effects from excessive consumption or when paired with certain medications.
This article examines the risks of Ashwagandha supplementation, its interactions with human physiology, and groups needing particular caution while taking this supplement.
Common Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Ashwagandha
Many users experience good tolerance to Ashwagandha, but specific individuals may develop digestive issues.
Nausea and Vomiting
Ashwagandha ingestion can result in nausea as a side effect, mainly if a person takes it without eating.
The stomach lining irritation happens due to withanolides present within Ashwagandha.
You can prevent nausea by taking Ashwagandha with meals or in smaller doses.
When taken in large amounts or when people have sensitive stomachs, Ashwagandha supplements have the potential to cause vomiting as one of the minimal side effects of Ashwagandha consumption (1).
Diarrhea and Stomach Upset
A few users experience diarrhea with stomach cramping following their use of Ashwagandha.
These symptoms are caused by significant side effects on metabolism and digestion.
Moreover, high doses of Ashwagandha consumption lead to higher risks of digestive stress.
Regular consumption of Ashwagandha can often be resolved by reducing dosage and stopping its use, especially when stomach upset persists.
Potential Liver Concerns
Users who consume Ashwagandha might develop liver damage on a relatively infrequent basis.
Reports of Liver Injury
According to research, some users of Ashwagandha may experience harmful effects on their liver.
Strange feelings of exhaustion combined with jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes, as well as dark-colored pee signal liver health complications.
People with existing liver conditions should seek medical advice before starting ashwagandha treatment, although such cases remain unusual.
Monitoring Liver Health
Testing your liver enzyme levels via blood tests becomes an essential practice when you take Ashwagandha persistently.
Those who routinely consume alcohol or take medications that impact the liver should pay close attention to their health.
Hormonal Effects of Ashwagandha
Scientific studies demonstrate that the side effects of Ashwagandha include changes in specific hormonal elements, particularly by regulating thyroid hormones and those in the reproductive system.
Impact on Thyroid Function
One of the side effects of Ashwagandha involves increased thyroid hormone production that aids in treating hypothyroidism.
However, the condition of individuals with hyperthyroidism may become more severe when consuming Ashwagandha.
You should speak with your doctor before taking Ashwagandha.
If you take thyroid medication, your doctor will help you control the possible risk of hormone imbalance (2).
Testosterone Level Alterations
Scientific studies suggest Ashwagandha improves the testosterone levels found in male bodies.
People suffering from low testosterone stand to gain advantages from Ashwagandha, but patients with hormone-sensitive diseases such as prostate cancer could experience adverse effects.
Ashwagandha supplements should be treated with caution by women who have polycystic ovary syndrome because elevated testosterone levels might intensify their existing symptoms.
It is essential for people to understand the side effects of Ashwagandha and to make informed decisions regarding its usage, taking into account its hormonal effects.
Allergic Reactions and Skin Issues
Allergic reactions can develop similarly to other herbal supplements in people who consume Ashwagandha.
Skin Rashes and Itching
Users have documented cases of rashes as well as itching or skin-related side effects that developed following Ashwagandha consumption.
This is because the Ashwagandha plant contains a chemical that triggers the allergic reaction.
Threrefore, the doctor should be contacted if skin irritation appears following ashwagandha use so you can stop using it.
Identifying Allergic Responses
Breathing problems, puffiness, and dizziness are signs of an allergic reaction.
When these symptoms appear, quickly seeking medical attention is necessary.
Ashwagandha's Interaction with Medications
Using Ashwagandha with specific medications alters the prescription's effectiveness and may worsen side effects (3).
Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Medications
Both laboratory and clinical research demonstrate that Ashwagandha effectively decreases blood glucose levels.
As a reusult, Ashwagandha is beneficial for diabetics; however, using it in conjunction with insulin or blood-glucose medications raises the risk of serious hypoglycemia.
Similarly, Ashwagandha may cause excessive blood pressure reduction, which could cause problems for those on antihypertensive medications.
When there is an excessive amount of pharmaceutical interaction, blood pressure drops enough to cause symptoms, including weakness, dizziness, and fainting.
Sedatives and Immunosuppressants
Because of its calming properties, Ashwagandha is a helpful stress-reduction tool.
Using Ashwagandha with prescription sedatives may strengthen side the effects of these drugs so users experience intense drowsiness or lethargy.
Ashwagandha may boost the immune system to the extent that it counteracts immunosuppressant drugs prescribed for autoimmune diseases or organ transplant recipients.
Given the potential side effects of Ashwagandha when taking any other medication, you should talk to your doctor before starting Ashwagandha treatment.
Special Precautions for Specific Populations
Particular groups of people need additional care when they use Ashwagandha.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Expectant mothers should never consume Ashwagandha since it leads to uterine contractions that raise the chance of miscarriage (4).
Furthermore, the available evidence regarding Ashwagandha safety for breastfeeding women is insufficient.
Therefore, consult your doctor about using Ashwagandha if you are pregnant or nursing.
Individuals with Autoimmune Disorders
Ashwagandha poses a risk to those with multiple sclerosis or lupus rheumatoid arthritis because it increases immune system activation.
The symptoms of these immune system overactivations may experience a negative impact from using ashwagandha supplements.
Before using this herb, you need to seek medical advice if you currently have an autoimmune disease (5).
Final Thoughts
While Ashwagandha offers multiple health benefits, it is important to be aware of the side effects of Ashwagandha to ensure safe use.
Additional use of Ashwagandha might cause stomach problems alongside hormone fluctuations and allergic responses that could interfere with current medications.
Several groups including pregnant women, patients with autoimmune diseases, and consumers of certain medications, should take a measured approach to Ashwagandha usage.
To minimize the side effects of Ashwagandha, individuals who wish to try Ashwagandha should begin small doses to track how their body reacts.
You should see a doctor before beginning any new supplement, particularly if you are taking prescription drugs or have health issues.
🌱 Is Ashwagandha Right for You? Discover the potential risks, side effects, and safe usage tips before adding it to your wellness routine! ⚡
FAQ
Can Ashwagandha cause liver damage?
Liver damage linked to Ashwagandha consumption occurs infrequently, but case reports related to this effect do exist.
Before using supplements of Ashwagandha, anyone with liver disease should consult their physician.
Is it safe to take ashwagandha with thyroid medication?
It is best to see a doctor about the safety of using Ashwagandha and thyroid drugs together.
Ashwagandha might affect thyroid hormone balance; thus, a doctor's advice must be obtained before taking thyroid medication with Ashwagandha.
What are the most common side effects of Ashwagandha?
The most common side effects that occur after using Ashwagandha treatment include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, along with sleepiness and allergic reactions.
Can pregnant women take Ashwagandha?
It is risky to take ashwagandha orally while pregnant since it may cause uterine contractions, which increases the chance of miscarriage.
Does ashwagandha interact with blood pressure medications?
Ashwagandha influences the performance of blood pressure medication treatments.
Additionally, Ashwagandha may lower blood pressure, so patients on blood pressure medication must be closely monitored.
Added knowledge about potential side effects of Ashwagandha will help you determine whether it matches your needs.
Related Studies
1. Title: Medicines containing Withania somnifera (Withania, Ashwagandha)
Reports indicate that ashwagandha can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with severe cases requiring hospitalization.
Link: https://www.tga.gov.au/news/safety-alerts/medicines-containing-withania-somnifera-withania-ashwagandha
2. Title: Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?
A study found that ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels, particularly T4, in individuals taking a standardized extract.
Link: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
3. Title: Is Ashwagandha Safe? Side Effects, Precautions & Benefits
Clinical evaluations have reported allergic reactions and other serious side effects associated with ashwagandha use, including liver injury in some cases.
Link: https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/is-ashwagandha-safe
4. Title: Ashwagandha - Uses, Side Effects, and More
Ashwagandha may exacerbate autoimmune conditions and is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals taking certain medications due to potential adverse effects.
Link: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-953/ashwagandha
5. Title: Is Ashwagandha Safe? Side Effects, Precautions & Benefits
The study indicates that while ashwagandha is generally safe for short-term use (up to three months), its long-term safety remains unclear, highlighting the need for caution regarding dosage.
Link: https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/is-ashwagandha-safe
