Is Ashwagandha a Drug? Exploring Its Uses and Safety
Ashwagandha is a popular herb, but many wonder: is ashwagandha a drug?
No, the simple answer, but there’s so much more to know about this powerful adaptogen.
Ashwagandha has garnered attention from all health conscious people around the globe due to its long history in Ayurveda and its increasing role in modern wellness.
In this article we’re going to look at ashwagandha and how it actually works, as well as if you should be adding it to your routine.
Let’s dive in.
What is Ashwagandha?
Withania somnifera is a small shrub found in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa, and is also known as Ashwagandha.
For over 3,000 years it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a promoting of overall health and wellness.
Ashwagandha is the Sanskrit word meaning “smell of a horse,” meaning both its smell and the belief that it gives the strength and vitality of a horse.
Ashwagandha is a natural herb extracted from the roots and berries of the plant, and is different from synthetic drugs.
It is a dietary supplement, because of its plant based origin and lack of chemical additives.
Is Ashwagandha a drug or a supplement?
Ashwagandha is a supplement, not a drug.
Drug and supplements differ in their intended use and regulation.
Drugs are manufactured or derived substances used to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions.
But supplements are natural products you take to help keep you healthy.
Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogen that falls under supplement category, which helps body to manage stress and keep balance.
Ashwagandha has a number of health benefits but hasn’t undergone the same rigorous drug testing that regulatory bodies like the FDA demand.
It is generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed, though.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Health
Due to its wide range of health benefits, Ashwagandha is one of the most popular herbs today.
Here are all the ways ashwagandha can help your body from stress relief to improving physical endurance.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Ashwagandha is one of the most famous stress and anxiety relieving herb.
Ashwagandha research proves it can lower cortisol, the hormone that causes stress (1).
Ashwagandha helps balance cortisol, so that your body can cope with the everyday stressors, and makes coping with anxiety and tension easier.
Improved Sleep Quality
Are you having trouble sleeping?
Ashwagandha has been shown to help with better sleep by calming the nervous system (2).
People who have insomnia or trouble winding down at night often recommend it as a natural sleep aid.
Physical Endurance and Strength is one of the topics.
Ashwagandha is catching on among athletes and fitness fiends who are looking to boost their performance.
Research has demonstrated that when taken along with exercise, ashwagandha has been proven to enhance physical endurance, enhance muscle mass and increase strength (3).
Adaptogenic properties of this supplement help the body adapt to physical stress, so it is a good supplement for those who lead an active lifestyle.
Hormonal Balance
Ashwagandha is also very useful in hormone regulation.
This can boost testosterone levels for men and also help with reproductive health (4).
Ashwagandha also helps balance hormones, something women can benefit from (and, in particular) when trying to cope with irregular periods or menopause symptoms.
Is Ashwagandha Safe to Use?
Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated by most people (5).
It’s a natural herb and therefore has low risk of side effects when taken in recommended doses.
Most people take ashwagandha well, with only mild side effects such as digestive problems or drowsiness in the rarest of cases, according to clinical studies.
But some groups need to be careful.
Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using ashwagandha if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication for autoimmune disorders.
If you’re not sure if you should take ashwagandha, it’s always best to check in with a doctor.
Does Ashwagandha Show Up on a Drug Test?
Ashwagandha has also been known to cause a false positive on a drug test.
The good news is that Ashwagandha doesn’t show up on drug tests.
Ashwagandha is an herb, so it doesn’t contain substances that are usually screened for in drug testing, like opiates, amphetamines and other controlled substances.
It’s naturally composed, so it won’t interfere with standard drug tests for employment, sports, or legal purposes.
Ashwagandha is safe for people who are concerned about passing a drug screening, and this is due to this fact.
Is Ashwagandha Legal?
Ashwagandha is legal in most countries, including the United States.
It is a dietary supplement, sold over the counter or online without prescription.
But keep in mind that some countries, or even regions, could ban it.
For example, ashwagandha is a banned substance in some Nordic countries where authorities have raised concerns about its long term effects.
If you use ashwagandha, it’s a good idea to consult your country or region’s rules to check whether it’s legal to use ashwagandha.
Side Effects of Ashwagandha that are Common
Ashwagandha is usually safe, but there are some side effects to know about.
Side effects are most often mild and rare, but can occur if ashwagandha is taken too much or if you are sensitive to the herb.
Some possible side effects include:
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Sensitive individuals allergic reactions
Ashwagandha is generally safe, but to minimize the risk of side effects, stick to recommended dosage and don’t take ashwagandha on an empty stomach.
How to Use Ashwagandha Safely
Ashwagandha is easy to incorporate into your routine, but it’s important to get the most out of it and avoid any potential risks by doing so.
Here are some best practices for using ashwagandha safely:
Dosage: Begin at a low dose (300–500 mg daily) and ramp up as necessary. Doses up to 600 mg daily are recommended by most studies for best results.
Forms: Ashwagandha is available in capsule, powder, and tincture form. Find the form that works for you.
Timing: Ashwagandha is good for stress relief and sleep, so take it in the evening. Take it in the morning before workouts and before you need physical endurance.
Consistency: The best way to use ashwagandha is to take it consistently over time. It’s not a one time fix; it’s a supplement to long term health.
Final Thoughts
The herb Ashwagandha is a very powerful herb that has many health benefits.
While it isn’t a drug, it can reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance physical performance and balance hormones to make it a good addition to a balanced lifestyle.
Finding ashwagandha if you’re searching for a safe, effective way to improve your well-being.
As always, it’s always best to talk to your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Learn how ashwagandha can fit into your life and check out Wild Foods’ natural product offerings to support your path to greater health.
✨ Feel the Calm! Embrace a peaceful mind and balanced body with Ashwagandha.
FAQs
Does Ashwagandha show up on a drug test?
Ashwagandha does not result in a positive on drug tests.
Is ashwagandha a steroid?
Ashwagandha is not a steroid. It is a natural adaptogenic herb.
Is it safe to take Ashwagandha daily?
Ashwagandha is safe for daily use when taken at recommended doses.
Is ashwagandha safe to take long term?
Yes, you can take ashwagandha over the long term, but it’s recommended to take breaks every so often.
Is Ashwagandha safe for everyone?
Most people can use ashwagandha, but pregnant people or those with medical conditions should talk to a doctor first.
Related Studies
1. Title: A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress
This study found that ashwagandha root extract significantly reduced cortisol levels and improved stress and anxiety in healthy individuals over a 60-day period.
Link: https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2023/10130/a_standardized_ashwagandha_root_extract_alleviates.42.aspx
2. Title: An investigation into the stress-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of ashwagandha
This research demonstrated that ashwagandha intake led to significant reductions in morning cortisol and improvements in anxiety levels among participants.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6750292/
3. Title: Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?
The review highlighted that ashwagandha supplementation resulted in lower cortisol levels and improved psychological well-being, particularly at doses of 500 to 600 mg/day.
Link: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
4. Title: Effects of Ashwagandha on Sleep Quality in Patients with Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial concluded that ashwagandha significantly improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms among participants.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/
5. Title: The effects of ashwagandha on physical performance in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis indicated that ashwagandha supplementation enhances physical performance, muscle strength, and endurance in active individuals.
Link: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2020/11000/the_effects_of_ashwagandha_on_physical.5.aspx
