30 Sec Answer: While ashwagandha is generally used to help relieve anxiety, some people may experience more anxiety when taking the supplement. It is important to be aware of any potential side effects and talk to your doctor before taking ashwagandha or any other supplement.
Introduction
Ashwagandha is a popular herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. This plant, also known as Indian ginseng, has been traditionally used to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Recently, it has become increasingly popular due to its ability to treat various medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its many potential benefits, there have been reports of ashwagandha causing more anxiety in some users. In this article, we will discuss the potential risks associated with taking ashwagandha and how to best determine if it is safe for you to take.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub native to India and North Africa that belongs to the nightshade family of plants. Its scientific name is Withania somnifera, but it is commonly referred to by its Hindi name “ashwagandha” which means “smell of horse” due to its strong aroma resembling that of a horse. The root and berry of the plant are most commonly used medicinally, either in powder form or as an extract. Ashwagandha contains several active compounds including alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides), saponins, flavonoids, and choline. These compounds are thought to be responsible for its numerous health benefits such as reducing stress and improving cognitive function.
Potential Benefits Of Ashwagandha
There are many potential benefits associated with taking ashwagandha including:
-Reducing stress levels and symptoms of anxiety
-Improving mood
-Increasing energy levels
-Boosting immunity
-Improving memory and concentration
-Decreasing inflammation
-Lowering blood sugar levels
-Reducing fatigue
-Improving fertility in men
Potential Risks Associated With Taking Ashwagandha
While ashwagandha can provide many health benefits, it can also pose certain risks when taken improperly or in high doses. Some of the possible risks associated with taking ashwagandha include:
-Increased Anxiety: Some users have reported feeling more anxious after taking ashwagandha due to its stimulating effect on the nervous system. This can be especially true if the user already suffers from anxiety or panic disorder. It is important to talk with your doctor about any potential side effects before taking ashwagandha or any other supplement.
-Interaction with Certain Medications: Ashwagandha may interact with certain medications including anticoagulants (blood thinners), diabetes medications, sedatives/hypnotics, thyroid hormones, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants, antipsychotics, beta blockers, lithium, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, chemotherapeutic agents and steroids. Therefore it is important to talk to your doctor before starting a course of ashwagandha if you are currently taking any medication or supplements.
-Stomach Irritation: Some users may experience mild stomach irritation when taking high doses of ashwagandha due to its stimulatory effect on the digestive system. This can manifest itself as nausea or vomiting in some cases. If you experience any stomach discomfort while taking ashwagandha it is best to discontinue use immediately and speak with your doctor about other options for managing your condition.
-Possible Hormonal Imbalances: There have been reports that long term use of ashwaghanda can lead to imbalances in hormone levels such as cortisol and testosterone. Therefore it is best not to take large amounts over an extended period of time without consulting a doctor first.
When To Avoid Taking Ashwaghanda
-If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: There isn’t enough research available yet on the safety of using ashwaganda during pregnancy or breastfeeding so it’s best to avoid until more research has been done.
-If you have any pre existing medical conditions: Before taking ashwaganda make sure you talk with your doctor if you suffer from any chronic medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes as they may suggest alternative treatments that would be better suited for your individual case.
-If you are already taking medications or supplements: As previously mentioned ashwaganda can interact negatively with certain medications and supplements so make sure you check with your doctor before starting a new regimen just in case there could be any unwanted interactions between them all
How To Safely Take Ashawganda
-Start Slow: Start off by slowly introducing small doses into your routine until you know how it will affect you personally rather than jumping straight into a higher dose right away
-Monitor Your Symptoms Closely: Keep track of any changes you notice in yourself both physically and mentally after beginning a course of ashawganda supplementation so that if anything starts becoming concerning then you can stop immediately
-Speak To A Health Professional: Before beginning a course of ashawganda supplementation make sure that you speak with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your individual circumstances and history who will be able to advise on what would be best for you specifically
Conclusion
Taking supplemental forms of natural remedies such as ashawganda can potentially provide numerous health benefits however they do come with certain risks associated with them which should be taken into consideration before deciding whether they are suitable for your individual case or not. Make sure that you monitor closely any changes in your symptoms after beginning a course of treatment and consult with a healthcare professional beforehand just in case there could be any dangerous interactions between different substances that could arise from combining them together