30 Sec Answer: You should not mix Ashwagandha with certain medications, such as anticoagulants, thyroid medication, sedatives, and blood sugar-lowering drugs. It is also best to avoid mixing it with alcohol, caffeine, and other herbal supplements that have a sedative effect.
Introduction
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has many potential health benefits and is known to help reduce anxiety and stress levels, boost immunity, improve sleep quality, enhance physical performance, and more. While it is generally considered safe when taken according to the recommended dosage, there are certain things you should avoid mixing with ashwagandha. In this article, we will discuss what can you not mix with ashwagandha and why.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an herb native to India that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). It is believed to have various health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety levels, boosting immunity, improving sleep quality, enhancing physical performance, increasing energy levels, and promoting overall wellbeing. The root of the plant is usually dried and ground into a powder or consumed as a supplement in capsule form.
Potential Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha
There are numerous potential health benefits associated with taking ashwagandha on a regular basis. Some of these include:
- Reducing stress and anxiety levels: Studies have found that ashwagandha may help to reduce cortisol levels and improve symptoms of stress and anxiety.
- Boosting immune system function: Studies suggest that ashwagandha may help to stimulate the production of white blood cells which play an important role in fighting off infection.
- Improving sleep quality: Research suggests that taking ashwagandha may help to improve sleep quality by reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increasing total sleeping time.
- Enhancing physical performance: Studies show that taking ashwagandha may help to increase muscle strength and endurance as well as reduce fatigue after exercise.
- Increasing energy levels: Studies suggest that taking ashwagandha may help to increase energy levels by reducing fatigue during intense exercise or long periods of mental work.
What Can You Not Mix With Ashwagandha?
While it is generally considered safe when taken according to the recommended dosage, there are certain things you should avoid mixing with ashwagandha due to possible interactions or side effects. Here are some examples:
Medications
You should not mix Ashwagandha with certain medications such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), thyroid medication, sedatives, and blood sugar-lowering drugs without first consulting your doctor. This is because Ashwagandha may interact with these medications or cause unwanted side effects if taken together.
Alcohol & Caffeine
It is best to avoid mixing Ashwagandha with alcohol or caffeine as both can interfere with its effectiveness or cause adverse reactions. Additionally, combining them could lead to dehydration or other unwanted side effects due to their diuretic properties.
Other Herbal Supplements
You should also be careful about mixing Ashwagandha with other herbal supplements that have a sedative effect such as valerian root or kava kava as they could increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness or dizziness.
Summary & Safety Precautions
In summary, while it is generally considered safe when taken according to the recommended dosage, there are certain things you should avoid mixing with Ashwagandha due to possible interactions or side effects. These include certain medications such as anticoagulants, thyroid medication, sedatives, and blood sugar-lowering drugs; alcohol; caffeine; and other herbal supplements that have a sedative effect such as valerian root or kava kava. As always, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen in order to ensure safety and optimal results.
