Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is a natural remedy particularly dear to Ayurvedic medicine. This does not mean, however, that it is free from contraindications and possible side effects that it is good to know to avoid unpleasant surprises after taking.
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THEAshwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is a natural remedy particularly dear to Ayurvedic medicine. This does not mean, however, that it is free from contraindications and possible side effects that it is good to know to avoid unpleasant surprises after taking.
Ashwagandha is a plant recommended especially in case of stress, fatigue, difficulty concentrating but also as a tonic following an illness.
Generally it is a safe and rich in natural remedy beneficial effects for the body and the mind. However, it must be said that its safety often depends on the dosage, which is why it is always good to avoid the self-prescription of supplements and natural remedies by relying instead on the care and advice of an expert.
Some people may experience side effects from taking ashwagandha including:
Index
Allergy
There is an allergy to ashwagandha which can cause reactions such as itching, inflammation, rash, chest pain and difficulty in breathing. People allergic to nightshades should be especially careful as this plant belongs to the same family.
Gastrointestinal problems
Ashwagandha can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and therefore should be avoided by those with stomach ulcers. Constipation is another side effect seen in people who take it for long periods but the plant could also cause diarrhea on the contrary.
Drowsiness
The relaxing properties of the plant could make you drowsy. Never use ashwagandha in conjunction with sedative medications.
Dry mouth
Taking too much ashwagandha can cause dry mouth in some individuals.
Bleeding
Ashwagandha can cause bleeding, which is why anyone suffering from a bleeding disease or is about to undergo surgery should avoid taking this remedy.
Excessive reduction in blood sugar
Ashwagandha is capable of lowering blood sugar levels, however this may not always be beneficial, for example for those taking blood sugar control medications. In this case, the decline could be too large.
Temperature
The use of ashwagandha can raise the body temperature and cause fever one or two weeks after taking it. Body temperature usually returns to normal after a few days.
To be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ashwagandha is one of those herbs that can harm the fetus or even cause miscarriages. Furthermore, there is little information on the safety of ashwagandha while breastfeeding, it is always better to avoid taking it.
Hyperthyroidism
Ashwagandha is known to increase thyroid hormone concentrations and is therefore generally not recommended for those suffering from hyperthyroidism. Even individuals with hypothyroidism should still consult their doctor before taking the remedy.
Autoimmune diseases
Ashwagandha is known to boost the immune system but this can prove to be a problem for people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or multiple sclerosis. This is because the drugs taken to treat these diseases reduce the response of the immune system and ashwagandha goes to interact negatively with them.
Erectile dysfunction
According to researchers from Ruhuna University, ashwagandha root extract could cause erectile dysfunction and decrease male sexual performance. Usually the plant is known to the contrary for being aphrodisiac but this study seems to disagree with tradition.
Warnings
To avoid the side effects of ashwagandha as much as possible, it is important to take the remedy in the right dosage and strictly follow the medical advice. We remind you that even plants and in general the remedies that nature offers us can be dangerous if taken badly, especially if you use drugs at the same time.
Also investigate the contraindications of other known natural remedies:
- Goji berries: contraindications
- Hypericum: all the properties, benefits and contraindications of St. John's wort
- Interaction between drugs and herbal remedies: a study warns about possible harmful effects
