Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb from the nightshade family of plants. It is famous as Indian ginseng or winter cherry and has been linked to traditional Ayurvedic alternative to medicines for many years. Being herbal, the plant was valued in ancient Indian medicine and is still used today. Although many people in the herbal remedies community praise the plant, few are aware of the pros and cons of Ashwagandha. If you are also taking this herb in powder, capsules, or other forms, this is what you should know in the first place.
Like other herbs and natural remedies, Ashwagandha has both benefits and drawbacks. However, the drawbacks are minor compared to the overwhelming advantages of Ashwagandha. Let's take a look at the most common pros of Ashwagandha briefly.
Consuming Ashwagandha can help in relieving stress and anxiety. The herb works by increasing serotonin and GABAergic levels, which helps to keep your mood stable and relaxed. It helps regulate cortisol levels in the body, which are hormones that can cause anxiety when left unchecked.
A study suggests that consuming Ashwagandha can help improve concentration, focus, and alertness. The natural compound found in this plant helps improve cognitive function by increasing the activity of brain neurotransmitters. This ultimately helps improve your concentration levels, alertness, memory, learning capacity, reaction time, and decision-making skills.
Ashwagandha boosts the body's natural defense against infection and disease. Research shows that this nautral herb can improve the body's ability to resists bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by stimulating white blood cell production and increasing antibody formation.
Ashwagandha can boost your immune system by helping your cells fight infections. It can also lower inflammation in the body by reducing C-reactive protein (CRP), which in turn lowers the risk for heart disease.
In either powder or supplement form, Ashwagandha has been shown to enhance men's reproductive health. It can boost sex drive, sperm count, and its strength. All these factors make it a worthwhile option for couples who want to conceive or seek pleasure. Ashwagandha raises blood antioxidant levels, impacting sperm quality positively. For regular consumption, Ashwagandha is an excellent option.
The natural compound has many health benefits as proved by medical sciences. However, the over consumption or undirected use can lead to potential disadvantages of Ashwagandha. The most common cons include the following:
Ashwagandha can help you get sleep and improve the sleep quality balancing your sleep cycles. However, this relaxing effect can be inconvenient during the day and affect your ability to study or exercise. Therefore, the sleep-inducing effect of ashwagandha is an unwanted side effect when you need to be productive during the day.
The side effect of ashwagandha most commonly causes stomach upset is its strong diuretic properties. Undirected consumption of ashwagandha can lead to increased urination, bloating, gas, and gastrointestinal problems. Some people experience nausea when taking ashwagandha due to the herb’s bitter taste or taking too much at once.
Even though ashwagandha is a natural herb, it may be harmful to your health especially if you are on medication. If you are taking blood thinners or sedatives, taking ashwagandha can cause severe side effects when taken together. Therefore, always speak to your doctor before adding Ashwagandha to your diet or supplement regime.
Ashwagandha overdose can lead to stomach upset due to its high concentration of active ingredients. Nausea, vomiting, Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, and loss of appetite are some common symptoms of overdosing on ashwagandha. These symptoms temporary and generally go away after a few days. If you think you may have overdosed on ashwagandha, seek medical attention immediately. If you don’t pay attention, you may have further complications.
Conclusion
All in all, Ashwagandha is a powerful herb with many potential benefits. From reducing stress levels to improving cognitive function, this traditional Indian remedy has something for everyone. Understanding the pros and cons of ashwagandha before taking it seems like a smart idea. Ashwagandha is a great choice for those seeking to reduce stress and improve their well-being. Too much of herbs can also lead to complications and severe risks.
While small-to-medium doses of Ashwagandha are generally tolerable for most people, there is insufficient research to thoroughly assess potential side effects over extended periods. Consuming large quantities of Ashwagandha may result in digestive discomforts, such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. The reason behind this could be mucosal irritation in the intestines.
It is safe to take Ashwagandha daily if you do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. It is important to process Ashwagandha to obtain its purest form, as it may contain contaminants like dirt and heavy metals.
Talk to your health expert before taking Ashwagandha, especially if you have health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues, bleeding disorders, ulcers, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have surgery planned, stop taking Ashwagandha for at least two weeks beforehand. Follow precautions strictly if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.
