Known as Ashwagandha for its many medical benefits, it has been used for thousands of years to treat many conditions in what is called alternative medicine. It's described as one of the herbs that helps keep the body young mentally and physically.
Ashwagandha is a strong herb with many protective and anti-inflammatory properties. People use it to reduce stress, anxiety, fatigue, and diabetes. However, it also has many negative effects and harms you should know about well before starting to take it.
In this article, we will learn about the harms of taking Ashwagandha and also the precautions needed to take it safely.
10 possible side effects of taking Ashwagandha
Taking Ashwagandha can be effective for many things like easing stress and anxiety. It also strengthens the central nervous system, lowers blood sugar levels, improves mental health in bipolar disorder, and helps those with insomnia sleep better.
But still, it can cause some harm and side effects, including:-
1. Ashwagandha is harmful during pregnancy
It is not recommended to take Ashwagandha during pregnancy periods and breastfeeding, because it contains some substances that can cause miscarriage, early birth, or even uterine contractions, so it’s not safe during the pregnancy.
2. Ashwagandha causes liver damage
According to many studies, sick people taking commercial products with Ashwagandha may suffer from liver damage Liver, and other liver problems.
3. Ashwagandha lowers blood sugar levels
Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can reduce blood sugar levels, but if you are someone who takes medicine for diabetes, it might not be a good idea to take Ashwagandha because the herb can lower blood sugar dangerously, causing other health problems.
4. Ashwagandha causes dry mouth
Taking a lot of Ashwagandha can cause dry mouth for some people, so it's important to be careful and see a doctor right away if this happens.
5. Ashwagandha may cause bleeding
People who have bleeding issues should avoid taking Ashwagandha because it might increase bleeding, which could lead to more serious problems like anemia.
6. Ashwagandha may cause fever
Some people may experience a rise in body temperature after taking Ashwagandha. The temperature usually goes back to normal in a few days. So, if you have a fever for any reason, talk to your doctor first before taking Ashwagandha.
7. Ashwagandha may cause allergies
Ashwagandha can cause allergic reactions in some people allergic to nightshades. Symptoms may include rash, itching, chest pain, trouble breathing, inflammation, and nausea.
8. Ashwagandha may cause drowsiness
Many people use ashwagandha before bed because it helps promote sleep, but taking too much with sedatives can cause excessive drowsiness, so it's important to check with a doctor about this.
9. Ashwagandha can cause hyperthyroidism
Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland or Hyperthyroidism is a health condition where thyroid hormone levels in the blood are high. Studies show that ashwagandha increases thyroid hormone levels, so people who already have hyperthyroidism might face annoying symptoms.
Also, people who suffer from Thyroid gland failure or Hypothyroidism Ask for medical advice before taking ashwagandha because it can interact with some medicines people are taking.
10. Ashwagandha affects the stomach
High doses of ashwagandha, over 6000 mg of root powder or 1500 mg of root extract, can irritate the stomach lining.
How to take ashwagandha
You can take ashwagandha in many ways and forms, for example:-
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You can take ashwagandha as tablets or capsules twice a day with a cup of warm milk or water after food, or follow your doctor's instructions.
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You can take 1 ¼ - 2 teaspoons of ashwagandha herb with honey or milk, or as your doctor advises.
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You can make ashwagandha tea by adding one spoon of powder to two cups of water and boiling until the water is reduced by half. You can add milk and honey for extra flavor.
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You can make an ashwagandha milkshake by mixing two teaspoons of powder with one spoon of honey and a cup of milk.
Precautions for taking ashwagandha
To avoid any side effects or harm from taking ashwagandha, you should follow your doctor's specific instructions. Also, there are some precautions you need to consider. These include:-
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You should take ashwagandha with a full cup of water, and it's better to take it with meals.
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Ashwagandha can interact with some medicines, so you should carefully check your medication list and discuss it with your doctor.
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Long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known, so there’s little info on its long-term side effects. But taking high doses may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In the end, Ashwagandha is a healthy herb that offers many important health benefits for the body. But on the other hand, it can also cause some serious harms, which you should pay close attention to.
Source of the article:- 1.
