Does ashwagandha have any negative side effects?
Common side effects are mild and include stomach upset, loose stools, nausea, and drowsiness [8,21]. Increased heart rate variability has also been reported [17]. Evidence on the safety of using ashwagandha over many months or years is lacking. Ashwagandha can help support relaxation, as well as mental and physical wellbeing. You can take ashwagandha with vitamin D if it suits your routine, and you’ll find that some people include both as part of their daily supplement regime.There is evidence that ashwagandha might interact with some medications, including those for diabetes and high blood pressure, medicines that decrease the immune system response (immunosuppressants), sedatives, anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants), and thyroid hormone medications.While ashwagandha is generally known for its calming properties, it may potentially trigger anxiety in some individuals. People’s reactions to ashwagandha may vary due to their individual body chemistry. What might relax one person could make another more anxious.Even though it’s less well known than some of the above supplements, many studies suggest ashwagandha is safe. One small study did show a significant reduction in the anxiety-related symptoms in children with ADHD. This includes a reduction in anxiety regarding social concerns.
What not to mix with ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, because it seems to make the immune system more active, could also interfere with medications that suppress the immune system. Examples of these medications include cyclosporine, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, prednisone, and corticosteroids. It is commonly used for stress. There is little evidence for its use as an adaptogen. Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system.Ashwagandha, because it seems to make the immune system more active, could also interfere with medications that suppress the immune system. Examples of these medications include cyclosporine, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, prednisone, and corticosteroids.
What is the best time to take ashwagandha?
Generally, ashwagandha is taken before bedtime to help with sleep, but you can take it in the morning if you find it more activating. Some people respond quickly to ashwagandha, while others take more time. Usually, patients notice subtle effects within one month. Herbs shouldn’t be taken indefinitely. How long does it take for ashwagandha to work? That varies from person to person, just as it does when people try a new medication. I recommend taking ashwagandha for at least three months to see if you notice a difference. Typically, in four to 12 weeks, you’ll notice feeling calmer and probably sleeping better.Symptoms emerging after the discontinuation of ashwagandha have not been extensively documented. We report the case of a 20-year-old male who presented with tachycardia, insomnia, and symptoms of anxiety following abrupt discontinuation of ashwagandha extract (600 mg/day).Common side effects are mild and include stomach upset, loose stools, nausea, and drowsiness [8,21]. Increased heart rate variability has also been reported [17]. Evidence on the safety of using ashwagandha over many months or years is lacking.Ashwagandha may cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness, headache, and liver injury. Ashwagandha is generally safe and well-tolerated, but may have side effects like nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and headaches. More serious side effects can include liver problems, increased thyroid function, and allergic reactions.So it is advisable to consult a doctor if you are taking Ashwagandha or its supplements along with immunomodulatory drugs[26]. Ashwagandha may cause sedation. So it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Ashwagandha or its supplements along with sedatives as it may cause excessive sleepiness[4].
Is it safe to take ashwagandha every day?
One study found that 300 mg of ashwagandha per day was safe for most healthy adults. But safety beyond eight weeks or at higher doses is not well established. It’s also not safe for everyone: Avoid ashwagandha if you have an autoimmune or thyroid disorder, or have hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Proponents of Ashwagandha cycling believe that alternating between periods of use and periods of disuse can help your body avoid developing a tolerance to the dietary supplement so as to enhance these benefits and prevent certain side effects.Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for long-term use when taken at the recommended dosage,” Fryer said. However, the long-term effects of continuous use remain unclear. The dietary supplement might stop working as well over time because it acts like a drug on the brain.Based on the available evidence, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends that especially children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with acute or pre-existing liver disease should not take supplements containing ashwagandha.As well as increasing sexual desire and testosterone levels, some studies have suggested that taking ashwagandha may help to improve sperm count, sperm motility and overall semen quality.
How to give ashwagandha to kids?
Dosages. According to the research, the recommended daily dose of Ashwagandha is 300-500mg per day for adults and 100mg-200mg per day for children. When beginning Ashwagandha, it is best to start with the lowest dose and slowly increase it over time, as needed. Ashwagandha for Brain Health & Depression During one study, participants who took 225-600 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 30 days reported improved memory, better decision-making, and faster cognitive reaction.The ashwagandha extract used in our clinical study has recently been shown to improve cognitive flexibility, visual memory, reaction time, psychomotor speed, executive functioning, and stress response when administered for 30-days at doses of 225 or 400 mg [16].Typically, in four to 12 weeks, you’ll notice feeling calmer and probably sleeping better. The safety of taking ashwagandha beyond a year has not been studied, so it’s best to take breaks from the supplement. I usually recommend that people take it for six months, then follow up with their health care provider.