When Should Ashwagandha Be Avoided? Contraindications and Precautions

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to promote overall health and well-being. The herb is gaining popularity in the West due to its potential benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and boosting the immune system. However, like any other supplement or medication, ashwagandha may not be suitable for everyone, and it’s important to know when to avoid it or take precautions. In this article, we’ll discuss ashwagandha’s contraindications and precautions, based on available research and medical experts’ opinions.

Possible Side Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is generally considered safe, with minimum side effects reported in clinical trials. However, people may experience certain adverse effects, particularly if they consume too much or have an allergy to the herb. Some common side effects of ashwagandha include:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness

If you experience any of these symptoms after taking ashwagandha, stop using the supplement and consult your healthcare provider.

While ashwagandha is generally safe, it may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using ashwagandha, as there is not enough research to determine its safety in these populations.

Some people may also experience allergic reactions to ashwagandha. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking ashwagandha, seek medical attention immediately.

How Does Ashwagandha Work in the Body?

To understand ashwagandha’s contraindications and precautions, it’s important to know how the herb works in the body. Ashwagandha contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides), and flavonoids, which may exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Ashwagandha may also regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for the body’s stress response. By modulating the HPA axis, ashwagandha may reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation. However, ashwagandha may also interact with certain medications or medical conditions, as discussed below.

One of the potential benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to improve brain function. Studies have shown that ashwagandha may enhance memory and cognitive function, as well as reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This may be due to its ability to regulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

Ashwagandha may also have anti-cancer properties. Some studies have found that withanolides, the active compounds in ashwagandha, may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death) in certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential anti-cancer effects of ashwagandha.

Is Ashwagandha Safe for Pregnant Women?

Although ashwagandha has been traditionally used for fertility and reproductive health, there is limited research on its safety during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using ashwagandha unless specifically prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider. Ashwagandha may stimulate uterine contractions and affect fetal development, according to animal studies. Additionally, there may be a risk of allergic reactions or contamination in ashwagandha supplements, which can harm the mother and the fetus.

It is important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements, including ashwagandha. The healthcare provider can evaluate the potential risks and benefits of using ashwagandha during pregnancy and determine if it is safe for the mother and the developing fetus. In some cases, the healthcare provider may recommend alternative treatments or therapies that are safer for pregnant women.

Furthermore, it is important to note that ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, such as sedatives, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and immunosuppressants. Pregnant women who are taking these medications should avoid using ashwagandha, as it may interfere with their effectiveness or cause adverse effects. Again, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or medications during pregnancy.

Can Ashwagandha Interact with Other Medications?

Ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, the immune system, or the thyroid gland. For instance, ashwagandha may enhance the effects of sedatives or antidepressants, leading to excessive drowsiness or dizziness. It may also reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs or interfere with the management of autoimmune disorders. In addition, ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormone levels and worsen hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Therefore, if you’re taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, or have a thyroid disorder, consult your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha.

Furthermore, ashwagandha may also interact with certain medications used to treat diabetes. It may lower blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous if you’re already taking medications that lower blood sugar. Therefore, if you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely if you’re taking ashwagandha.

On the other hand, ashwagandha may also have potential interactions with medications that increase blood pressure. It may have a mild sedative effect, which can enhance the effects of blood pressure medications and lead to excessive drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, if you’re taking any medications for high blood pressure, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha.

Precautions for People with Autoimmune Disorders

Ashwagandha may have immunomodulatory properties, meaning it may boost the immune system or suppress it, depending on the individual’s health status. Therefore, people with autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis, should be cautious when taking ashwagandha. There is limited evidence on whether ashwagandha can exacerbate or improve autoimmune conditions, and more research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy in this population. Some experts recommend avoiding ashwagandha if you have an autoimmune disorder, while others suggest starting with a low dose and monitoring any adverse effects.

It is important to note that ashwagandha may interact with certain medications commonly used to treat autoimmune disorders, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha if you have an autoimmune disorder or are taking any medications. Additionally, if you experience any adverse effects while taking ashwagandha, such as increased inflammation or worsening of symptoms, it is important to stop taking it and seek medical advice.

Ashwagandha and Thyroid Function: What You Need to Know

Ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormone levels and function, which can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the person’s thyroid health. Some studies suggest that ashwagandha can increase serum levels of thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine, and enhance thyroid function in people with subclinical hypothyroidism. These findings suggest that ashwagandha may be helpful for people with an underactive thyroid, particularly if they have mild symptoms or don’t respond well to conventional thyroid medication. However, ashwagandha may also interfere with the absorption or synthesis of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, depending on the dose and duration of use. Therefore, if you have a thyroid condition or are taking thyroid medication, consult your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha.

Dosage Recommendations for Ashwagandha Supplements

The optimal dosage of ashwagandha depends on various factors, such as age, weight, health status, and the form of the supplement. Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. The standardized extract of ashwagandha, known as KSM-66, is a popular form that contains a high concentration of withanolides. Most clinical studies on ashwagandha have used doses ranging from 250mg to 600mg per day, divided into two or three doses. However, some experts recommend starting with a lower dose, such as 50mg to 100mg per day, and gradually increasing it based on your tolerance and response. It’s important to follow the dosage instructions on the product label or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

How to Choose a High-Quality Ashwagandha Product

When choosing an ashwagandha supplement, it’s important to look for a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Some factors to consider when buying ashwagandha supplements include:

• The form and concentration of the supplement
• The purity and potency of the active compounds
• The presence of other ingredients or additives
• The price and value for money
• The reputation and reviews of the brand

Some brands that offer quality ashwagandha supplements include Nature’s Way, KSM-66, Gaia Herbs, and Himalaya Wellness. It’s also advisable to buy from a reputable retailer or online store that offers a money-back guarantee and reliable customer service.

Benefits and Risks of Using Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha has been traditionally used to reduce stress and anxiety, and there is some evidence to support its efficacy in this regard. For instance, a 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials concluded that ashwagandha supplements may improve anxiety symptoms and quality of life in people with anxiety disorders. Another study found that ashwagandha reduced cortisol levels and perceived stress in adults with chronic stress. While these findings are promising, more research is needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of ashwagandha for stress and anxiety, as well as its long-term safety.

Potential Risks of Using Ashwagandha for Depression and Bipolar Disorder

While ashwagandha may be helpful for anxiety, it may not be suitable for everyone who has depression or bipolar disorder. Some studies suggest that ashwagandha may have a mood-stabilizing effect and improve depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. However, other studies have found that ashwagandha may exacerbate bipolar symptoms, particularly mania or hypomania. Additionally, ashwagandha may interact with antidepressant medications or increase the risk of suicidal ideation in some people. Therefore, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider if you have depression or bipolar disorder before taking ashwagandha.

Can Ashwagandha Help with Sleep?

Ashwagandha may have some sedative and sleep-enhancing effects, according to preclinical and clinical studies. For instance, a small study in 2019 found that ashwagandha supplements improved sleep quality and reduced awakenings in people with insomnia. Another study in rats suggested that ashwagandha extract increased the duration of non-REM (deep) sleep. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of ashwagandha for sleep, as well as its safety and efficacy in people with sleep disorders.

How to Incorporate Ashwagandha into Your Daily Routine

If you decide to take ashwagandha, there are various ways to incorporate it into your daily routine. Some suggestions include:

• Taking ashwagandha capsules or tincture with food or water
• Mixing ashwagandha powder with warm milk or tea
• Adding ashwagandha to smoothies or baked goods
• Taking ashwagandha at least two hours before or after other medications

It’s important to follow the dosage instructions on the product label or as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and to monitor any adverse effects or interactions.

Conclusion: Is Ashwagandha Right for You?

Ashwagandha is a promising herb with potential benefits for stress and anxiety, immune function, sleep, and thyroid health. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with autoimmune disorders, and those taking certain medications. Before taking ashwagandha, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider, start with a low dose, and monitor any adverse effects or interactions. Additionally, it’s advisable to choose a high-quality ashwagandha supplement from a reputable brand and retailer.