Ashwagandha! What is it?

Ashwagandha! What is it?

You may have heard of Ashwagandha and that it has a magical effect. But what is true and what is false? Let's start with the facts.

Can’t manage your tension and anxiety? Have any of your friends mentioned Ashwagandha and how it would help you? Do you want to learn more about the effects of this herb? Indeed, it is not a magic spell that will solve all of your issues, but its advantages cannot be overlooked. This article will provide you with all of the information you want about this herb.

Ashwagandha benefits

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that contains chemicals that help calm stress, reduce swelling, and lower blood pressure. It is used in the treatment of many cases such as:

  • Reduce inflammation and cancer risk.
  • Improves memory.
  • Improves immune function and anti-aging properties.
  • Relieves anxiety.
  • Insomnia; it helps to improve sleep in general and its quality.
  • Reducing stress, may also help reduce stress-related weight gain.

Can I take ashwagandha?

It is true that it is safe when taken orally and used for up to 3 months, but there are not enough studies on its long-term use. Doses are usually 500 mg twice a day. Large doses might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Some precautions:

Ashwagandha is not completely safe, and there are some cases that should be avoided, for example:

  • Pregnancy. It is unsafe during pregnancy, especially as there is some evidence that it may cause a miscarriage.
  • There is not enough information regarding its use in cases of breastfeeding. So, it is best to avoid using it in this case.
  • Autoimmune diseases because ashwagandha may make the immune system more active and this can increase symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
  • Stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery if you are going to have surgery.
  • Thyroid disorders because they may increase thyroid hormone levels.

If you are taking certain medicines such as:

  • Diabetes and antihypertensive medications because ashwagandha lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
  • Sedative medicines, taking them with sedative medicines may lead to breathing problems and drowsiness.

Now you know all you need to know about ashwagandha and if you decide to use it you need to make sure that you can use it safely but avoid using it for long periods.