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Ashwagandha: Benefits & Side Effects| Ashwagandha Guide

Mohit Mittal -
Table of Contents +
Medically Reviewed by Priyanka Shetty, Bsc in Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Reviewed on 25th January 2021

Also known as the winter cherry or Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is a shrub grown commonly in India and the Middle East. It has gained popularity as a medicinal herb used commonly in Ayurvedic formulations. It is well known as a special potent antidote to stress.

Ashwagandha is a natural treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is known to reduce swellings and inflammations and lowers the levels of anxiety and stress significantly. However, recent studies have shown that Ashwagandha has more side effects than we bargained for. So, here is an Ashwagandha Guide - with all of Ashwagandha's benefits and side effects.

Read More: How to Take Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha Benefits for Men

As the world sees an increase in the number of cases of people contracting illnesses more efficiently, it is also experiencing a trend where the population is more receptive to alternate medication than treatment and prevention. Among the various healing and restorative herbs, Ashwagandha enjoys a place of great prominence and effect.

Ashwagandha leaves for weight loss

Ashwagandha leaves enhance the body's metabolism and expedites the weight loss process. Ashwagandha leaves aid you in burning calories faster than you would otherwise. Ashwagandha also helps boost stamina and energy so that men can work out for more extended periods of time without getting tired quickly.

Also Read: 5 natural and easy tips for weight loss

Ashwagandha benefits for hair

Ashwagandha hair masks are incredibly effective for your hair. Ashwagandha benefits your hair in multiple ways. When ingested (or eaten), Ashwagandha powder reduces cortisol hormones and reduces stress hair loss - telogen effluvium in men. Ashwagandha is also added to shampoos to facilitate hair regrowth at the follicular level.

Ashwagandha benefits for erectile dysfunction

When men face difficulties in getting and maintaining strong erections, all hail Ashwagandha benefits. ED is usually caused due to the lack of blood flow to the penis due to cortisol (stress hormones). Studies conclude that Ashwagandha naturally dilates blood vessels, improves blood circulation in the body by stimulating nitric oxide production.

Ashwagandha benefits for skin

Ashwagandha's benefits for skin is for men of all age groups. Ashwagandha roots have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that benefits men's skin. Ashwagandha can give men glowing skin by reducing sebum production, controlling acne, skin infections, and delays aging in men. Drinking Ashwagandha powder with hot water boosts collagen in the skin and prevents aging signs like fine lines.

Also Read: Ayurvedic herbs for skin

Ashwagandha lehyam uses

Lehyam (or Leham) is an ayurvedic medicine that contains herbs that benefit the body's overall well-being. It usually contains jaggery, herbs, and ghee.

Ashwagandha lehyam contains Ashwagandha and is used to reduce fatigue and stress and improve overall stamina and performance in men.

Note: Since Ashwagandha lehyam is made with ghee, it can lead to a slight weight gain depending on person.

Ashwagandha for immunity

Ashwagandha tea with honey and lemon improves immunity and endurance. Ashwagandha is beneficial for immunity because it contains antioxidants and prevents cellular damage. Antioxidants increase the activity of immune cells and protect the body from diseases.

Also Read: 8 food items to boost men's immunity

Ashwagandha for weight gain

Having ashwagandha powder with ghee is a healthy way to gain weight. Taking Ashwagandha powder with ghee while working out will help men improve their muscle mass. Ashwagandha is nutritious while ghee contains healthy fats and excess calories.

Usually, having 500mg of Ashwagandha with ghee every day is known to aid weight gain.

The Side Effects of Ashwagandha

Most people ask what the side effects of Ashwagandha are or if you can have an allergic reaction to Ashwagandha. Even in their purest form, ashwagandha-rich foods may cause more damage than good in some people. Here are some complications that may arise from using Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha can affect the thyroid function

Ashwagandha is sometimes commonly prescribed for thyroid patients. While it may work well for hypothyroidism, it may prove fatal for those suffering from hyperthyroidism because it tends to lower cortisol. Among several fatal conditions, it could even cause heart failure.

Ashwagandha impacts your blood pressure

The connection between ashwagandha blood pressure and severe side effects are standard. Ashwagandha is said to lower blood pressure.

Administering Ashwagandha to someone who already has low blood pressure can have side effects such as lower blood pressure.

If a question in your mind is, "does ashwagandha affect blood pressure?", you must know that there is a good chance it may do more harm than good.

Too much Ashwagandha can have potential side effects on your blood sugar levels

Lowering blood sugar may be a great benefit, but too much Ashwagandha may also lower sugar levels below permissible limits.

While studies on this subject are limited and inconclusive, it is essential to be cautious while consuming the herb.

Also Read: Jaggery for Diabetes

Ashwagandha can have side effects on your immune system if you have any existing autoimmune condition

Ashwagandha's immunity-boosting properties may seem promising, but they can prove damaging in people with conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus.

In people who suffer from such autoimmune diseases, Ashwagandha can worsen its symptoms.

For any condition, it is essential to be mindful of the adaptogen supplements side effects.

Ashwagandha's side effects can damage your kidney's functioning

There is insufficient evidence to help make conclusive and definitive claims on the impact of Ashwagandha on kidney function, although it has been prescribed extensively to reverse kidney damage.

Ashwagandha's side effects can impact kidney functioning.

It is best to get proper medical guidance before using Ashwagandha to cure severe issues like kidney problems.

Words of Caution while taking Ashwagandha

When choosing to take ashwagandha supplements, it is essential to check that the medication has an FDA certification.

Ashwagandha dosage

Several ayurvedic medicines in the market may make lofty claims or seem attractively priced.

It is hard to suggest the optimal dosage of Ashwagandha since it is prescribed in different strengths for different conditions.

Moreover, the duration of prescription also impacts the quantity prescribed. However, the broad range of prescriptions ranges from 250 to 500mg per day.

Understand the right way to take Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha Dosages

There are countless incidences of people reporting an ashwagandha allergy.

There are reports of side effects of ashwagandha headache and diarrhea or nausea caused due to Ashwagandha.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Ashwagandha in any form, discontinue its use and seek medical assistance immediately.

Excess is always dangerous. Medication is no exception.

Taking too much Ashwagandha can cause hypertension, sleeplessness, and stomach disorders.

Even in the absence of any known interferences, moderate consumption of Ashwagandha is considered ideal. It may even be prudent to take a break from the supplement once in a while.

Also Read: Ashwagandha consumption during day or night?

Aswagandharishtam benefits

Ashwgandharishtam is a liquid ayurvedic medicine that contains Ashwagandha and other herbs like Brahmi, jatamansi, and amla.

Ashwagandharistham is a whole-body tonic used to restore strength, reduce stress, reduce digestive problems and neurological diseases.

Ashwagandha's side effects in a nutshell

We must take any form of alternate medication with care after a proper diagnosis. Especially in cases where you have problems associated with the kidneys, heart, or blood sugar, it is essential to have an informed perspective and understand all possible alternative healing indications. It is vital to seek assistance and wean yourself off the supplement gradually since ashwagandha withdrawal effects, although not pronounced, may be experienced. Observe signs in the body and what happens when you stop taking Ashwagandha. If you notice anything extreme or odd, consult your physician immediately.

FAQs

What are the benefits of Ashwagandha powder with ghee?

Studies say that Ashwagandha powder (Ashwagandha churna) with ghee benefits include improving brain and nervous system functioning. Ashwagandha powder with ghee benefits your reproductive system and balances the Vata in your body. High Vata can result in insomnia, dry skin, and constipation. The best benefit of using Ashwagandha powder with ghee is that this can be ingested and applied to your body!

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