Ashwagandha - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Ashwagandha - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

The Ashwagandha can grow in Africa and Asia and is known for its stress-relieving properties. There is currently no proof that this plant can adapt to environmental changes.

The chemicals found in the Ashwagandha plant can help calm the brain and reduce swelling. It can also alter the immune system and lower blood pressure.

Ashwagandha is also used as a natural adaptogen, which helps the body fight off mental and physical stress. It can be used for conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, though there is currently no proof supporting the use of this substance for COVID-19.

You should never confuse ashwagandha with alkekengi, as they are both winter cherry. You should also avoid confusing it with American ginseng, eleuthero, or Panax ginseng.

Uses

Individuals suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are prone to experiencing anxiety that is characterized by intense worry and tension. Ashwagandha can help reduce anxiety in these individuals.

Some individuals have reported that taking ashwagandha through the mouth can help improve their sleep.

Some individuals find that taking ashwagandha through mouth can help reduce their stress levels. It can also help them lose weight.

There are also people who are interested in consuming ashwagandha for various applications. But the exact effects of this substance are not known.

Side Effects

When consumed orally, ashwagandha can be safely used for up to three months. However, its long-term safety is not known. Large doses can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset. In rare cases, severe liver problems can occur.

When applied to the skin, a lotion containing ashwagandha may be safe to use for up to two months.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When applied to the skin, a lotion containing ashwagandha may be safe to use for up to two months.

It is generally unsafe to use ashwagandha during pregnancy. There is evidence that it can cause miscarriages.

There's not enough proof to confirm if ashwagandha can be safely used while breast-feeding. You should avoid using it.

Various conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, can trigger an increase in the body's immune system. This can cause symptoms of these illnesses to worsen. Therefore, it is advised to avoid using ashwagandha if you are afflicted with these conditions.

Ashwagandha can affect the central nervous system's function. Practitioners of medicine are worried that taking the drug a few weeks before an operation could increase the effect of anesthesia and other drugs.

Individuals suffering from thyroid disorders may take ashwagandha to increase their levels of thyroid hormone. It should be carefully used or refrained from doing so if you are on thyroid hormone supplements or have other thyroid-related conditions.

Interaction

This combination may cause some concern.

ASHWAGANDHA interacts with immunosuppressants, which can decrease one's immune system.

Administering ashwagandha alongside other medications can help decrease the impact of these drugs on the immune system.

The interactions between ASHWAGANDHA and benzodiazepines can also cause concern.

Taking ashwagandha with benzodiazepines or other sedatives may cause you to feel drowsy or have difficulty breathing.

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants interact with ashwagandha.

When taking ashwagandha along with other sedatives, you may experience increased sleepiness and slower breathing.

The thyroid hormone can also interact with ASHWAGANDHA.

Ashwagandha can increase the amount of thyroid hormone that the body produces. When combined with other thyroid hormone pills, it can result in an overabundance of thyroid hormone in the body and increase its side effects.

Antidiabetes medications interact with ASHWAGANDH.

Taking ashwagandha alongside diabetes medication may result in a drop in blood sugar that's too low. You should monitor your blood sugar levels.

Taking ashwagandha together with diabetes medication may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar.

High blood pressure medications interact with ashwagandha .

Taking ashwagandha with certain medications may result in your blood pressure dropping too low. You should monitor it.

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