Medically Reviewed by AJAY AWASE | Written by Ajay, PharmD, IGNTU

Indian ginseng, or ashwagandha, is a traditional Ayurvedic plant that has been used in medicine for a very long time. It has been used for millennia to treat a wide range of illnesses, such as insomnia, anxiety, and stress.

Ashwagandha is utilized for numerous stress-related disorders because it is traditionally used as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are thought to support the body’s ability to withstand both mental and physical stress. Numerous ailments are treated with it, including as anxiety, aging, and sleeplessness, however the majority of these applications lack strong scientific backing. Additionally, there is insufficient data to recommend ashwagandha for COVID-19.

Uses of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is believed to have adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. Some of its potential uses include:

Supporting fertility and testosterone levels: There is some evidence that Ashwagandha may improve fertility and testosterone levels in men.

Reducing stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha may help lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

Improving sleep quality: It may help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Boosting immunity: Ashwagandha may help strengthen the immune system.

Improving cognitive function: Some studies suggest that Ashwagandha may enhance cognitive function, including memory and attention.

Managing blood sugar levels: Ashwagandha may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Potentially Beneficial for Anxiety. Ashwagandha taken orally has the potential to lower anxiety.
a kind of ongoing anxiety characterized by excessive tension and worry (generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD). Those with chronic anxiety appear to have less anxiety when they take ashwagandha orally.

sleeplessness. For some people, taking ashwagandha orally appears to enhance both the quantity and quality of their sleep.

Tension. For some people, taking ashwagandha orally appears to help lower stress levels. It might also lessen weight gain brought on by stress.

Adverse Reactions to Ashwagandha

When used in the prescribed dosage range, ashwagandha is usually regarded as safe for most individuals. Nevertheless, certain individuals might encounter

Adverse consequences like: vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea are signs of a stomach upset.
Adolescence: Ashwagandha may result in a drowsy state.
Hypothyroidism: Individuals with hypothyroidism should take caution when using ashwagandha and keep an eye on their thyroid hormone levels.
Allergic reactions: People may, in rare instances, develop an allergy to ashwagandha.

Important Considerations

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking Ashwagandha.

Interactions with medications: Ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, such as those used to treat thyroid disorders or sedatives.

Dosage: The appropriate dosage of Ashwagandha can vary depending on individual needs and the specific condition being treated. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage or consult with a healthcare professional.

Interactions:

Immunosuppressant medications, or those that lower immunity, interact with ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha has the ability to stimulate the immune system. Certain drugs, such those taken following a transplant, cause the immune system to function less actively. When these drugs are used with ashwagandha, the effects of the drugs may be lessened.

Benzodiazepines, which are sedative drugs, interact with ASHWAGANDHA.

Breathing difficulties and tiredness may result from ashwagandha. Additionally, drowsiness and slower breathing can be caused by certain drugs known as sedatives. Combining ashwagandha with sedative drugs may result in difficulty breathing and/or excessive tiredness.

ASHWAGANDHA and sedative drugs (CNS depressants) interact.

Breathing difficulties and tiredness may result from ashwagandha. Additionally, drowsiness and slower breathing can be caused by certain drugs known as sedatives. Combining ashwagandha with sedative drugs may result in difficulty breathing and/or excessive tiredness.

Dosing:

Adults have most frequently taken up to 1000 mg of ashwagandha per day for up to 12 weeks. To find out what dosage could be appropriate for a particular disease, consult a healthcare professional.