Ashwagandha Side Effects

You may know Withania somnifera by its common name, Indian gingsen. Also called winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Samm Al Ferakh and more commonly Ashwagandha. This is an Ayurvedic herb that grows as a stout shrub. It belongs to the family Solanaceae (nightshade family) just as the tomato and bears yellow flowers and red fruits.

According to the ancient medicine system of India, Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is known as a 'rasayana'. Rasayana is a plant derived drug that helps in increasing physical and mental health. It also helps in making the bodies resistance against diseases stronger and revitalizing a body drained of its energy. Ashwagandha also has the reputation to increase life longevity and improve sex life. It is grown in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Native Americans and Africans have also been known to use Ashwagandha for treating fevers, inflammation and protection against diseases.

Uses of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is known to strengthen the immune system and thought to be an effective remedy against multiple sclerosis, cancers and even AIDS. People have been known to use it as a hypnotic drug for self therapy. It is an energy tonic that helps in soothing the mind and increasing sexual powers.

It is used as a remedy to 'balance life force' according to Ayurveda. It is therefore, used as a health booster and rejuvenating tonic in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is also known to have many antioxidant properties. It is used to treat fungal infections, tuberculosis, chronic upper respiratory illness, etc. It is widely used to treat many gynecological disorders and cure male infertility and impotence.

Other uses of ashwagandha include treatment of anxiety, arthritis, leukoderma, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, hiccups and chronic liver disease. Many Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe ashwagandha for improving concentration power, decrease stress, pain, inflammation as well as reduce the effects of aging. This herb also helps in treating wounds and backache according to Unani as well as Ayurvedic medicine.

Side Effects of Ashwagandha
Just as every coin has two sides, Ashwagandha too has its side effects. Although it is said that ashwagandha side effects are almost non-existent, but there are some side effects that have been observed in some people during case studies. These side effects of ashwagandha include:

• There is a slight elevation of body temperature after one week of use
• Drowsiness that can occur if ashwagandha is not taken with a meal
• Flatulence after taking ashwagandha along with antacids.
• Irritation in the gastrointestinal system
• Development of small lesions and inflammation.
• Vascular congestion
• Kidney diseases
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Heaviness in abdomen
• Aggravation of autoimmune diseases. Thus, patients with this condition should avoid ashwagandha completely as it activates the immune system
• Lowering blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics

Ashwagandha Dosage
Ashwagandha is available in many forms and you need to follow different dosages for each. In case you are having ashwagandha powder, then you may take 3 to 6 grams of the powder thrice a day. Ashwagandha is also available in form of a decoction. You can have 16 to 31 grams of decoction with boiled cow's milk, thrice a day. You can have 2 tablespoons of ashwagandha extract thrice a day. Remember, you should avoid taking ashwagandha if you are on any type of sedative medications.

Caution is the Key
Many herbalist have warned that people with certain conditions should avoid using ashwagandha. People suffering from diabetes, liver diseases, digestive disorders and ulcers should not take ashwagandha. Liquid ashwagandha tonics are prepared in sugar and/or alcohol. Therefore, people with alcohol problems should also avoid intake of ashwagandha. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid taking ashwagandha, as it may have potential risk to the fetus and the infant. People suffering from autoimmune diseases should also avoid taking ashwagandha as it aggravates the immune system further.

Ashwagandha side effects have only short, vague evidences that are not very conclusive. Indian adults, as well as children have used ashwagandha for centuries, without any major problems. You should always speak to your doctor before consuming ashwagandha. One should not out weigh the risks and throw caution to the wind. Ashwagandha has excellent safety marks and therefore, with a bit of precautions, you can have ashwagandha with your doctor's advice.