Is Ashwagandha Right for You? Exploring Its Pros and Cons

People tend to talk about the benefits of ashwagandha, especially among herbal remedy enthusiasts, but not many know the benefits and drawbacks of ashwagandha. The ancient herb is full of ways to improve one's health and overall well-being, but knowing its limitations will save you from unwanted long-term effects. Keep on reading to find out both sides.

In this post, we will talk about some of the most well-known benefits and side effects of ashwagandha supplements that everyone needs to know prior to consuming it. But before we talk about the benefits and side effects of ashwagandha, we will first need to know what is ashwagandha and what are the components of it. So let's take a closer look.

WHAT IS ASHWAGANDHA? | ASHWAGANDHA PROS AND CONS

Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, winter cherry, or botanically referred to as Withania somnifera, is an ancient plant with an extensive history of therapeutic application in traditional medicine, particularly in ancient Indian holistic traditional medicine known as Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is found naturally in the arid parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Ashwagandha provides many potential benefits when it comes to promoting physical and mental health. Although both leaves and flowers are medicinal, the roots of the plant are most commonly used to produce herbal remedies. Ashwagandha is now widely available in various forms, such as ashwagandha powders, capsules, pills, gummies, and liquid drops.

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ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN ASHWAGANDHA | PROS AND CONS OF ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha contains numerous biologically active constituents, such as several alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroidal lactones, namely principally nicotine, somniferine, withanone, and withanolides, to name a few. The therapeutic activity of Ashwagandha on health is apparently owing to the active phytoconstituents contained in it and their medicinal activities.

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THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ASHWAGANDHA

Like any other herb and natural remedy, ashwagandha has its advantages and disadvantages. But, of course, the disadvantages are quite insignificant, and the benefits of ashwagandha take the lion's share.

Let us concisely talk about some of the most prevalent advantages and disadvantages of ashwagandha separately.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF ASHWAGANDHA

Its therapeutic qualities were discovered even in ancient times. Roots of this plant have been used as medicine for more than 5000 years and are reported to possess several health benefits.

This herb is called one of the top-rated adaptogens in the world. Adaptogens, from a therapeutic point of view, are herbal medicines that allow the human body to adapt more efficiently as a response to stress, i.e., they help in coping with physical and mental stressors so that the body regains its balance and energy in the quickest possible way.

Modern science has also verified many of its ancient uses and benefits. Let us examine some of the most science-backed benefits of ashwagandha.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ashwagandha

1. Ashwagandha Can Help Decrease Stress and Anxiety

One of the most promising health advantages of ashwagandha is its incredible stress and anxiety-reducing capability. It works wonders in managing physical and mental stressors and their symptoms, such as fatigue, fear, panic, and pain. Due to its calming properties, much debate has been on Ashwagandha vs L-Theanine.

In a 2012 RCT published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, researchers determined that ashwagandha root is an effective and safe drug for enhancing one's stress tolerance and quality of life.

2. Ashwagandha Can Support the Immune Health

Research shows that daily consumption of ashwagandha can promote immune health by activating several immune cells, which can protect the body from a variety of diseases caused by compromised immune function.

A 2009 clinical trial that experimented with ashwagandha's immunological impact on humans reported encouraging findings in the activation of immune cells. Nevertheless, larger studies need to be conducted to consolidate such impacts.

3. Ashwagandha Can Aid Sleep

Ashwagandha has been utilized for quite a long period of time in Indian traditional medicine Ayurveda to induce good sleep. Moreover, there's a reasonable degree of evidence to suggest that ashwagandha can also treat several types of sleep problems and enhance sleep quality overall.

A study published in Cureus in 2020 found that ashwagandha root extract greatly improves sleep quality, mental alertness, and quality of life, especially in the elderly.

4. Ashwagandha Can Boost Testosterone Levels and Fertility in Men

Ashwagandha is one of the top testosterone herbs and has great reproductive advantages for males. Several studies indicate (here and here) that ashwagandha is able to enhance male fertility by greatly restoring the balance of reproductive hormones and enhancing sperm quality.

5. Ashwagandha Can Improve Sexual Function in Women

Ashwagandha can help women suffering from various types of sexual issues. A clinical trial in 2015, published in Biomed Research International, demonstrates that ashwagandha is effective and safe in enhancing female sexual function.

6. Ashwagandha Can Assist Brain Function, Including Memory

Ashwagandha is also effective in enhancing memory and other cognitive processes. These are also believed to be due to ashwagandha's antioxidant properties that feed and protect the cognitive health. Other than that, there is a new trend nowadays that discusses Ashwagandha and ADHD relief

7. Ashwagandha Might Relieve Pain

Ashwagandha and plant components have been shown to exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can relieve pain in various health disorders. Ashwagandha extracts (roots and leaves) supplementation reduced knee pain and swelling considerably after 12 weeks, as demonstrated in a study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.

By the way, because of the same properties, a lot of individuals became interested in Ashwagandha skin benefits.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ASHWAGANDHA POTENTIAL | ASHWAGANDHA ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Almost all good things come with negatives, and thus Ashwagandha also comes with some limitations. However, most negatives of ashwandha are easily avoidable and even reversible by observing some simple precautions. Let us observe some of them:

Drowsiness. Ashwagandha may cause drowsiness and may interfere with daytime activities. Inappropriate during pregnancy and lactation. The herb might be inappropriate during pregnancy or lactation and therefore should not be used without the advice of a doctor. Potential interactions. Ashwagandha can affect how other drugs, supplements, and other herbs work in the body. Thus, individuals taking drugs or other herbs are requested to approach their healthcare providers prior to using them. Side effects. While not common, some people can experience unusual side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbance, rashes, and lowering of blood pressure. However, It is always best to consult a qualified naturopathic doctor or herbalist to determine whether this herb is appropriate for your individual state of health. 

HOW TO USE ASHWAGANDHA | ASHWAGANDHA PROS AND CONS

 Now that we know more about Ashwagandha's advantages and limitations, let us discuss how to properly use this herb. As with any food supplement, Ashwagandha can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as powders, capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Most commonly, ashwagandha is advised with food or warm milk. It's highly advisable to consult a professional natural health care practitioner for advice on the safety and effectiveness of ashwagandha root extract in order to get your individual dose prior to using ashwagandha, particularly if you are pregnant, lactating, or taking medications for any health condition. 

PROS AND CONS OF ASHWAGANDHA: FINAL WORDS

 Here you go. Now you are aware of both the advantages and the limitations of ashwagandha. The potential advantages of Ashwagandha are numerous, ranging from stress reduction to immunity enhancement and the improvement of brain function. That is the reason why this herb has gained popularity over thousands of years in spite of some potential limitations. Consult research with a licensed naturopathic doctor or herbalist to see if this wonderful herb is suitable for you and how it would be best used for your own personal health requirements. Secrets of the Tribe is a family-owned and operated US business committed to bringing you natural herbal health solutions. Our goal is to assist your health naturally. Join our family!