What Are the Disadvantages of Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub with a long list of benefits and the herb is often used for its medicinal qualities. The disadvantages of ashwaganda include possible liver damage, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, and potential aggravation of autoimmunity.

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub originating from Asia and Africa. The list of reported ashwagandha benefits is long and the herb is often used for its medicinal qualities. Not much is known about ashwagandha's disadvantages. However, you may experience a stomach upset, drowsiness, diarrhea, or even liver damage after consuming ashwagandha supplements. 

These disadvantages are often caused by failure to take the herb within the recommended doses and periods. Ashwagandha may also have contaminates like heavy metals and dirt which require processing it into its purest form.

Besides, ashwagandha can pose a great risk to people living with health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, ulcers, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Given the risk associated with using ashwagandha, you should consider discussing it with your health care provider first before taking the supplement. 

Ashwagandha is an herb found in India, parts of the Middle East, and Africa. The botanical name of ashwagandha is Withania somnifera. It belongs to the plant family Solanaceae. 

Ashwagandha is used as an indigenous medicine in countries that have adopted the Ayurvedic medical system. The plant extract is available in both tablet and powder form. 

Depending on the health condition you want to treat, you may use it at night or during the day. For instance, you can take ashwagandha once a day after your meals or measure 1 to 6 grams of ashwagandha herb and take it as a tea before bed. Even so, you should consult your health practitioner on the dosage of ashwagandha. 

You may want to use ashwagandha in tea to taste its rich aroma, full flavor, and health benefits. Long-term users of the herb acknowledge ashwagandha’s benefit in healthy skin. The herb helps in skincare concerns such as acne, pigmentation, breakout, and premature aging. 

Water helps with the swallowing of ashwagandha tablets while the powder form of the herb can be mixed with milk or honey. Ashwagandha may take days to weeks before you begin noticing its effects.

People across the world use ashwagandha for the following reasons:

Reduces stress. Ashwagandha powder helps to deal with stress by relaxing the mind.

Manage anxiety. Stress is associated with increased cortisol levels in the body. Ashwagandha helps lower these levels, and to manage anxiety by doing so. 

Diabetic therapy. Ashwagandha can control blood sugar among people living with diabetes. The herb works by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing insulin production.

Arthritis pain. The elements present in ashwagandha inhibit the production of pain mediators, easing arthritis symptoms such as swelling and pain in the joints. 

Control high blood pressure. The herb relieves high blood pressure by reducing stress and anxiety.

Control Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Ashwagandha prevents the damage of nerve cells thus controlling the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Ashwagandha carries potential side effects that range from headaches to digestive issues. These side effects are often caused by taking large doses of the plant, resulting in a direct irritation of the intestinal mucosa. 

Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using ashwagandha. Additionally, people living with cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis are at a high risk of the negative effects of the extract. 

Common disadvantages of ashwagandha include: 

Possible liver damage. Ashwagandha has been found to cause liver injury. In a 2019 study about ashwagandha, researchers went out of their way to find any negative effects of the plant. The study reported several cases of apparent liver injury connected to ashwagandha. Nonetheless, the liver injury cases associated with ashwagandha were few among the population researched. The study reported the liver injury to be mild to moderate. 

Drowsiness.  Ashwagandha may provide a relaxing effect that allows you to fall asleep more easily and promotes better sleep quality. Although such a feeling is healthy at bedtime, it may inconvenience your daily living at other times. For example, ashwagandha’s ability to induce sleep may interfere with daily tasks like studying and exercising during the day. Therefore, ashwagandha’s effect on sleep is an unwanted side effect whenever one has to get work done during the day. 

Nausea and vomiting. Users of ashwagandha sometimes complain of nausea. Large doses of ashwagandha, whether in powdered or tablet form, irritate the gastrointestinal tract, triggering upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Aggravation of autoimmune diseases. Individuals diagnosed with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus should avoid taking ashwagandha. These disorders are usually treated with drugs that decrease immune system response.  Supplementing with ashwagandha may interfere with the effectiveness of the prescribed medicines.

To avoid potential health risks, certain groups of people should consult their doctor before taking ashwagandha.

These people include:

• Pregnant women
• People with thyroid problems
• Prostate cancer patients
• People with autoimmune disorders
• People with stomach ulcers
• People taking certain medications

Others should note that it is possible to find contaminants such as heavy metals in the ashwagandha herb. This compels you to research the supplement and manufacturer before purchasing it. 

Although ashwagandha was originally used in Asia and Africa, it is now a supplement more widely in use, especially among people who practice ayurvedic medicine. Some people believe in the plant's ability to treat and manage various health conditions affecting the human body. Ashwagandha can be used in the form of tablets or powder. Over time, many other people across the world have identified the herb as an aid in managing stress, reducing pain associated with arthritis, and controlling high blood pressure.

Despite being considered beneficial for human health, ashwagandha can be harmful to your body. It can cause vomiting, drowsiness, nausea, and liver damage. If you have an autoimmune disorder, don’t take ashwagandha without first consulting your doctor. Also, certain groups such as pregnant women, people with cancer, and people with stomach ulcers should not consume any ashwagandha products.