What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in Africa and Asia. It’s one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It can be considered an adaptogen, which helps to reduce negative changes caused by stress. As of recently, ashwagandha supplements have gotten more and more popular. Tiktok claims taking ashwagandha “makes you emotionless,” and “dissociated” but research shows differently. If you want to learn more about whether or not ashwagandha is right for you, you’ll want to read this.

The benefits:

Taking ashwagandha supplements has shown to improve sleep. Including helping to fall asleep faster, sleeping better throughout the night and waking up less frequently. Part of this reason may be because it helps to relieve stress. This is another reason why this supplement is desired, because its effects help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and even insomnia.

Researchers have found that this herb can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Because of the many antioxidants in this herb, it may be heart-protective and enhance your cardiorespiratory endurance. With that being said, no supplement- including ashwagandha will ever be the “key” to a healthy heart but instead, work more as a band-aid to a problem. 

This supplement is also popular for bodybuilders and people who lift weights. That is because ashwagandha supplementation has been associated with increased muscle mass and strength. This is a result of it helping to boost testosterone levels, which can help build muscle and strength easier. 

Because ashwagandha boosts your testosterone levels, it can be a negative thing for some people.

Things to consider:



In PCOS, there is an excess of androgens, also known as testosterone which creates hormonal imbalance. Taking ashwagandha would only make this hormonal imbalance worse, making the condition more severe. 

PCOS is not the only condition that can be negatively affected by taking ashwagandha supplements. Other conditions that should avoid the consumption of ashwagandha include people with thyroid disorders, autoimmune disorders, pregnant women, and the list goes on. 

Another thing to be careful about is the interactions that it can have on medications. Ashwagandha can interact with blood thinners, thyroid medications, autoimmune suppressing drugs, anxiety, blood pressure, and diabetes. If you are taking any medications, be sure to know if there are any interactions associated with ashwagandha before taking it. 

The most common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, drowsiness and loose stools. Taking ashwagandha for up to 3 months is considered safe. There isn't enough information about long-term safety and side effects. With that being said, if you consider taking ashwagandha supplements, understand that studies are relatively new and haven’t been concluded yet, so take with caution. (As you should with any unregulated supplement unless under the supervision of a Dietitian or other medical professionals). 

With all supplements, you need to be careful where you purchase it from. Supplements do not have to be FDA approved, so they aren't tested for safety and effectiveness. If you are seriously considering taking ashwagandha supplements, or any other supplement for a health reason, it is best to talk to a medical professional to steer you in the right direction! Ashwagandha is a great herb with many medicinal uses and benefits, but it might not be the right solution for you.