Can Ashwagandha Cause Anxiety?

The ancient South Asian plant Ashwagandha is known to help with stress and anxiety, although there is no solid evidence to support its effectiveness. Although it has been used as a stress-relief remedy for thousands of years, it can increase anxiety levels for some people. Ashwagandha is highly regarded in India and other Asian countries, but if you are considering taking it to combat anxiety, you should know the risks and benefits of the herb.

Side effects of ashwagandha

In humans, ashwagandha may have calming effects that reduce anxiety and panic attacks. In a study conducted in 2000, the herb had a similar effect on anxiety in mice. Researchers suggested that this herb may work similarly to lorazepam in humans. In the study, mice that were given 240 milligrams of ashwagandha experienced significant reductions in cortisol and stress levels.

While the Ayurvedic herbs in ashwagandha are highly touted for their mood-enhancing abilities, it’s not entirely clear if these properties will help you deal with your anxiety or panic attacks. It has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. In addition, it can cause gastrointestinal distress and headaches. For these reasons, it’s important to seek medical advice before taking ashwagandha.

Side effects of ashwagandha may include upset stomach, drowsiness, and diarrhoea. It’s important to note that ashwagandha should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women or those with autoimmune disorders. It should also be avoided by those with heart problems or who are taking medications. Ashwagandha is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and should be purchased only from a reputable source.

Interactions with medications

It is important to understand the potential interactions between ashwagandha and medications to make sure you are not experiencing a negative interaction. Since ashwagandha supports immune system function, it may interact with immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants, including prednisone, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, and corticosteroids, decrease the activity of the immune system. When taken together, these medications may reduce the effectiveness of ashwagandha.

While there are a few cases where ashwagandha can reduce blood pressure, it is unlikely to lower blood pressure as it does with other medicines. However, if you are already taking an anti-anxiety medication, ashwagandha can decrease blood pressure. If you are on blood pressure medication, a dose of ashwagandha may decrease it to an unsafe level. It is important to discuss all risks with your health care provider before starting an ashwagandha-based supplement.

Although there are many published studies on ashwagandha’s effects on depression, little consensus exists on how much ashwagandha to take. However, it’s helpful to remember that the recommended daily allowance, or RDA, is set by the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates pharmaceuticals and foods. In general, it’s safe to take a standard amount of ashwagandha, though it may not be as effective for every patient.

Dosage

When choosing the correct dosage, consider the following factors: your health, the severity of your symptoms, and whether you are familiar with adaptogen herbs. Dosages of ashwagandha for anxiety should be low and gradual, and you may need to adjust them based on your experience. As an herbal remedy, ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means that it helps normalize bodily processes. Its effects on anxiety are generally more pronounced when taken in the afternoon or evening, and a half hour before bed.

When used as a supplement, Ashwagandha has shown significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety and other secondary quality of life measures. It is important to take an Ashwagandha supplement before you experience any triggers to your anxiety, such as stressful situations. It is important to note that anxiety has a negative impact on sleep. Overproduction of stress hormones can cause restlessness and tossing and turning, and you may find that your energy reserves are decreased.

In addition to its use as an adaptogen, Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve immunity and reduce anxiety. As an immunomodulator, Ashwagandha increases white blood cells and platelets, and helps your body produce antibodies. This, in turn, improves the body’s response to health threats. As a result, Ashwagandha can be an excellent supplement for children suffering from anxiety and other related ailments.