Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an Indian herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. The name "ashwagandha" comes from the Sanskrit words "ashva," meaning horse, and "gandha," meaning smell. This is because the roots of the plant have a strong horse-like odor.
Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers that grows in India, the Middle East, and Africa. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to make medicine.
Ashwagandha is most commonly used for anxiety. It is also used for depression, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, and as a "tonic" for overall health.
Other uses include:
- Insomnia
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Joint pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Menopause symptoms
- Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
How does it work?
Ashwagandha is thought to work by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. It may also boost levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in mood regulation.
Ashwagandha is available as a supplement in capsules, powders, and liquids. It can also be made into a tea.
Ashwagandha should be taken with food. The usual dose is 1-2 grams per day.
Possible side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Ashwagandha is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 3 months.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Ashwagandha is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in the short-term. However, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large doses or for long periods of time.
Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Ashwagandha is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large doses or for long periods of time.
Children: Ashwagandha is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in the short-term. However, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large doses or for long periods of time.
Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Ashwagandha is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large doses or for long periods of time.
Autoimmune disease: Ashwagandha might increase the activity of the immune system. There is a concern that this could make autoimmune diseases worse. If you have an autoimmune disease, do not use ashwagandha without medical supervision.
High blood pressure: Ashwagandha might lower blood pressure. Taking ashwagandha along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Surgery: Ashwagandha might slow blood clotting. Taking ashwagandha along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Are there any interactions with medications?
Dosing considerations for Ashwagandha.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For anxiety: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 50 mg of withanolides daily for 2-12 weeks has been used.
- For Alzheimer's disease: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 120-200 mg of withanolides daily for 8-12 weeks has been used.
- For bipolar disorder: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 1.5 grams daily for 3 months has been used.
- For cognitive function: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 500 mg of withanolides daily for 12 weeks has been used.
- For depression: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 60-120 mg of withanolides daily for 6-8 weeks has been used.
- For diabetes: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 500 mg or 1000 mg of withanolides daily for 8-12 weeks has been used.
- For high cholesterol: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 500 mg of withanolides daily for 12 weeks has been used.
- For infertility: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 2 grams daily for 3 months has been used.
- For joint pain: A cream containing 5% ashwagandha extract has been applied to the skin three times daily for 3 weeks.
- For memory loss: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 120-200 mg of withanolides daily for 8-12 weeks has been used.
- For stress: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 125 mg or 250 mg of withanolides daily for 60 days has been used.
- For thinking skills and memory: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 500 mg of withanolides daily for 12 weeks has been used.
- For Parkinson's disease: A standardized extract of Ashwagandha root powder providing 2 grams daily for 3 months has been used.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
- For osteoarthritis: A cream containing 5% ashwagandha extract has been applied to the skin three times daily for 3 weeks.
- For rheumatoid arthritis: A cream containing 5% ashwagandha extract has been applied to the skin three times daily for 3 weeks.
