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Ashwagandha, what is it and why do people keep talking about it?
Ashwagandha is the newest "hot herb" out there. College kids are taking it to help with anxiety, older adults to help with their adrenals and people are putting the powder in their smoothie? So what gives?
Ashwadandha otherwise known as Withania somnifera has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since 3,000 BC as a nervine tonic. It is sometimes known as Indian Ginseng and is a member of the nightshade family. We commonly know it as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is an herb that helps the body maintain homeostasis during stress.
According to Dr. Jean Bokelmann, MD who has done copious amounts of research on this herb has stated that Ashwagandha, either alone or combined with others can support diabetes, female sexual dysfunction, male infertility, osteoarthritis, cognitive impairment, ADHD, schizophrenia, stress and immune function.
Sounds pretty cool huh?
Side effects of this herb are mild including possible headaches and nausea. Most probable in larger amounts. This herb may increase testosterone levels in the blood. No high does have been associated with toxicity however, this herb may cause abortion and should not be used in pregnancy,
It is also important to note that this herb should not be taken with MAOI inhibitors and may make other sedative herbs and pharmaceuticals more potent.
It is important to note that many herbs have side effects and contraindications with pharmaceutical medications. Before starting any type of herbal program, it is important to speak to your primary care physician, naturopath or herbalist to make sure there aren't any unwanted issues with your herbal protocol.
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