Can You Use Ashwagandha when Pregnant? – All You Need to Know, Advice & More

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Pregnancy is the most exciting and fulfilling stage in every women’s life. The health of the mother and the baby is of utmost importance at this sensitive period of time. 

To assure premium healthcare, nutritional supplements are trending throughout the world. Moreover, special attention is given to Ayurvedic supplements because of their effective and steady results. 

In particular, Ashwagandha is the most common and ancient Indian Ayurvedic herb with multiple medicinal benefits. It is widely used as a supplement these days. Let’s have a look at it. 

What is Ashwagandha? 

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb found in India, the Middle East, and some parts of Africa. It is also known as Withania Somnifera, winter cherry, or Indian ginseng. 

It is widely known for its miraculous health benefits. Many people use it for anxiety, depression, increasing height, regulating the menstrual cycle, hair growth, etc. 

Furthermore, this Ayurvedic herb provides exceptional results for boosting fertility. But the question here is, should women consume Ashwagandha during pregnancy? Let’s have a look.

Note: If you want to know What the Best Ashwagandha Dosages click HERE. 

Should a Pregnant Woman take Ashwagandha?  

Ayurvedic practitioners have been using this medicinal herb for centuries without any toxic effects. Generally, women take Ashwagandha to increase vitality and reduce stress during pregnancy. 

Despite multiple benefits, nutritionists and Ayurvedic experts don’t recommend the consumption of ashwagandha to pregnant women. Furthermore, it is rated as ‘likely unsafe’ by U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Although medical experts have seen miscarriages in animals due to overdosage of Ashwagandha. It is assumed to be harmful to humans too. Therefore, it is not advisable because it induces chances of abortion.

Note; If you want to know How to Use Ashwagandha for Cancer Treatment click HERE.

Risks and Benefits of Using Ashwagandha During Pregnancy

Following are some of the risks and benefits you must keep in mind before consuming this medicinal herb:

Benefits

• It is believed to improve the strength and vitality of an unborn baby.
• Ashwagandha is known as an Ayurvedic adaptogen. It works best for balancing moods during pregnancy by lowering cortisol (a hormone released during stress).
• Stimulates mammary glands for better milk production

Risks

A single yet consequential risk of using Ashwagandha during pregnancy is the likelihood of miscarriage. 

Firstly, Ayurveda practitioners use it for the early onset of mensuration. That is why it is not advised to consume it in large amounts in such circumstances. 

Although it is not proven to date that overdosage of this youthful herb is harmful to the human embryo. The results of animal experimentation say otherwise. Pregnant goats and rats were given sizeable amounts of Ashwagandha leading to abortions. 

Secondly, to your surprise, nutritional supplements are not approved by FDA. Ashwargandha’s status as a nutritional supplement itself carries high risks. 

Nutritional Composition

100 g Ashwagandha powder contains: 

Calories: 45 calories Carbohydrate: 10 g Sugar: 0 g Fat: 0 g Protein: 1 g Fiber: 0 g

Potassium: 282 mg Calcium: 32 mg Iron: 0.31 mg Phosphorus: 20 mg Niacin: 0.4 mg (USDA Nutrient Database)

How to Consume Ashwagandha? 

The roots of the Ashwagandha herb are sun-dried and available in raw, powdered, and capsule forms. They are generally processed to be used as supplements. 

You are recommended to consume this Ayurveda herb at night because of its sedative components. Moreover, you (or your partner) can take one capsule every day if you’re trying to conceive.

Furthermore, if you’re in the postpartum stage, you can consume ¼-1 teaspoon of powder every day or as advised by a physician. To avoid any complications, it is better to increase the quantity gradually. 

Normal adults can consume it in the following ways: 

• Blend ½-1 tsp powdered form of Ashwagandha in warm milk, lukewarm water, smoothies, shakes are any other beverage
• You can also sprinkle it over your food as per the recommendation
• It is most beneficial when combined with honey or ghee 
• If you prefer capsules, start taking one per day after dinner

Note: If you want to gain complete reviews and a guide click HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the safe dosage of Ashwagandha to take during pregnancy? 

It is difficult to determine the safe dosage of natural herbs or supplements. But Ashwagandha gives you a straight answer in this matter 

No amount of Ashwagandha is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Several animal studies prove it to be unsafe. Consuming a ‘large amount’ is a very vague generalization. Hence, it is better to avoid taking any herb without consultancy. 

Does Ashwagandha help you boost fertility?

This Ayurveda herb is used for centuries in ancient India to boost fertility in both males and females. It stimulates all the essential fertility hormones as it is rich with antioxidants. 

In females, it helps maintain follicle size which increases the chances of conceiving. Whereas in males, it increases sperm count and motility. 

Don’t forget that Ashwagandha only helps you with hormonal imbalance and minor infertility issues. It is essential to find out the root cause of your infertility.   

Note: If you want to know more about Ashwagandha click HERE.

Are there any potential side-effects of using Ashwargdha? 

A research-based on 69 literature reviews proves that there are no major side effects of using Ashwagandha. Even though some people might experience minor issues after prolonged usage, they are reversible and fully curable. 

Here are a few trivial side effects:

• Dizziness and blurry visions
• Dioherria or gastrointestinal tract infection
• Acidity in the stomach 
• Sensitivity to auto-immune diseases

Who should avoid using Ashwagandha?

People with blood pressure conditions, thyroid, and women who are pregnant are not advised to consume this herb without medical consultation. 

Although it does not have any severe side effects, normal adults should also avoid overdosage to prevent minor health issues.  

Ashwagandha When Pregnant – Final Verdict 

At the end of the article, we advise all pregnant mothers to make health decisions wisely. Read as much as you can to know more about essential diets and supplements 

Nextly, Ashwagandha is beneficial for fertility and postpartum recovery. You should avoid using it during pregnancy to steer clear of complications. 

The above article provides information about why it should be avoided. However, seeking expert consultation is the best way to keep you and your baby safe. 

If you want to learn about how you can take care of your body and mind click HERE.