Who Should not Take Ashwagandha – Full Overview, FAQs, & More

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Withania Somnifera or Winter Cherry, also known as Ashwagandha, has many health benefits.

Ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine since it contains adaptogens, a compound that relieves stress and improves sleep.

It is generally a safe herb to use, but in some conditions, it might pose some serious health risks. 

Here in this article, we will explain such a health condition in which it is not safe to have Ashwagandha.

Who Should not Take Ashwagandha? – In-Depth Guide

Ashwagandha is not recommended for use under the following conditions, as it may cause serious side effects.

Let’s straight dive into the details of those conditions.

1. If You’re Suffering From Fever

Ayurvedic doctors suggest not having Ashwagandha when suffering from fever. 

It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties which are very beneficial for the prevention of many diseases including flu and cold. 

But in a high fever, it is very hard for the body to digest Ashwagandha since fever makes the body weak and fragile. 

Your stomach might not be able to digest Ashwagandha during fever which may lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and other health problems.

Note: If you want to know How to Make Ashwagandha Tea click HERE.

2. During Pregnancy 

During the prenatal period, a lot of care is essential. So, it is suggested to ask your healthcare provider before taking any medication or drug on your own. 

It is unsafe to take Ashwagandha during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that Ashwagandha can induce abortion in pregnancy. 

However, taking Ashwagandha is also contraindicated in lactating women. 

Although the exact theory of how it affects breastmilk is unknown, to stay on the safer side we would suggest you avoid it.

Note: If you want to learn how to use Ashwagandha powder we have a complete guide click HERE.

3. Patients with Autoimmune Disease

After research, our team suggests that Ashwagandha is very good for immune health, since it helps in the proliferation of immune cells, making the body’s immune system so strong. 

However, in autoimmune disorders, the body’s own immune system mistakenly destroys its own cells. 

So in that case, taking Ashwagandha would be detrimental because cells that are causing destruction would increase and will lead to more damage.

4. Immunosuppressive Therapy Medications

Immunosuppressive therapy is taken to avoid any organ transplant rejection, cancer, aplastic anemia, etc. 

If you are taking therapeutic medications of immunosuppressants such as cyclosporins, azathioprine, prednisone, and basiliximab, then you should avoid Ashwagandha.

This is mainly because Ashwagandha could counteract the effects of such immunosuppressive drugs. Which could lead to serious harmful effects on the body.

5. Diabetic Patient

Ashwagandha is very beneficial for diabetic and pre-diabetic patients since it lowers blood sugar levels.

However, our research studies have shown that diabetic patients who take Ashwagandha with blood-sugar-lowering medications might experience a significant drop in blood sugar levels. 

This will lead to critical conditions because the combined effects of both will surplus the lowering of blood sugar.

A negative drug interaction might also occur between Ashwagandha and blood-sugar-lowering drugs. 

6. People With Ulcers

It is contraindicated to take Ashwagandha if you have ulcers of the gastrointestinal tracts. Ashwagandha is proved to irritate the mucosa lining of the GI tract. 

In case you have ulcers, you should avoid taking Ashwagandha because it will aggravate the symptoms.

7. People With Hypertension

The use of Ashwagandha by high blood pressure patients should be avoided, especially if they also take prescribed medications because 

Ashwagandha also lowers blood pressure, which can lead to combined effects of both and result in a significant drop in blood pressure.

After further testing it out, our team found that Ashwagandha may interact with some medications which could lead to dangerous health risks.

What might happen if a person takes Ashwagandha along with medications for lowering blood pressure?

As we earlier mentioned, Ashwagandha has properties to lower blood pressure. 

If a person has low pressure and takes medications and he takes Ashwagandha that would lead to a significant drop in the level of blood pressure. 

This is mainly because the combined effects of Ashwagandha and blood pressure-lowering drugs will be dangerous for the body. 

Noe: If you want to know about

8. People in a Preoperative State

Ashwagandha has slight sedating or tranquilizing effects which were suggested by our research on animal trials. Which slows down the central nervous system of the body.

As you know that before surgery drugs like anesthetics are given to slow down the nervous system. 

When these drugs are combined with Ashwagandha, the effect might surplus and could lead to some dangerous conditions.

9. People With Thyroid Issues

Our research studies have shown that Ashwagandha increases the levels of thyroid hormone in the human body.

Ashwagandha is quite beneficial for people with hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). 

But if a person takes Ashwagandha along with thyroid hormone medications it will then lead to rising levels of thyroid hormone above normal.

Similarly, if you have high thyroid hormone levels, you should be avoiding Ashwagandha. This is because of some reasons that Ashwagandha will increase thyroid hormones which will lead to abnormally high levels of thyroid activity. 

Note: If you want to learn a complete guide about Ashwagandha click HERE.

Is It Safe to Have Ashwagandha?

After our thorough research, we found that it is generally safe to use Ashwagandha for most people. 

Since it has some mild side effects, which might occur due to intake heavy dosage at once.

Despite that, we found that there are certain conditions in which usage of Ashwagandha could put your health at risk.

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

Common Side Effects of Ashwagandha – Complete Overview

Ashwagandha is a quite safe drug because its side effects are uncommon. 

The results of our tests indicated that in case of large doses intake, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

After further testing out our team reported that it might cause some mild side effects, such as:

• Cough
• Cold
• Constipation
• Nasal congestion
• Changes in appetite

Final Verdict

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which is a plant-based herb that helps to prevent stress, improve fertility, relieve insomnia, and has many other health benefits.

In spite of its wonders, it has been proven harmful to health if taken under certain conditions.

In end, we would suggest you always consult and seek the help of your doctor before starting taking any medication or drug on your own.

If you want to learn how you can care for your body and mind we have a complete guide click HERE.