Before we talk about “Is Ashwagandha safe?”, Let’s first talk about what is Ashwagandha? What are the health benefits of Ashwagandha?
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an ancient herb, people also call it “Indian Ginseng”. Scientifically, it is known as Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.
Mostly you can find Ashwagandha in India and other Asian countries. Along with India and other Asian countries, you can find it in some parts of South Africa, Egypt and some Middle East countries.
From the ancient era, people are using ashwagandha in ayurvedic medicine.
Ashwagandha has numerous health benefits. So, let’s have a glance at the various health benefits of ashwagandha.
What are the health benefits of ashwagandha?
Mostly, people use ashwagandha for strength and muscle mass gain. Other than strength and muscle gain, they also use ashwagandha to reduce stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha roots have stress reduction, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation & anti-cancer properties.
Ashwagandha can improve your heart function.
It can also improve your immune system.
Ashwagandha can improve your libido or impotence.
Rather than going deep into the health benefits of ashwagandha, let’s talk about, Is ashwagandha safe to consume on a daily basis?
Is Ashwagandha safe?
We did in-depth research on ashwagandha safety and came to know that ashwagandha is safe to consume in your daily routine.
According to one human study, published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in March 2021, ashwagandha root extract was safe to consume and no adverse effects were found on human volunteers.
In one of the case reports published by European PMC, 32-year-old women who developed thyrotoxicosis after consuming ashwagandha capsules may suggest that ashwagandha may increase the level of thyroid hormones.
One article published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements stated that numerous animal studies showed no side effects on taking ashwagandha to date.
What is the recommended dose of ashwagandha?
Taking 500 mg to 1200 mg of ashwagandha per day is safe to consume. Some studies suggested taking up to 1500 mg of ashwagandha per day is also safe for the body.
If you are taking ashwagandha tablets or ashwagandha capsules, you may take 1-2 tablets/capsules twice a day or you may ask your doctor.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is a powerful ancient medicinal herb having ample health benefits.
Various studies have stated that ashwagandha is safe to consume within recommended dose (500 mg to 1200 mg of ashwagandha per day) without any side effects.
Still, future human trials should be done for a proven dose of ashwagandha.