Nowadays, many people are interested in Ayurveda, local medicine, or various herbal supplements in addition to Western medicine. You may be one of them. Among these, one thing that many people talk about and use is 'ashwagandha'. These are available not only in pharmacies and supermarkets, but also online. So today, let's talk about this ashwagandha, that is, the properties it has, as well as the side effects and risks that we should be aware of.
What exactly is Ashwagandha?
Simply put, Ashwagandha is a medicinal plant that has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine for a long time. The roots and fruits of this plant are mainly used as medicine. It is famous as a tonic used to improve the health of the body and mind. For this reason, some also call it "Indian ginseng". It has been traditionally used to increase physical strength, promote mental well-being, and as a treatment for a number of other diseases.
What are the main qualities of this?
Although there is much talk about the benefits of ashwagandha, keep in mind that many of these are not yet 100% scientifically proven. Here are some of the facts that have emerged from current research.
Stress and sleep
Some research has shown that ashwagandha may help reduce anxiety and stress, as it has mild sedative effects. For this reason, some people also use it for insomnia.
Diabetes and cholesterol
Preliminary studies have found that ashwagandha has some potential to lower blood sugar levels and high cholesterol in people with Type 2 Diabetes. However, it should not be considered a substitute for standard diabetes medications.
Immunity and joint pain
There is early evidence that ashwagandha may affect the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. For example, it may help reduce swelling caused by arthritis. However, it is not yet clear how much of a practical effect this has on humans and what the risks are.
Other benefits
Some people also use ashwagandha as a treatment for anemia. Because it contains iron, it has been shown to help increase hemoglobin levels. Some lab tests have found that it can slow the growth of cancer cells and help with memory problems, but these are still very preliminary studies. So it's too early to say whether these will have the same effects in humans.
| Purported Benefit | Current Scientific Evidence |
|---|---|
| Reducing stress and anxiety | Some studies using humans have shown some success. |
| Lowering blood sugar and cholesterol | Although initial research shows some positive results, further study is needed. |
| Reducing arthritis | Although some studies show that it reduces swelling, the evidence is still insufficient. |
| Controlling the growth of cancer cells | Only at the laboratory and animal research level. There is no confirmation of the effects on humans. |
Are there any risks in using Ashwagandha?
Yes, absolutely. The biggest mistake is to think that "it's herbal, so there's nothing wrong with it." Since ashwagandha hasn't been researched in depth yet, we don't know about all the possible side effects it may have.
The most important thing is that if you are taking medication for any illness, or if you have a chronic condition, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using something like ashwagandha.
Main side effects
If you take too much Ashwagandha, you may experience the following:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
People who need to be especially careful
- Pregnant women: It is not recommended for pregnant women to use ashwagandha due to the risk of miscarriage.
- Nursing mothers: Nursing mothers should also not use ashwagandha.
- People with thyroid problems: Ashwagandha can alter thyroid hormone levels. So if you are taking thyroid medication, be very careful about this. It can also affect the results of thyroid tests.
- People with autoimmune diseases: Horsetail is not suitable for people with diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, as it can make the immune system more active.
- Those preparing for surgery: You should stop taking ashwagandha at least two weeks before surgery.
- People with diabetes, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or stomach ulcers should not use these without consulting a doctor.
Does it interact with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, this is a very important point. Ashwagandha can interact with other medications you are taking.
| Medication/Supplement Type | Possible problems with Ashwagandha |
|---|---|
| Sleeping pills and sedatives | Drowsiness and calmness may increase excessively. |
| Blood thinners | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Medications containing thyroid hormones | Thyroid hormone levels may increase unnecessarily. |
| Immunosuppressants | The effectiveness of the medicine may be reduced. |
| Medications for diabetes and high blood pressure | Blood sugar or pressure may drop unnecessarily. |
How much should I take? (Dosage)
There is no standard dose for ashwagandha. Some people use 1 to 6 grams of the dried root daily. Others dissolve about 3 grams of the powder in a glass of warm milk and drink it. It is now also available in the form of standardized extracts. It is best to ask your doctor about this and get advice on the dosage and type that is right for your health condition.
Take-Home Message
- Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine. But don't think that "herbal medicine is harmless."
- While there is some evidence for some properties, such as reducing stress, many of the benefits have not yet been scientifically proven.
- Taking too much can cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- If you have diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases, do not use these without consulting your doctor.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should completely avoid using ashwagandha.
- Ashwagandha can interact with other medications (especially those used for sleep, blood thinners, diabetes, and thyroid), so it's best to talk to your doctor before using any herbal supplement.
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