Ashwagandha contraindications: who cannot take it?

The popularity of ashwagandha is on the rise, and the curious adaptogen is being tried by many people - tired, sleep-deprived, stressed or dreaming of better fitness in training and in... the bedroom. It is, after all, a plant that promises the 'strength and vitality' of a horse.

Unfortunately, ashwagandha is not suitable for everyone. Instead of a fast stallion or an energetic mare, it can make you... a muddled pony. Together with my doctor, I have prepared a list of contraindications and interactions of ashwagandha with medications and supplements.

See also:

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• Ashwagandha
• Ashwagandha - morning or night?
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• Ashwagandha - when does it start working?
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• Ashwagandha - dosage
• Ashwagandha - side effects
• Ashwagandha - what not to combine with?
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• Indian ginseng
• Adaptogens

Ashwagandha - contraindications

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Contraindications to the use of ashwagandha areand:

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• pregnancy,
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• lactation,
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• age under 18 years old,
• diagnosed with cancer,
• lactation,
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• diagnosed cancer,
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• diagnosed autoimmune disease, disease thyroid disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis,
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• bleeding disorders,
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• ulcers,
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• diseases liver,
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• adherence to sleep, sedative, anti-anxiety medication,
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• planned surgery,
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If you have any doubts - ask your doctor. A specialist knows your condition best, and what medications and supplements you are taking, so he or she can most accurately advise you on whether ashwagandha is right for you.

Why ashwagandha is not indicated in these situations?

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Pregnancy and lactation

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Pregnancy and lactation is a sensitive time in a woman's life, and there are no reliable scientific studies that have tested the use of ashwagandha during this periodand. It would be difficult to find volunteers who would take such a risk, and the moral issues of such a study remain.

The effects of this adaptogen on pregnancy and the fetus  and the effects of the compounds in this plant on the breastfed baby  are unknown. A 2012 review of studies published in Frontiers in Neuroscience suggests that the use of high doses of ashwagandha may induce miscarriageand.

The use of ashwagandha during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. Any dietary supplement or medication you use during this period, must be discussed with your doctor, so that your and your baby's health and life are safe.

Under 18 years of age

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Adaptogens are not recommended for use in people under 18 years of age. The effect of this plant on the psychophysical development and behaviour of a developing child or adolescent is unknown - there is a lack of scientific research in this area.

There is a lot going on in a young person's body at the developmental stage, in almost every system. Ashwagandha, as a potent adaptogen, could potentially interfere with this process, and the effects of this are unknownand.

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Cancer

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Ashwagandha affects a biochemical pathway, called cell cycle checkpoints, that either exacerbates the effects of the disease or can nullify the effect of treatmentand.

In the course of cancer, these checkpoints do not work well, leading to irregular cell growth. Controlling these checkpoints is important in cancer treatment, and ashwagandha can interfere with this process.

This means that this plant can potentially interfere with the treatment process and act as a saboteur. In addition, according to research studies, ashwagandha can increase testosterone levels, so it should be avoided in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancerand.

Autoimmune diseases

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In healthy individuals, the immune system protects the body from foreign substances and infections. In autoimmune diseases, there is an "error" in recognizing the body's own cells as a threat, so the immune system begins to attack and destroy the body's own healthy cells, tissues or organsand.

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Autoimmune diseases areand:

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• Diseases thyroid, e.g.  Hashimoto's disease, Graves-Basedov's disease,
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• Lesniowski-Crohn's disease,
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• rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
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• black eye disease,
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• lupus erythematosus,
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• psoriasis,
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• alopecia areata,
• acanthosis nigricans,
• dermatitis,
dermatitis
• celiac disease,
• diabetes,
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• type 1 diabetes,
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According to some studies, ashwagandha can lower blood sugar levels, which seems to be a good option for people with diabetesand. However, these patients are usually already taking blood sugar-lowering medications, so adding ashwagandha can cause their blood sugar to drop too high, which can be dangerous to their health .

Other diseases

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• Stomach ulcers. People with this ailment should not take ashwagandha, as it can irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate unpleasant symptoms .
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• Anomalous blood pressure. Research suggests that ashwagandha has blood pressure-lowering effects . In people being treated for abnormal blood pressure, there may be an interaction between the medications used for this and ashwagandha, or an unexpected drop in blood pressureand.
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• Hepatic diseases. In 2021-2023, several cases of patients who developed liver damage due to excessive use of ashwagandha were described. This is a potential risk, especially for people who suffer from diseases of this organand.
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Interactions with medicines and dietary supplements

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Ashwagandha is not just a plant. It is a powerful adaptogen with high biological activity. It may interact with medicines or dietary supplements containing specific active substancesand.

The table includes examples of medications, so if you are using others not listed in the table, all the more reason to advise your doctor before using ashwagandha.

Patients taking benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants or antidepressants should absolutely avoid ashwagandha, as this plant can exacerbate sedative, as well as GABAnergic, that is, reducing neuronal activity and inhibiting nerve signal transmission.

Planned surgical procedures

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Data from animal studies show that ashwagandha may have a sedative or calming effect, slowing the central nervous systemand. Medications used during and after surgery in combination with ashwagandha may increase the slowing of the nervous system.

Stop taking ashwagandha at least two weeks before surgery and inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking.

See also: Ashwagandha - side effects

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Ashwagandha - what does it help with?

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Ashwagandha (also known as languid plant or Indian ginseng) is one of the best studied adaptogensand for its properties. Results to date suggest that systematic use of ashwagandha :

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• reduces mental stress and tension,
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• positively affects mood and motivation,
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• improves memory and concentration,
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• increases performance and endurance,
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• enhances regeneration,
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• increases testosterone and thyroid hormones,
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• alleviates some symptoms during menopause,
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• supports sexual health in men and women,
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• improves male fertility,
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• has antioxidant and tonic effects on the body.

The consumption of ashwagandha is safe, well tolerated and free of adverse effects for most peopleand.

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To experience the benefits of consuming ashwagandha, it should be taken 8-12 weeks. After that, it is recommended to take a break. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended daily dose to avoid side effects.

See also compositional analyses of dietary supplements:

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• Ashwagandha KSM-66: the purest extract
• Ashwagandha Naturell
• Ashwagandha Aliness
• Ashwagandha Solgar
• Ashwagandha SFD
• Ashwagandha Swanson
• Swanson Berberine

What instead of ashwagandha?

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Can't take ashwagandha but really want to try a plant-based treatment? Alternatives for you include other plants and mushrooms. Familiarise yourself with the contraindications to their use - you may just end up with the right one for you?

Learn more about:

• Cordyceps
• Lion's Mane
• Reishi
• Hogweed
• Chaga
• Berberine
• Curcumin
• Piperine
• Cordyceps
• Black cumin oil
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
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• Passionflower (Passiflora)

See also

Without sugar

Sleep with Benefits – Vegan Sleep Gummies, Ashwagandha KSM-66, Raspberry Flavor

5.0

Supports better sleep and stress reduction (ashwagandha). Promotes relaxation and cognitive function (L-theanine). Has a positive effect on the nervous system (passionflower).

• Main active ingredient: 10:1 extract of ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera) KSM-66^®
• Amount of main active ingredient: 100 mg
• Standardization: 5% withanolides
• Other ingredients: L-theanine 98 mg, Passionflower herb extract 34 mg, L-tryptophan 200 mg
• Daily serving: 2 gummies
• Packaging: 60 gummies
• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Supports better sleep and stress reduction, promoting relaxation and cognitive functions. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system. The vegan Sleep with Benefits gummies use KSM-66® ashwagandha – the most researched, highest quality extract from the root of Withania somnifera.

The product is sugar-free – each gummy contains only 6 kcal! Sleep with Benefits is available in two flavors: pineapple and raspberry.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Highest quality Ashwagandha – KSM-66^®
• Well-balanced, simple ingredients
• No melatonin (which may allow combining this supplement with others that contain it)
• Fantastic raspberry or pineapple flavor

Cons:

• Reasonable doses of active ingredients may be perceived as "weak" – remember that this is a dietary supplement, and calming substances can amplify each other's effects. Additionally, this supplement was also designed as a complement to other supplements that may contain melatonin or ashwagandha.

with Vitamin D

Goli Ashwagandha

4.9

• Active ingredient: KSM-66® Ashwagandha root extract
• Quantity of active substance: 150 mg of KSM-66® Ashwagandha, 12,5 mcg of vitamin D
• Form: gummies
• Daily serving: 2 gummies a day
• Packaging: 60 gummies
• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

These gummies are a convenient way to enjoy the health benefits of ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen known for its ability to help manage stress, support relaxation, and improve overall well-being.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Highest quality of ashwagandha – KSM-66^®
• Vitamin D supports immune health and mood alongside the ashwagandha benefits.
• Suitable for individuals following gluten-free or plant-based diets

Cons:

• Contains sugar - in one gummy there are approximately 2 grams of sugar.

With herbal blend

Lemme Chill De-stress Gummies

4.9

• Active ingredient: KSM-66® Ashwagandha root extract
• Quantity of active substance: 300 mg of KSM-66® Ashwagandha, 15 mg proprietary herbal blend (Passionflower, Lemon Balm, Goji Berry)
• Form: gummies
• Daily serving: 2 gummies a day
• Packaging: 60 gummies
• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Enhanced with a botanical blend of Passionflower, Lemon Balm, and Goji Berry, Lemme Chill promotes a calm, relaxed state while helping manage stress.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Highest quality of ashwagandha – KSM-66^®
• Includes Passionflower, Lemon Balm, and Goji Berry for additional relaxation and rejuvenation benefits.
• Suitable for individuals following gluten-free or plant-based diets

Cons:

• High in sugar - in one gummy there are approximately 3 grams of sugar and 20 calories.

with GABA

OLLY Goodbye Stress

4.5

• Active ingredients: Ashwagandha, GABA, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm
• Quantity of active substances: 125 mg Ashwagandha, 100 mg GABA, 100 mg L-Theanine, 75 mg Lemon Balm
• Form: softgels
• Daily serving: 2 softgels per day
• Packaging: 60 softgels
• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Opis produktu

OLLY Ultra Strength Goodbye Stress Softgels combine Ashwagandha, GABA, L-Theanine, and Lemon Balm to help reduce stress and promote calm. Keep your cool thanks to this soothing mix and decrease mental tension.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Contains additional ingredients synergistic with ashwagandha
• Suitable for individuals following gluten-free diet
• Sugar free

Cons:

• No information about standardization
• For some people softgels can be hard to swallow

Nature Made Ashwagandha

4.5

• Main active ingredient: SENSORIL® Ashwagandha
• Amount of main active ingredient: 125 mg
• Standardization: 10% withanolides
• Other ingredients: None
• Daily serving: 1 capsule
• Packaging: 60 capsules
• Sufficient for: 60 days

See price

Product description

Clinically studied, SENSORIL® Ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol and feelings of stress as well as promotes relaxation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• High quality Ashwagandha – SENSORIL®
• The package lasts for long - 2 months
• Gluten-free, with no artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons:

• Doesn't contain additional ingredients
• For some people capsules may be hard to swallow

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Summary

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