# Before You Take Ashwagandha: 4 Potential Side Effects You Need to Know
Ashwagandha has become a star player in the world of natural wellness. Praised for its ability to help the body manage stress, this ancient adaptogenic herb is found in everything from powders and capsules to trendy lattes. While many people experience significant benefits, it’s crucial to understand that no supplement is without potential risks. A balanced conversation about this powerful plant must include a look at the possible **ashwagandha side effects**, some of which can be quite serious.
If you’re considering adding *Withania somnifera* to your routine, being informed is your best defense. This article will explore four potentially serious side effects of ashwagandha to help you make a safe and educated decision. Remember, this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement.
## What is Ashwagandha? A Quick Refresher
Before diving into the risks, let’s quickly recap what ashwagandha is. It’s a small evergreen shrub native to India and Southeast Asia, and its roots and leaves have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. As an adaptogen, it’s believed to help the body resist and adapt to physical, chemical, and biological stressors.
People commonly use it to:
* Reduce stress and anxiety
* Improve sleep quality
* Boost energy and athletic performance
* Enhance cognitive function
While its benefits are widely promoted, the focus on its positive aspects can sometimes overshadow the important safety considerations.
## 4 Potentially Serious Ashwagandha Side Effects
Most people who take ashwagandha in appropriate doses experience no issues or only mild discomfort. However, for certain individuals or when taken in high amounts, the risks become more pronounced. Here are four potential side effects to be aware of.
### 1. Gastrointestinal Distress and Stomach Upset
One of the most commonly reported side effects of ashwagandha is gastrointestinal upset. While typically not life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable and may be a sign that the herb isn’t right for you or the dosage is too high.
Symptoms can include:
* Nausea
* Stomach pain or cramping
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting (in rare, high-dose cases)
This reaction is thought to occur because ashwagandha can directly irritate the mucosal lining of your intestinal tract. Taking large doses on an empty stomach can significantly increase the likelihood of these issues. To minimize this risk, always start with the lowest recommended dose and take it with a meal. If stomach problems persist, it’s best to discontinue use.
### 2. Potential for Liver Injury
This is one of the more serious, though rare, **ashwagandha side effects**. In recent years, a small number of case reports have linked ashwagandha supplementation to clinically apparent liver injury (hepatotoxicity).
The symptoms of liver damage can be subtle at first but may include:
* Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
* Dark-colored urine
* Fatigue and weakness
* Nausea and vomiting
* Pain in the upper right abdomen
It’s important to put this risk into perspective. The number of documented cases is very low compared to the millions who take the supplement without issue. However, the risk appears to be real. Some experts believe these cases may be caused by contaminants or adulterants in low-quality products rather than the ashwagandha itself. This highlights the absolute necessity of purchasing supplements from reputable, third-party tested brands. If you have a pre-existing liver condition, you should avoid ashwagandha or use it only under the strict supervision of a healthcare provider.
### 3. Interference with Thyroid Function
Ashwagandha’s effect on the thyroid is complex and a critical consideration for anyone with a known thyroid disorder. Research suggests that ashwagandha can increase the levels of thyroid hormones, specifically triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
For someone with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), this might sound beneficial. Indeed, some studies have explored its potential to support thyroid function in this context. However, self-medicating a thyroid condition is extremely dangerous.
The real risk is for individuals with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). For these people, taking ashwagandha could potentially push their thyroid hormone levels into a dangerously high range, leading to a condition called thyrotoxicosis. Symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, anxiety, tremors, unexplained weight loss, and heat intolerance. If you are on thyroid medication or have any thyroid condition, do not take ashwagandha without consulting your endocrinologist.
### 4. Aggravation of Autoimmune Diseases
As an adaptogen, ashwagandha works in part by modulating the immune system. For most people, a more balanced immune response is a good thing. However, for those with autoimmune diseases, this stimulation can be problematic.
Autoimmune diseases—such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), and type 1 diabetes—occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Because ashwagandha can make the immune system more active, it has the potential to increase the symptoms of these conditions or trigger a flare-up.
If your immune system is already in a state of overactivity, stimulating it further is generally not advised. Anyone with a diagnosed autoimmune condition should be extremely cautious and speak with their specialist before considering ashwagandha.
## Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid Ashwagandha?
Based on the potential side effects, certain groups of people should exercise particular caution or avoid the supplement altogether:
* **Pregnant or breastfeeding women:** There is not enough research to confirm its safety, and some evidence suggests it may cause distress to the fetus.
* **People with autoimmune diseases:** As mentioned, it may worsen symptoms.
* **Individuals with thyroid disorders:** Especially hyperthyroidism.
* **Those with upcoming surgery:** Ashwagandha may slow the central nervous system, which could interact with anesthesia and other medications. It’s often recommended to stop taking it at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
* **People with liver conditions:** Due to the rare risk of liver injury.
* **Anyone taking specific medications:** This includes immunosuppressants, thyroid hormones, sedatives, and blood sugar-lowering drugs, as ashwagandha may interact with them.
## Final Thoughts: A Powerful Herb Demands Respect
Ashwagandha is a potent herb with a long history of use and a growing body of research supporting its benefits for stress and overall well-being. However, its power is precisely why it must be used with care and awareness.
Understanding the potential **ashwagandha side effects** is not meant to scare you away from it, but to empower you to use it safely. By starting with a low dose, choosing high-quality products, and, most importantly, discussing it with your doctor, you can determine if this ancient remedy is a safe and appropriate choice for your health journey.
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