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For centuries, natural herb tonics have been considered legitimate remedies to alleviate ailments of all types.
Ashwagandha is one such herb that has been heralded for its medicinal properties. Also known as Indian Ginseng, this natural remedy is said to be beneficial in treating conditions such as low testosterone, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
Furthermore, this revered herb is said to be an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps promote peacefulness and a state of calmness among patients.
With that said, bearing in mind the advancements of science and technology, can we confidently state that ashwagandha is all it’s made out to be?
In short, consuming ashwagandha is safe, but it should be done with caution.
Ashwagandha, as with any other herb or medication, has its risks and unwanted effects, especially on people who are predisposed to some health conditions.
Let’s take a deeper look into ashwagandha, its claimed benefits, and the types of people who should avoid this innocuous-looking herb.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera, is a plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine.
It is native to India and has been used for thousands of years to support overall health and well-being.
Ashwagandha is commonly taken in supplement form, but can also be found in teas and other products.
Ashwagandha is believed to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving cognitive function, and boosting the immune system.
That said, ashwagandha is not a herb that is regulated by the FDA. This means that ashwagandha herbal supplements have not been thoroughly assessed by a third party for their quality and safety.
If used improperly, this herb could harm your health. Consult a male sexual health specialist before considering natural treatments.
What are the Benefits of Ashwagandha?
For centuries, ashwagandha has been revered across parts of Asia as a potent herbal tonic due to its perceived properties.
While more research might be required to verify the efficacy of ashwagandha, some research suggests that ashwagandha supplements do contain health benefits.
These health benefits are as follows:
- Boosts testosterone levels
- Lowers cortisol levels
- Reduces blood sugar levels
- Lowers anxiety
- Reduces inflammation
- Increases muscle mass
- Raises sperm count
However, keep in mind that these benefits may or may not apply to your specific situation. As such, speak with your doctor to know more about possible interactions with your current medications and to determine how your body may respond.
Is Ashwagandha Safe?
While ashwagandha does have benefits, it can cause drug interactions that can be potentially harmful.
Furthermore, adverse effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness have been observed when people take large doses of ashwagandha, according to a study.
For individuals with certain conditions, the use of ashwagandha can have dire consequences. These are more prominent in the individuals with the following medical history:
1. Men with Diabetes
Clinical studies have demonstrated that ashwagandha can lower blood sugar levels. At first glance, this may seem like a good thing for people with diabetes.
However, the reality is quite the opposite. Blood sugar medications in conjunction with ashwagandha can cause a severe drop in blood sugar levels, which can lead to hypoglycemia.
2. Men with Low or High Blood Pressure
Research has shown that ashwagandha can decrease blood pressure levels by up to 15%.
While it may be good for people with high blood pressure, most of them use prescribed medications.
Ashwagandha may interfere with these medications and lead to an unexpected drop in your blood pressure.
For men with low blood pressure, taking ashwagandha can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
3. Men with Thyroid Disorders
The combination of thyroid hormone medications and ashwagandha can cause your thyroid hormone levels to skyrocket, potentially leading to emergency conditions such as thyrotoxicosis.
One case involved a 32-year-old previously healthy woman who developed a poor appetite, weight loss, shakiness, and palpitations six weeks after taking ashwagandha. When she increased her dosage, her case subsequently worsened.
4. Men with Heart Problems
According to a study, ashwagandha is known to have no significant effect on heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output in healthy volunteers.
However, it caused an increase in cardiac output and blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate in patients with heart failure.
5. Men with Liver Disease
Ashwagandha lowers liver enzymes, which can lead to impairments in this vital organ.
An International Journal of Health Sciences study found that treatment with ashwagandha for 30 days significantly increased liver enzymes in animal participants.
As such, men with liver disease are advised to speak with their doctor before taking ashwagandha supplements.
6. Men Undergoing Surgery
Ashwagandha has a sedating effect on your body, calming down your mind and slowing your nervous system.
However, while this may be useful in stressful situations, it may interact with drugs used during and after surgery.
If you are scheduled for surgery, stop taking ashwagandha for at least 2 weeks before surgery and consult your surgeon for other precautions to follow.
7. Men with Autoimmune Conditions
Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, leading to increased symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Conditions like multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis worsen with the consumption of ashwagandha.
If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using ashwagandha.
Regain Your Sexual Vitality with Medical Guidance from the Top Men’s Clinic in Ft. Lauderdale
Ayurvedic medication is on the rise as people shift towards natural therapies. However, this field isn’t considered traditional medicine, and therefore it’s important to be aware of its potential downsides.
Ashwagandha, in particular, can have serious side effects when overdosed or by those with certain conditions.
Instead of relying on natural supplements, you can opt for tried and tested treatment options to keep your health in order.
For instance, men suffering from sexual dysfunction can consider low testosterone therapy, acoustic wave therapy, ED therapy, and penile enhancement surgery to restore erections safely.
And if you want to keep your health in check the natural way, then you can practice healthy lifestyle habits like exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, and the right sleep quality.
Need further assistance? If you’re having issues with erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), call Ft. Lauderdale male clinic known as Preferred Men’s Medical Center now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are Ft Lauderdale’s leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Low Testosterone therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.