In some cases, ashwagandha can lead to skin problems, including acne. This typically happens due to factors such as hormonal changes—especially an increase in testosterone levels—and allergic reactions. Additionally, overconsumption of ashwagandha can negatively impact the skin's health.
The high antioxidant content in Ashwagandha helps to battle the symptoms of skin ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes and dark spots. Their capacity to reduce wrinkles firms the skin making it look young. By lowering cortisol levels, Ashwagandha relieves stress, benefiting the skin.
In some individuals, ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.
Ashwagandha enhances skin tone by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy skin. “When skin is irritated, it may appear dull and uneven. Ashwagandha contains anti-inflammatory effects that relieve inflamed skin, reduce redness, and promote a glowing and clear skin.
Ashwagandha might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone pills might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body, and increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone.
In some cases, ashwagandha can lead to skin problems, including acne. This typically happens due to factors such as hormonal changes—especially an increase in testosterone levels—and allergic reactions. Additionally, overconsumption of ashwagandha can negatively impact the skin's health.
Until more is known, people with liver disease should avoid taking ashwagandha. Surgery: Ashwagandha may slow down the central nervous system. Healthcare providers worry that anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery might increase this effect.
Ashwagandha could potentially alleviate some of the symptoms associated with stress and anxiety, including minimizing hair loss. Ashwagandha can contribute to healthy hair as it exerts antioxidants and anti-stress effects [22,24,26], which can help to strengthen the hair and minimize breakage.
Ashwagandha may have a calming effect on anxiety symptoms. In a 2019 study , researchers found that taking a daily dose of 240 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha significantly reduced people's stress levels when compared with a placebo. This included reduced levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone.
Evidence on the safety of using ashwagandha over many months or years is lacking. There are a few reports of more serious side effects associated with ashwagandha use, including adverse effects on liver function [22].
Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of ashwagandha. Ashwagandha has not been studied as an aid to gain or lose weight, though a small study did find that it may help reduce food cravings in adults who are chronically stressed.
If you experience signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking ashwagandha, seek immediate medical help. An allergic reaction may cause hives, itching, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face or throat.
You can take the supplement any time of day that works for you, as long as you remember to take it daily. Taking it at night can be better if you experience side effects or hope it will help you sleep—but taking it in the morning may be better for other uses, like improved cognition.
Studies have shown that ashwagandha extract can play a crucial role in promoting testosterone and DHT-induced beard growth. This powerful herb contains bioactive compounds that stimulate the development of new hair follicles on the face, leading to a fuller and more robust beard.
Ashwagandha can influence hormonal balance due to its adaptogenic properties. It may help regulate cortisol levels, which can have an indirect effect on other hormones such as androgens. Elevated androgen levels are known to stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, potentially leading to acne development.
One of the most noticeable benefits of Ashwagandha for skin include its ability to reduce acne, since it is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. Ashwagandha deeply cleanses the skin tissue of its impurities and removes residual dirt and grime from the face.
A study on the efficacy of ashwagandha lotion in healthy photoaged people revealed the plant can significantly reduce the appearance of aging signs caused by UV radiation, including fine lines and wrinkles. As a potent antioxidant, ashwagandha repairs cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Does ashwagandha make you emotionally numb? Everyone reacts differently to herbs as well as medications. Some people are very sensitive to them. So, it's possible that someone taking ashwagandha can feel numb to their emotions, but it's not a common side effect.
It can cause vomiting, drowsiness, nausea, and liver damage. If you have an autoimmune disorder, don't take ashwagandha without first consulting your doctor. Also, certain groups such as pregnant women, people with cancer, and people with stomach ulcers should not consume any ashwagandha products.
Two studies from 2011 and 2014 found that ashwagandha had no effect on penis length, circumference, nor do they help with erectile dysfunction. So while ashwagandha might have some benefits, "it's not a magic pill," Lopresti said.
How long does it take for ashwagandha to work? It depends, but it generally takes two to three weeks of taking ashwagandha for most people to notice anything significant, says Mulvihill. Some people may notice the effects of ashwagandha sooner, while others may need to take it for a month or longer.
Ashwagandha should not be combined with medications: for thyroid, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, sleeping pills, sedatives, antihistamines, antidiabetics, contraceptives, antiepileptics and blood pressure regulators . Combining it with these agents may, for example, increase sedative effects.
2. DVFA's ban on Ashwagandha. The DVFA's official website states: “Do not eat Ashwagandha or supplements containing Ashwagandha because its root has negative effects on sex hormones and reproduction for both men and women.
Ashwagandha has shown mixed effects on hormone health measures such as cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and thyroid hormones in human studies.