Ashwagandha for Women: Benefits, Risks & Safety

Ashwagandha is a plant typically used in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb is an energy tonic similar, but less expensive, than ginseng. Typically, the herb is safe. However, there is some controversy regarding the safety of its use for pregnant women or in high doses.

Significance

• Usually, Ashwagandha is safe up to 100 mg per kg of body weight. However, the herb has the ability to cause an abortion if too much is taken. Steroid lactones present within the plant are believed to effect the development of the fetus. Therefore, it is unsafe for pregnant women to take this herb without medical supervision.

History

• Traditionally, Ashwagandha is used in Ayurvedic medicine. In India, there are no restrictions of its use with nursing mothers. The safety of the herb during nursing is not based on clinical studies.

Controversy

• In the west, it is believed that Ashwagandha is unsafe for women to take during pregnancy. However, in India women that experience weakness take the herb because it is believed to stabilize the fetus.

Considerations

• Mice given Ashwagandha that made up 25 percent of their diet developed problems with small lesions, inflammation, vascular congestion and kidney problems.

Side Effects

• Large doses of Ashwagandha can cause gastro-intestinal problems because the powder is heavy and hard to digest. The results can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and heaviness in the abdomen. The herb should also be avoided by women or men who suffer from ulcers or other digestive problems.