Is It Safe To Take Ashwagandha Every Day?

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for centuries, especially in the field of Ayurvedic medicine. Also called Indian ginseng, the plant, as well as its berries and roots, is used in India's established medical system. The herb is an adaptogen, and it boasts several health benefits, including relieving stress and anxiety, as well as improving sleep and lowering blood sugar levels (via Everyday Health).

There are not a lot of studies on the effectiveness of ashwagandha, and more research is needed. That being said, a few small studies show it did show promise on a few fronts. A 2019 study of 60 adults showed that taking 240 milligrams a day helped reduce stress significantly. A different study in 2019 found that people taking 250 to 600 milligrams of the herb also felt more calm and relaxed and were able to sleep better. In addition, another study showed that ashwagandha lowered blood sugar levels (via Healthline).

Ashwagandha is safe for most people to consume daily. There are no standard doses for adults. Though some studies suggest that 250 to 600 milligrams per day may help reduce stress levels, people have taken much higher doses in other studies. Because little research has been conducted, the long-term effects of ashwagandha are not known. WebMD suggests that the herb is possibly safe when taken for up to three months. Some reports show a link between high does of the herb and some side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, digestive issues, and vomiting (via Medical News Today).

While ashwagandha is considered generally safe, there are some people who should consult with their physician before taking it. Women who are pregnant should avoid the herb because it might distress the fetus or cause premature labor. Likewise, women who are breastfeeding and people diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus might also want to discuss taking ashwagandha with their doctor.