Ashwagandha doesn't cause weight gain-it helps your body return to balance. Learn how stress reduction, muscle gain, and appetite changes can affect the scale, and what the science really says.
Read MoreAshwagandha Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It
When people talk about natural stress relief, ashwagandha, a traditional Ayurvedic herb used for over 3,000 years to reduce stress, boost energy, and support thyroid function. Also known as Withania somnifera, it’s one of the most studied herbs in Indian medicine. But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Thousands of people in India take ashwagandha daily — some swear by it, others end up with upset stomachs, dizziness, or worse. The real question isn’t whether it works — it’s whether it’s right for you.
One of the biggest risks? ashwagandha and blood pressure, a combination that can drop your numbers too low if you’re already on medication. If you’re taking pills for high blood pressure, ashwagandha might push you into dangerous territory. It also interacts with thyroid meds — if you’re on levothyroxine, this herb can make your dosage ineffective or cause overstimulation. Then there’s the immune system. Ashwagandha boosts immune activity, which sounds good until you have an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In those cases, it can make symptoms flare up. And if you’re pregnant? Skip it. Studies show it may trigger contractions. Even if you’re not pregnant, if you’re planning surgery, stop taking it at least two weeks before. It can interfere with anesthesia and slow your heart rate.
Another hidden issue? Ayurvedic medicine side effects, the fact that many ashwagandha products aren’t tested for heavy metals or contaminants. In India, some brands use soil-grown roots that absorb lead or arsenic from polluted land. A 2021 study found nearly 1 in 4 ashwagandha supplements sold online had unsafe levels of heavy metals. You can’t tell just by looking at the bottle. That’s why third-party testing matters — and why buying from trusted Indian brands like Himalaya or Dabur gives you more confidence than random Amazon sellers.
People often think herbal means harmless. But ashwagandha isn’t a vitamin — it’s a potent plant compound that affects your nervous system, hormones, and immune response. The side effects aren’t rare. They’re common enough that doctors in Mumbai and Delhi now ask patients outright: "Are you taking ashwagandha?" before prescribing anything else. If you’ve ever felt jittery, had a racing heart, or felt unusually tired after starting it, that’s not normal. It’s your body telling you something’s off.
Below, you’ll find real stories and science-backed facts about what happens when ashwagandha clashes with other medicines, how to spot a bad product, and which health conditions make it too risky to use. No fluff. Just what you need to decide if this herb helps you — or hurts you.
Can Ashwagandha Cause Weight Gain? The Real Science Behind the Myth
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