Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is also referred to as 'Indian ginseng' or 'winter cherry'. It is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda -the traditional medicine system in India and used for thousands of years as a 'Rasayana' for its wide range of health benefits.

Rasayana refers to a herbal preparation that promotes optimal youth, promotes mental health and expands happiness. It improves memory by enhancing the function of the brain and nervous system.  As a rasayana, Ashwagandha also improves the function of the reproductive system and promotes a healthy sexual and reproductive balance.

Not just this. Ashwagandha is also considered a powerful adaptogen that enhances the body's resilience to stress. It boosts the body's defence against disease by improving the cell-mediated immunity. Furthermore, Ashwagandha possesses potent antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.

But how safe is Ashwagandha and how long can you consume it?

Ashwagandha is usually safe when taken by mouth for up to 3 months. You can then take a break for a month and continue again thereafter. However, large doses of Ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrehea, and vomiting. In rare cases, liver problems may occur too.

Now let's discuss in details what medications interact with Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha supplements should be taken with caution by people with Thyroid complications.

As body produces thyroid hormones, taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone pills might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body. This interaction may increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone. Hence, be sure to consult your doctor before taking the supplements.

Sedative medications or anti-depressants interacts with Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha's leaves contain a compound that causes sleep induction and is used for treating insomnia. Which is why it might lead to sleepiness and drowsiness with medications such as Wellburtin. Some other sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.

Medications that are immunosuppressants should not be taken with Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has a tendency to boost the immune system. Taking Ashwagandha along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease their effectiveness.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Now that you are aware about the many benefits of Ashwagandha and which medications to avoid taking with it, always pick the purest and organically grown herbs or Supplements that are formulated with minimal additives.