Ashwagandha Has Many Benefits, But Take A Doctor's Opinion Before Its Consumption To Avoid Side Effects

While ashwagandha is considered to be generally safe, one should be careful and consult a healthcare provider before consuming it.

Dried Ashwagandha Roots

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Ashwagandha, whose botanical name is Withania somnifera, is a popular herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. However, it is crucial to take an expert's opinion on when, how and in what quantity it should be consumed. In order to protect yourself from any possible side effects, one should take an opinion from an Ayurvedic doctor before consuming the herbal supplement, which has a wide range of health benefits. 

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a herb that is used in Ayurvedic discipline of medical treatment. Ashwagandha powder and capsules are made from the herb. It is also known as the Indian winter cherry. It is produced in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Apart from India, it is grown in China and Nepal as well. There are 23 types of Ashwagandha that can be found worldwide. In India, two varieties are found.

Benefits Of Ashwagandha

According to the National Library of Medicine, Ashwagandha has anti-stress properties. It increases stamina as well, and the consumption of its roots and leaves have many other benefits for our body. While Ashwagandha is generally considered to be safe, one should be careful and consult a healthcare provider before consuming Ashwagandha leaves and roots.

During the outbreak of COVID-19, the AYUSH Ministry had come up with regular advisories on the consumption of Ayurvedic medicines. The advisories were released as people were indiscriminately consuming these herbs thinking it would help them recover from Covid-19 and protect them from the disease.

The AYUSH Ministry had then written to the ASU Drugs Manufacturing Association to stop using Ashwagandha leaves in their products.

Just Ashwagandha Is Not Enough

No Ayurvedic herb won't give 100 per cent satisfactory results unless it's taken in the correct manner, the AYUSH Ministry has said repeatedly. Moreover, it won't be of much use unless a person does not maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet otherwise. The human body requires the right amount of nutrients and routine to function properly.

There are various reasons due to which we fall sick and having a proper diet should be a priority. Whoever consumes Ashwagandha should ensure his/her eating habits and daily routine are also up to the mark, the ministry has emphasised.