Many users have taken to social media to express their feelings about ashwagandha, a supplement that has been growing in popularity.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a plant native to areas of Europe, Asia and Africa that is typically found in tropical or subtropical climates. It is primarily used in herbal medicine as an adaptogen, or a supplement to help with stress and anxiety.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the root has been trending as an alternative to other stress-reducing activities and techniques. Even GoogleTrends has shown a noticeable uptick in search results over the past five years.
The root does more than just reduce stress and anxiety. It reduces stress by helping lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that regulates stress responses and circadian rhythms. It also helps reduce inflammation, improve memory and boost immune functions.
Further studies have shown ashwagandha can help with physical performance. A study from 2015 found that men who took 600 milligrams of the supplement performed better after eight weeks of resistance training than men who did not and performed the same exercises.
Many people have taken to TikTok to share their experiences with ashwagandha. Some have found that their critical inner voices and anxiety have disappeared once they started taking the supplement and questioned why they had not taken it sooner. Others have found they simply do not care about certain things as much as they used to. Still, others have made jokes about taking the supplement to avoid confronting the emotions they may feel during a stressful time.
A Q&A with the Mayo Clinic addressed this sentiment and explained that taking ashwagandha to reduce stress and negative emotions is not necessarily the solution, but is a helpful option.
However, before jumping on social media’s new health craze, it is important to be mindful of any potential side effects. Physically, it is not uncommon to experience gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and nausea. The Cleveland Clinic also strongly recommends consulting your doctor if you have any history of thyroid issues, as the supplement can convert more of the hormone Thyroxine (T4) to the very active Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone, which can lead to hyperthyroidism. Additionally, many users have reported a “numbness” that comes after taking ashwagandha for an extended time.
While no official studies state the supplement can cause these side effects, anecdotes from users can back up these claims. Furthermore, women may be particularly affected by some side effects. The isoflavones and flavonoids can mimic estrogen, boosting fertility. For women wanting to avoid pregnancy, this may be a detrimental side effect. However, this is a double-edged sword because it can also lead to reduced premenstrual symptoms and help regulate periods.
Overall, it is not much of a surprise that ashwagandha is trending. While the supplement is not a miracle drug, it can be helpful if potential side effects are recognized.
