More and more people are turning toward the supplement, ashwagandha, to help with health concerns such as anxiety, stress, and trouble sleeping. But, could your efforts be doing more harm than good? Some are starting to ask, “does ashwagandha make you emotionless?” Well, it depends on what you’re hoping to achieve by taking it.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient herb used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It’s gained modern popularity recently for its adaptogenic properties, which are believed to reduce stress and create a calming and mood-boosting effect. For this reason, many are turning toward the supplement as a natural way to combat mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. But, some say perhaps, it works a little too well. Does Ashwagandha make you emotionless?
Does Ashwagandha Numb Emotions?
Studies have linked ashwagandha to a substantial reduction in cortisol levels, resulting in lower stress levels. For this reason, we can assume that the supplement does indeed provide at least some effect of numbing the emotions that are causing the user to experience stress and anxiety. But, does it make you emotionless? Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. Healthcare professionals advise against taking ashwagandha for longer than 12 weeks. So, it’s up to you if the benefits are worth the potential side effects.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Stress Relief
If you are constantly stressed or suffer from anxiety or depression, you are probably looking for something to help ease some of the symptoms. Studies show that ashwagandha may help with some of those discomforts by:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Boosting energy
- Reducing food cravings
- Promoting calm and relaxation
- Quieting the mind
- Promoting restful sleep
Ashwagandha’s Potential Emotional Side Effects
It does appear that taking ashwagandha regularly could have an effect on your emotions. However, if you’re looking for stress and anxiety relief, that may be good news to you. There are some other potential side effects of ashwagandha that you should be aware of, including:
- Suppressed emotion
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Ashwagandha is generally approved for adults up to 1,000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Some people should avoid taking the supplement however, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. Ashwagndha may interact with certain medications, so make sure you talk to your healthcare professional before you start taking it.
Curious to learn more? Read about selecting the best ashwagandha supplement.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
