Ashwagandha coffee during pregnancy

Can I take Ashwagandha during pregnancy?

Ashwagandha during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing a woman can experience. However, pregnancy is not easy as it sounds, it can be uncomfortable, stressful, time spent, need so much care, and many more, and then yet it is still beautiful. There are certain drugs that need to be avoided for the proper formation of the fetus and to avoid miscarriage. 

Ashwagandha is a natural existing herb, that has various health benefits and is in a variety of food and beverages. For the last few years, it has been famous for its medicinal properties and is used in coffee as Ashwagandha coffee.  And the most concerning factor today is whether it's safe to consume Ashwagandha during Pregnancy or not. Without further delay let’s know more about it.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a naturally occurring herb, that is grown in only a few parts of Asia and Africa. It is famous for its use as an adaptogen. Ashwagandha is known to contain chemicals that help calm the brain, reduce swelling, regulate blood pressure, and also boost the immune system. 

It has been used as a traditional herb, mainly as an Adaptogen. Adaptogens are believed to make you feel relaxed and calmer. Ashwagandha is also known to treat many medical conditions such as insomnia, pain, and stress. However, there is very little scientific evidence on Ashwagandha, its benefits, and its side effects.

Health benefits of ashwagandha

1. Reduces stress

Ashwagandha is best known for its stress-relieving and anxiety-relieving properties. It is observed that a regular dosage of Ashwagandha has reduced cortisol levels over a period of time. And when cortisol levels are decreased, automatically stress and anxiety are relieved.

2. Reduces inflammation

Ashwagandha also has anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it helps soothe muscles, helps faster repair of muscle tissues, relieves pain, and reduces overall inflammation.

3. Improves sleep

Ashwagandha is effective in treating some medical conditions like insomnia, sleep disorder, and more. Ashwagandha makes your brain calmer, more focused, and relaxed, thereby improving the quality of your sleep.

4. Improves fertility

It is shown that Ashwagandha is associated with treating sexual dysfunction in women. It is observed that Ashwagandha is significant in improving sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. It also boosts fertility in men. It improves sperm quality and also regulates male sex hormones.

5. Improves brain function

Ashwagandha helps improve cognition, memory, and the ability to perform motor responses in a better way. Ashwagandha increases your attention span, keeps your mind clear, and improves your overall capabilities.

Is Ashwagandha safe during pregnancy?

Although, Ashwagandha has numerous health benefits, and is useful for boosting fertility in women. It is not recommended to consume during pregnancy, as there are concerns that it might cause miscarriage or harm to the growing fetus. It is believed that Ashwagandha is toxic to the growing embryos. However, there is no proper evidence or scientific research on this topic, still, it is considered unsafe for women to consume it during pregnancy. 

How to consume ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is available in various forms, such as powder, capsules, and liquid extract. You can mix the powder in warm water or milk, make it a soothing beverage, add honey or sugar for sweetness and better flavor and serve it hot. You can add this powder to regular smoothies you drink and have a better taste too. You can also find Ashwagandha coffee powder online. Ashwagandha capsules are also available in regular ayurvedic stores or you can buy them online, they need to be taken like regular capsules you take, this is a convenient way for people who want to avoid the taste of Ashwagandha. While liquid extract is the same as powder, you can add it to water or any other beverage you consume.

How much ashwagandha is safe during pregnancy?

As a general guideline, it is recommended to avoid Ashwagandha during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when the fetus is developing rapidly. Some animal studies have suggested that high doses of Ashwagandha may be toxic to developing embryos, although there have been no human studies that have conclusively demonstrated harm to the developing fetus.

If a healthcare provider determines that Ashwagandha is safe for you to take during pregnancy, they will likely recommend a low dosage. The appropriate dosage may vary depending on your age, health, and other factors, so it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Take Away

There is very limited research on Ashwagandha and its effects on Pregnant and lactating women. However, it is still considered unsafe to consume ashwagandha during those times, so as to avoid its negative effects. But, if you still wish to continue taking Ashwagandha then talk to your healthcare provider and confirm with them first before consuming it.

FAQs

Is Ashwagandha good for conceiving?

Yes, Ashwagandha is considered good for conceiving, as it helps in increasing fertility by balancing hormones and keeping the reproductive organs healthy.

Can Ashwagandha cause a miscarriage?

It is still believed that Ashwagandha can cause miscarriage, however, there is no proper evidence, and it is better to avoid it during Ashwagandha.

Can Ashwagandha regulate periods?

Yes, Ashwagandha is an adaptogen herb, that helps regulate hormones in women and healthy functioning of reproductive organs.

References

Is it safe to take Ashwagandhaduring Pregnancy? By Healthline, Jun 27, 2022.

7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Ashwagandha. By Forbes Health, Apr 5, 2023.

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