What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Take Ashwagandha

There’s not enough high-quality research to support the use of ashwagandha in lowering blood pressure, though some studies have found promising results. However, ashwagandha may help with stress, anxiety, and sleep—all of which can indirectly contribute to your heart health.

How Ashwagandha Affects Blood Pressure

Ashwagandha is a plant that grows in Asia and Africa and has long been used to help manage stress. While some preliminary research suggests that ashwagandha may have some heart health benefits, there’s not enough evidence to support its use for hypertension (high blood pressure):

• One small study found that ashwagandha did not affect blood pressure in healthy adults. However, it was shown to be safe.
• A review of several studies suggested that, while ashwagandha may have potential implications for blood pressure and other cardiovascular outcomes, the results are mixed.
• Research has shown that ashwagandha can alleviate stress and anxiety and improve sleep. Long-term persistent stress and lack of good-quality sleep can be contributing factors to high blood pressure. By helping with these risk factors, ashwagandha may indirectly benefit blood pressure.

Overall, there are not enough large-scale trials focusing directly on blood pressure. Studies on the use of ashwagandha with various health conditions often have small sample sizes and use varying ashwagandha preparations.

However, people who are taking medication for high blood pressure should talk to their healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha because of its potential to lower blood pressure.

Benefits of Ashwagandha

High-quality research on the potential health benefits of ashwagandha is limited. More research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn, but some studies suggest ashwagandha may help with:

• Reducing stress, possibly by lowering the stress hormone cortisol
• Sleep, possibly with falling asleep, staying asleep, and improving sleep quality
• Anxiety, though the evidence is unclear
• Increasing testosterone levels and sperm quality with taking ashwagandha (limited evidence)
• Supporting thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism conditions

It is important to remember that ashwagandha has been proven effective as a treatment for health conditions. It should not be used as a substitute for medical care.

Who Should Not Use Ashwagandha?

Unless there are interactions with medications or health conditions, ashwagandha may be considered safe for short-term use (up to three months). Its safety for long-term use is not known.

Ashwagandha should not be used by people who:

• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• Are about to have surgery
• Have autoimmune disorders
• Have thyroid disorders
• Have prostate cancer or certain other cancers
• Have stomach ulcers
• Have liver disorders

Ashwagandha has also been linked to several cases of liver injury.

Drug Interactions

Ashwagandha may interact with several medications, such as:

• Anticonvulsants (seizure medications)
• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Thyroid medications
• Medications for diabetes and high blood sugar
• Medications for high blood pressure
• Sedatives
• Immunosuppressants, including prednisone and corticosteroids
• Hepatoxic medications (medications that may harm the liver), including pain-relievers and anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, amoxicillin, and erythromycin

Potential Side Effects

Ashwagandha may have side effects such as:

• Drowsiness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea/loose stools
• Headache

Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha.

Ways To Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure

Preventing and controlling high blood pressure involves practicing heart-healthy lifestyle habits, including:

• Eating a nutritious diet, such as heart-healthy plans like the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet
• Limiting sodium
• Maintaining a weight that is healthy for you
• Getting regular physical activity
• Not smoking (if you currently smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to help you quit)
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol
• Getting enough good-quality sleep
• Managing stress (talking to a counselor or mental health professional, relaxation and mindfulness exercises, and support groups are some ways that can help)

In addition to lifestyle changes, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help control blood pressure.