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What not to mix with ashwagandha? Interactions + examples

Ashwagandha in combination with certain plants or active substances enhances each other’s effects. Sometimes you want to more calm down or give yourself more energy, so you put on your alchemist’s hat and combine. Maybe classically you want to do well, and ashwagandha is just a plant after all…

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Unfortunately, some combinations may harm you, as ashwagandha is a potent adaptogen, not… siano. So before you create your ‘stack’ with ashwagandha, ask your Master Alchemist (doctor) for his/her opinion and find out what are the explosive combinations with ashwagandha.

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See also:

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha – dosage
Ashwagandha – contraindications to use
Ashwagandha – side effects
Ashwagandha – morning or night?
Ashwagandha – when does it start working?
Indian ginseng
Adaptogens

Ashwagandha – what not to combine with?

Ashwagandha should not be combined with medications: for thyroid, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, sleeping pills, sedatives, antihistamines, antidiabetics, contraceptives, antiepileptics and blood pressure regulators . Combining it with these agents may, for example, increase sedative effects.

Ashwagandha may also weaken or exacerbate the effects of the drugs themselves, which negatively affects health.

Also, ashwagandha should not be combined with alcohol and dietary supplements or herbs with calming, sedative effects containing valerian or St. John’s wort .

Interactions of ashwagandha with medications

Below you will find a table with groups of medications that should not be used concurrently with ashwagandha along with examples given of the most popular preparations available .

The use of ashwagandha with these medications may intensify, reduce or nullify their effects . Before taking ashwagandha preparations or teas, consult your doctor.

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Ashwagandha vs antidepressants

Do not combine ashwagandha with antidepressants, as this plant has activity similar to some preparations used to treat depression through its effect on serotonin receptors .

In 2021, the results of a study examining the effects of ashwagandha on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder) were published. Forty people taking SSRI drugs were divided into two groups in which they took:

1 g ashwagandha extract,
placebo.

After 6 weeks, subjects taking SSRIs and the extract showed a reduction in the severity of GAD symptoms .

But this is only one study, conducted under controlled conditions. It cannot be concluded on its basis that concomitant use of SSRIs and ashwagandha is safe.

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In other preclinical studies, ashwagandha has been found to affect GABAergic and serotonin activity, which are important pathways for the mechanism of action of SSRIs, so it is better not to use these concomitantly.

Ashwagandha and alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking ashwagandha preparations or teas. Alcohol is a psychoactive substance, specifically a depressant .

Scientific research suggests that ashwagandha may play a role in regulating detoxification enzyme activity and participate in the cleansing process at the cellular level .

Alcohol has a toxic effect on the body, so the simultaneous use of these substances can cause a reduction in tolerance to alcoholic beverages, and can lead to unpleasant discomforts such as drowsiness, headache, stomach discomfort and kac-gigant.

Ashwagandha versus other plants

Consider dietary supplements and herbs with calming, sedative and sleep-enhancing effects. Ashwagandha can also exacerbate their properties in adverse ways, causing ‘fogginess’, concentration problems or excessive daytime sleepiness .

Ashwagandha should not be combined with valerian and wort . There are no scientific studies verifying the effects of using these herbs simultaneously. Due to their similar action profile, they may exacerbate each other’s sedative and sleeping properties.

Focus on quality, not quantity. Test the effects of different preparations, but not all at once, as this may do more harm than good.

Test the effects of different herbs.

Ashwagandha versus other adaptogens

“Stacking” adaptogens, i.e. combining different plants and fungi in this group, aims to naturally harness the synergy of different substances that complement or potentiate each other’s effects.

Ashwagandha can be combined with other adaptogens, and the most popular combinations involve plants and fungi such as :

Mountain rhododendron,
cordyceps,
reishi,
maca,
L-theanine,
traganthus,
shilajit (mumio),

Ashwagandha can also be combined with black cumin oil (for immunity and vitality), curcuma (reduces inflammation) with magnesium and vitamin B6 (for fatigue and stress) and guarana (to improve concentration). Piperine may increase the absorption of ashwagandha.

Some phytotherapy experts recommend that adaptogens should not be combined, but given to work separately. They suggest that only then will you get to know their effects on the body and more easily track down the ‘culprit’ of any side effects or see if they are working for you at all.

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The use of adaptogens solo is recommended for inexperienced people who have not dealt with this type of substance before.

Ashwagandha and contraception

There are no scientific studies that test whether ashwagandha can be taken with contraceptive pills and what effect the plant has on their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, so it is important to consult a gynaecologist before starting to take ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha and Contraceptive Pills.

Taking a variety of preparations, including those of plant origin, can affect the metabolism of substances supplied to the body. To avoid a potential interaction that may decrease effectiveness of hormonal contraception, maintain an interval of a few hours between taking ashwagandha and birth control pills.

Combine for better absorption

There are some combinations you can indulge in. They naturally increase the absorption of ashwaghanda.

What is worth combining ashwagandha with?

Piperine. It is an alkaloid known to increase the bioavailability of other nutrients. This means that ashwagandha can be absorbed into the body more efficiently thanks to piperine.
Fat. Better absorption of ashwagandha is influenced by consuming it in the presence of healthy fats, e.g. eggs, avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds.

How to use ashwagandha safely?

If you want to try ashwaghanda, do so with your head. Keep a few tips in mind:

Check out the contraindications to use.
Check out the potential contraindications to use.
Learn about potential interactions between medicines, dietary supplements and herbal preparations and ashwaghanda.
Consult with your doctor.
Consult your doctor, who can best tell you how to use ashwagandha so that it does not interfere with other preparations you are taking.

What are the benefits of ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (a.k.a. sluggish ginseng or Indian ginseng)can help with a variety of ailments and be a helpful support for their treatment. Previous scientific research suggests that this adaptogen may affect :

Stress, anxiety and mental tension. Vitania osprey is known for its anti-anxiety effects, relieving stress and its negative effects on the body. It lowers cortisol (the so-called stress hormone) and supports mental health.
Self-esteem. By reducing stress and improving quality of sleep it positively affects mood and motivation.
Sleep disorders. Systematic intake of this plant can improve quality of sleep, by making it easier to fall asleep, calmer and increasing nighttime rest time.
Mind fitness. Regular supplementation can improve memory and concentration, benefiting mental performance.
Fatigue. Vitania sluggard may reduce feelings of fatigue and add energy. This may be linked to improved sleep quality – when you are sleepy, you have more desire to perform.
Regeneration; Supports post-workout muscle recovery.
Improves immune function. Supports immune system function.
Antioxidation of the body. Eliminates harmful free radicals, reduces oxidative stress and reduces the negative consequences of their action.
Male fertility. Increases sperm motility and improves semen quality.
Hormone levels. Increases testosterone levels in infertile men. Increases levels of hormones thyroid T3 and T4.
Libido levels. Ashwagandha may help treat sexual dysfunction in women.
Cholesterol. Ashwagandha reduces ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol.
Pain relief. Reduces pain during chemotherapy and in osteoarthritis.
Conditioning. Supports the body’s performance, especially in athletes doing endurance training, as it increases the aerobic ceiling.

Ashwagandha (also known as sleaze plant or Indian ginseng) has an adaptogenic effect, meaning it increases the body’s resistance to stress and other adverse environmental factors .

Bioactive compounds such as :

are responsible for this action.

vitanolides, or steroidal lactones (e.g. vitanopherin a, vitanolides a-y),
alkaloids (e.g. vitanin, somniferin, anaferin),
vitanolid glycosides (e.g. sitoindosides, vitanosides),
flavonoids,
saponins,
coumarins,

Ashwaghanda is one of the best studied adaptogens with many potential benefits for the body. When used systematically, it can support health and well-being.

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