Pros and Cons of Ashwagandha Gummies
We could all use a little help in the stress and sleeping departments, couldn’t we? Assuming that’s the case for you, ashwagandha gummies might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Ashwagandha is naturally occurring and doesn’t require a prescription. It’s also been used for at least several centuries in Ayurveda, which is a traditional Indian medicine system. The good stuff actually comes from the Ashwagandha root and is used in a variety of products, including extracts, capsules, and the exceptionally tasty ashwagandha gummies.
Does it really work, though? That’s a good question, but it doesn’t have a simple answer. In this article, though, we’ll give you the information you need to make an informed decision on ashwagandha consumption.
First Things First: What Are Ashwagandha Gummies?
Ashwagandha gummies are just gummies (gelatin, pectin, water, sugar, and some flavoring substances) that are infused with ashwagandha. It’s not the only way to consume ashwagandha, but in our totally unbiased opinion, it’s the best way! To understand the potential benefits of ashwagandha gummies, it’s helpful to first delve into the ashwagandha plant (Withania somnifera) and how it affects the body.
Ashwagandha is a short, evergreen plant that grows in Nepal and India in the East, African countries, and a few places in between. The primary use for ashwagandha is its anti-stress properties. For that reason, users often refer to ashwagandha as an adaptogen. Ashwagandha roots contain an abundance of withanolides, which are actually steroids. A few other compounds help give ashwagandha the relaxing goodness it’s known and cherished for.
Be aware that you might see ashwagandha uttered in the same breath as ginseng. The two substances have many similarities, but they are different.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Ashwagandha Gummies?
Ashwagandha Gummies
PROS:
CONS:
- May help combat feelings of stress and anxiety.
- May help improve sleep patterns
- Might help lower blood pressure and LDL (bad cholesterol)
- Convenient and tasty
- Taking too much may result in diarrhea, nausea, or headache
- Effects of long-term use are not well understood
- May react with medications
Ashwagandha is no different from any other substance in that you must carefully weigh the benefits and risks before consumption.
However, there’s no guarantee you’ll experience the widely reported benefits of ashwagandha. And, as always, you should start with low doses and consult your doctor prior to substance use.
Pros: Ashwagandha Gummies Benefits
The overarching benefit of ashwagandha is the anti-stress effects. Stress has a profound effect on our minds and bodies, so it’s no surprise that ashwagandha is used for a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Below are some of the most commonly reported benefits.
Relaxation
Multiple studies have shown that ashwagandha use is associated with lowered levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. In one 2019 study, 58 study participants reported that they felt less emotional stress after consuming ashwagandha twice per day for eight weeks. In other studies, ashwagandha proved to be more effective at stress relief than placebo substances.
Improved sleep
It’s hard to sleep when you’re stressed. It’s unknown if stress relief is the primary factor in ashwagandha’s effectiveness in combating insomnia, but something appears to be working. A study in India showed that participants who were given ashwagandha were more likely to experience improvements in sleep compared to participants who were given placebos.
Neuroprotection
A couple of scientific reviews have indicated that ashwagandha use may help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. The evidence of ashwagandha’s neuroprotective properties is less robust than evidence for stress relief, but the limited data appears somewhat promising.
Improved sexual pleasure and performance
A 2022 study of 50 “adult males” showed that ashwagandha use is associated with increased testosterone levels. Additionally, participants reported higher scores on the DISF-M, a comprehensive questionnaire that aims to gauge the overall health of an individual’s sex life.
A different 2022 study concluded that ashwagandha is generally effective in improving the sexual health of women with low sex drives. Participants saw increased scores on their respective Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) assessments.
Cons: Side Effects of Ashwagandha Gummies
Before starting ashwagandha use, it’s important to understand its potential adverse effects. Many of these side effects are relatively minor and go away after your ashwagandha dose wears off, but that may not be true for every user.
Stomach upset
The most common side effects associated with ashwagandha use affect the gastrointestinal system. These effects include diarrhea, nausea, and general upset stomach. The vast majority of users who reported gastrointestinal symptoms claimed the effects were mild.
Liver damage
Rarely, heavy ashwagandha use may cause or contribute to liver damage. A handful of people have reported signs of liver damage, such as jaundice, severe itching, and exhaustion, after using products containing ashwagandha. It appears that the damage reversed itself after stopping the use of ashwagandha.
How to Choose the Right Ashwagandha Gummies
Choosing the best ashwagandha gummies starts with identifying your needs. What, exactly, do you want to get out of ashwagandha use? As we previously discussed, the most common benefit of ashwagandha is decreased stress levels. If you’re looking for a natural way to lower your stress and anxiety, a good start might be the Stress Away Ashwagandha Gummies from Green Roads. The product contains L-theanine, which also helps with stress relief.
Two ashwagandha products that may increase your sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction are the male and female enhancement gummies made by Boner Bear. These gummies are designed to start working shortly after consumption and may help, at least tangentially, with stress relief.
A good ashwagandha product for insomnia is the Good Night capsules from Medterra. These pills also contain hemp-derived CBD Isolate, melatonin, kava, and zinc. They should be taken around 30 minutes before you go to sleep. Better sleep may help with stress relief, which may help with sexual satisfaction, which may help with sleep, which…you get the picture.
Once you’ve picked out your ashwagandha product, you might want to adhere to a few commonly accepted practices for first-time users.
- Start slow and low. A good rule of thumb for trying any new substances is to start on a low dose. If it makes sense to do so, you might also want to take the substance less frequently (once per day instead of twice per day, for example).
- Don’t take ashwagandha on an empty stomach. You may be more likely to experience stomach upset or diarrhea if you take ashwagandha on an empty stomach.
- Talk to your doctor. It’s always a wise move to consult a trusted doctor before starting any over-the-counter supplements. Your doctor might point out potential interactions with medications you already take. Additionally, ashwagandha might adversely impact people with thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or other particular conditions.
Buy Ashwagandha Online at The Green Dragon CBD
Ashwagandha gummies or related products may contain the stress-reducing, insomnia-fighting, or sex-enhancing effects you need. We definitely think it’s worth a try. Call us biased, but we think The Green Dragon CBD’s online store is the best place to start shopping.
If you still have questions about ashwagandha or any of our products, our staff is here to help. Please reach out to us anytime—your satisfaction is our number one goal.