Ashwagandha and Passion Flower are two of the most powerful herbs available for supplementation today. They offer adaptogenic and anxiolytic benefits, which is what we need more of in today’s world. Ashwagandha is an amazing Ayurvedic herb, known for stress relief and cognitive boost. Passion Flower is a gentle gem that relaxes our entire nervous system.
Together these herbs make for a healthy resilient mind. Read on to learn how to use herbs for health and wellness today. We think you’ll really love getting to know more about each herb’s unique properties and benefits—empower yourself, join us on this modern, scientific yet holistic wellness journey and you won’t be disappointed. Let’s get started.
5 Key Factors About Is 1200 Mg Ashwagandha Too Much Or Not
Understanding the potential risks and benefits of a 1200 mg dosage is crucial for those considering supplementing with Ashwagandha. Here is a quick view you might like to follow INNERFUEL.net
- Adaptogenic Effectiveness: Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen so it can help the body adapt to stress. But adaptogens including Ashwagandha can be dosage dependent and 1200mg can increase both the positive adaptogenic effects and the risks.
- Bioactive Compound Interactions: The active compounds in Ashwagandha (withanolides) are what produce the therapeutic effects. At 1200mg the concentration of these bioactive compounds increases and so does the risk of side effects along with the benefits of stress reduction and cognitive enhancement.
- Dosage dependent Effects: Lower doses of Ashwagandha have been studied and shown to be beneficial for stress, anxiety and sleep. 1200mg is in a less explored territory where the principle of more is not always better applies. The risk of side effects (gastrointestinal distress, drowsiness, interactions with other meds) increases with higher dosages.
- Individual Variability: Personal health factors (existing conditions, meds, overall sensitivity to supplements) play a big role in how you will respond to 1200mg of Ashwagandha. That’s why a personalized approach to supplementation guided by a healthcare professional is necessary.
Is 1200 Mg Ashwagandha Too Much?
The dose of Ashwagandha can vary depending on the health goals, individual sensitivity and the form of Ashwagandha being used (e.g. root powder, extract or capsule). Generally clinical studies have used a wide range of doses from 250mg to 600mg per day of extract forms to see benefits in stress reduction, sleep improvement and cognitive function.
Taking 1200mg of Ashwagandha especially in extract form may be considered high dose compared to what is used in research studies. For example the study “Combination of Ashwagandha Water Extract and Intermittent Fasting as a Therapy to Overcome Cisplatin Resistance in Breast Cancer” (source) by S Jawarneh and “Effects of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep and Metabolism” (source) do not recommend such high dose. These studies show benefits at much lower doses so more is not always better and we should stick to recommended dose or as advised by healthcare provider.
Taking more than the recommended dose like 1200mg of Ashwagandha may cause side effects like stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea and interactions with medications or conditions.
Side Effects of 1200 Mg of Ashwagandha
When taking 1200 mg of Ashwagandha you should be aware of the side effects. Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated by most people but taking such high dose may cause some side effects. Here are the side effects to watch out for:
- Gastrointestinal issues: High dose of Ashwagandha may cause stomach upset, diarrhea or nausea in some cases.
- Drowsiness: 1200 mg of Ashwagandha may cause drowsiness in some people.
It’s crucial to weigh the potential side effects against the perceived benefits before deciding on a 1200 mg dosage of Ashwagandha.
Can Taking 1200 mg of Ashwagandha Be Harmful?
Ashwagandha is known to be safe within the recommended doses but may cause a range of potential side effects if taken in excess (4). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that the most common side effects of Ashwagandha include stomach upset, loose stools, nausea and drowsiness (NIH on Ashwagandha) (5). These mild adverse effects of ashwagandha tell us that the body is reacting to too much of an adaptogen and the dosage should be adjusted.
Aside from these short term effects, the long term safety of Ashwagandha supplementation in high doses is unclear and there is little evidence that examines its effects over long periods of time (6). All of this points to the importance of sensitivity of the bioactive compounds, ones health status and metabolic homeostasis as the underlying factors for tolerance to ashwagandha.
A research study on the effects of Ashwagandha on glucose metabolism (Study on Ashwagandha and Glucose Metabolism) examines how this herb may affect insulin sensitivity and the regulation of glucose in the body which is important for those with metabolic issues. In therapeutic doses this may be beneficial but taking in excess without proper medical oversight may lead to an imbalance in metabolic rate particularly in those with underlying metabolic issues or those on medication for diabetes.
In addition, Ashwagandha has been shown to modulate hormones, which includes thyroid function and cortisol levels, providing further evidence of the powerful physiological effects of the adaptogen. In yet another important study (Ashwagandha and Hormonal Balance), researchers investigated its effects on thyroid function, finding enhancements due to the herb, thus suggesting an underlying thyroid enhancing property. While this may be beneficial for some, it could be dangerous for those with thyroid issues, particularly when larger doses are taken without proper monitoring.
Factors to Consider Before Taking 1200 Mg of Ashwagandha
Before you pick the dosage of Ashwagandha, there are certain factors that must be considered for safe intake of the herb. Let’s look up to certain important factors that must be kept in mind:
Health Conditions: People with existing health conditions especially thyroid issues, autoimmune disorders or diabetes must take precaution and consult a doctor before intake of higher Ashwagandha doses.
Interactions with Medicines: One must be cautious about possible interactions of Ashwagandha with any medicines they are currently taking. Talking to a doctor can help understand the risks better.
- Tolerance and Sensitivity: People’s tolerance and sensitivity to herbal supplements can vary. It is advisable to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase it while monitoring the body’s response.
So consider these and make an informed decision on the dosage of Ashwagandha.
1200 mg might be fine for some but not for everyone. Always put individual health first when deciding on the right dosage.
In short “Is 1200 Mg Ashwagandha Too Much?” depends on individual health and expert advice.
Recommended Dosage of Ashwagandha
Regarding the ashwagandha dosage, it’s essential to be mindful of the amount consumed.
General Guidelines
- The recommended dosage of ashwagandha can vary based on several factors, such as age, health condition, and individual tolerance.
- For most adults, a standard dose ranges from 300 to 500 mg of ashwagandha extract daily.
How much Ashwagandha to take?
To determine the right dosage of Ashwagandha you need to consider your health status, the form of Ashwagandha you are taking (root powder, extract or capsule) and what you want to achieve. Standardized extract dosages are 300-500mg once or twice a day but with the different forms of Ashwagandha and individual responses you need to take a more tailored approach.
- Mild Stress Relief: For mild stress and anxiety, 300-500mg of standardized Ashwagandha extract daily is often recommended. This amount provides neuroendocrine support and cortisol modulation without overloading the system.
- Cognitive Boost: For cognitive enhancement and focus, studies have used up to 600mg of extract daily to show Ashwagandha’s nootropic effects.
- Sleep: 300-500mg of Ashwagandha extract in the evening has been shown to promote restful sleep by regulating the sleep-wake cycle and GABAergic activity.
The study “An Investigation into the Stress-Relieving and Pharmacological Actions of an Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Extract” (source) shows dosages for stress relief without side effects. Another study “Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality by Regulating Reproductive Hormone Levels and Oxidative Stress in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Males” (source) shows higher dosages and says up to 675mg of extract a day can be beneficial for specific outcomes like fertility if monitored.
It is imperative to approach Ashwagandha supplementation with awareness of potential dosage-dependent effects and individual variability in response.