Ashwagandha is a nutritional supplement that’s used for anxiety, stress and improving physical performance. Ashwagandha works by reducing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase inflammation in your body.
While it’s not clear exactly how ashwagandha can cause acne, there are some studies that suggest it might play a role in this condition. Read on to learn more about the link between ashwagandha and acne.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people of all ages
You’ll find that acne usually develops during puberty, often between the ages of 12 and 16, but it can occur at any age and may vary in severity over time.
Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Genetics
- Hormones (particularly testosterone)
- Improper processing of dead skin cells on your face
Acne isn’t usually serious, but it can lead to scarring and discomfort if left untreated.
The most common type of acne is called acne vulgaris, or common acne
The most common type of acne is called acne vulgaris, or common acne. Acne vulgaris is caused by a combination of genetics, hormones and skin irritation. This type of acne usually begins during puberty and can continue into adulthood. Common types of this form include:
- Comedones: These are blackheads and whiteheads (or sometimes pimples).
- Papules: These are inflamed red bumps that may be tender to touch. They usually appear in clusters on the face, neck shoulders back chest arms buttock thighs lower legs buttocks etc…
- Pustules: These are similar to papules but with pus at their core instead of fluid like the papule does.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herbal supplement commonly used to treat stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha is an herbal supplement used to treat stress and anxiety. It’s also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, and it comes from the roots of Withania somnifera, a plant native to India.
Ashwagandha can help reduce symptoms of stress by balancing your levels of cortisol—the hormone that signals your body to release insulin (which plays a role in weight gain) and burn fat for energy when you’re under duress.
The herb boosts GABA neurotransmitters to relax muscles, which helps relieve tension headaches and migraines. Ashwagandha also increases dopamine levels, which may help with depression when taken over time because these “feel good” hormones counteract low serotonin levels associated with mood disorders like depression or anxiety disorders like OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
The usual dose of ashwagandha is 300–1,000 mg per day. These doses are taken in two or three divided doses
The usual dose of ashwagandha is 300–1,000 mg per day. These doses are taken in two or three divided doses.
Dried roots should be cut into small pieces before use and then boiled in water, after which they are strained and drunk as a tea. Alternatively, the herb may be powdered, mixed with honey and used as a paste applied to the skin or added to cold drinks such as fruit juices or smoothies.
As with all herbs, it’s best to consult your doctor before beginning treatment with ashwagandha if you have any health conditions that could make herbal remedies unsafe for you (like certain allergies).
Most people tolerate ashwagandha well, but there can be some side effects associated with it
For the most part, ashwagandha is well-tolerated by most people. This can be said of almost all herbal supplements and other natural remedies; there are very few things in this world that are 100% safe for everyone. That said, ashwagandha has a pretty low side effect profile when compared to other herbal remedies.
Some of the most common side effects include dizziness and headache (which can be due to an increase in blood pressure), insomnia, GI upset (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), dry mouth/throat/cotton tongue (usually due to excess salivation).
These side effects are usually mild and tend to go away after you adjust your dose or stop taking ashwagandha altogether. There have been some reports of more serious adverse reactions like liver damage, but these are extremely rare given how long it’s been used safely as a natural remedy without reported toxicity problems, even at higher doses than what would normally be recommended for supplementation purposes only!
Ashwagandha hasn’t been linked to acne specifically, but it can cause a breakout-like rash in some people
Ashwagandha hasn’t been linked to acne specifically, but it can cause a breakout-like rash in some people. If you’re one of them and notice any side effects while taking ashwagandha, talk to your doctor right away.
While we don’t know for sure if ashwagandha causes acne or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution when using any new supplement or medication.
If you notice any side effects while taking ashwagandha, talk to your doctor right away
In rare cases, people may experience an allergic reaction to ashwagandha. If your skin suddenly develops a rash or hives, stop taking the supplement immediately and consult with your doctor.
If you notice any side effects while taking ashwagandha, talk to your doctor right away. Your healthcare provider will be able to help you determine if these symptoms are caused by the supplement.
Ashwagandha may not cause acne specifically, but it can cause a breakout-like rash in some people
Ashwagandha is one of the most popular herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, and it has been used for thousands of years to boost energy levels and improve mood. Some scientific studies have shown that ashwagandha can help reduce stress-related symptoms like high blood pressure and panic attacks.
But can this herb cause acne? In short: no, according to experts. Ashwagandha isn’t known to have any effect on your skin’s oil production or sebum production (the substance that keeps your skin moisturized), so it shouldn’t make you break out more than usual (or at all).
However, some people do report experiencing small outbreaks after taking ashwagandha supplements—in other words, a breakout-like rash instead of actual pimples. This reaction isn’t common, but it does happen occasionally. The good news is that these rashes usually go away after a few days’ worth of rest or treatment with over-the-counter products like hydrocortisone cream or an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin.
Summary
So, acne is a common skin condition that affects many people of all ages. The acne causes pimples to develop on your face, back and chest. There are many treatments available for acne, including over-the-counter creams and prescription medications. If you have been suffering from acne for some time now, then consider trying ashwagandha supplements as an alternative treatment option.
