Ashwagandha, traditionally called Withania somnifera Dunal in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, is an adaptogen herb that is commonly used to treat anxiety and promote vitality. Low in calories and generally nonreactive to your body's fat-burning metabolic process, ashwagandha intake is rarely associated with changes in body weight. Traditionally taken in the form of a tea, many herb manufacturers have begun creating ashwagandha capsules that can be taken as an herbal supplement.
Definition
Ashwagandha has a considerable lineage of use in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition. According to studies cited on PubMed, ashwagandha has been linked to a variety of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating and anti-stress properties. In addition to being used to improve longevity and vitality, ashwagandha both reduces tumor cell proliferation and mitigates the negative side effects of radiation therapy. No studies have linked the consumption of ashwagandha to positive or negative effects on body weight.
Weight Gain
According to the Mayo Clinic, gaining or losing weight primarily comes down to the numbers. In order to gain one pound of fat, a person must have a calorie surplus of 3,500. In other words, if you consume 500 more calories a day than you burn off with your metabolism and physical activity, you will gain weight at a rate of one pound per week. Since ashwagandha does not interfere with the body's metabolism, and most teas and supplements contain little to no calories, it is considered to have no relation to changes in body weight.
Ashwagandha and the Body
In her book "The Hormone Diet," Natasha Turner cites a number of mental and physical benefits to the consumption of ashwagandha, including improved learning ability, decreased stress and fatigue, reduced cortisol levels, balanced thyroid hormones and improved sleep quality. Individuals seeking to reduce the symptoms of adrenal exhaustion are frequently prescribed a dosage of 500 to 1,000 mg. of ashwagandha tablets taken twice a day for one to six months.
Safety Concerns
While considered safe for general use, ashwagandha can sometimes cause negative side effects in individuals with certain health conditions. Talk to your doctor before adding an ashwagandha supplement to your diet, and purchase your product from a trusted manufacturer to ensure a high quality of ingredients.
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