Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that supports your body during times of stress. It has a range of health benefits, from fighting insomnia to boosting your immune system.
Ashwagandha contains fat-soluble and water-soluble compounds which can stay in your system for some time. But how long can ashwagandha supplements stay in your body?
In this article, we explore how long ashwagandha can stay in your body and what you can do to flush it out.
How Long Does Ashwagandha Stay In Your Body?
Ashwagandha can stay in your system up to one month, depending on your body condition.
Ashwagandha contains fat-soluble and water-soluble compounds which can stay in your body for a length of time.
Typically, the water-soluble compounds in ashwagandha are flushed out of your body within 2 to 3 days.
In comparison, the fat soluble compounds of ashwagandha can remain in your system for up to one month.
How Long Does It Take For Your Body To Absorb Ashwagandha?
The absorption rate in your body can vary, depending on how you ingest ashwagandha.
As a rule of thumb, ashwagandha in liquid form is much faster absorbed by your system than ashwagandha as a powder.
In addition, the individual compounds in ashwagandha also have a different absorption rate. Your body can digest the water-soluble compounds of ashwagandha faster than the fat-solubles.
How Long Should You Take Ashwagandha To See The Benefits?
As the water-soluble compounds in this Ayurvedic herb are absorbed immediately, you can see the effects almost instantly.
However, the fat soluble compounds of ashwagandha take longer to be absorbed by your system and they won’t come into effect for a while
It’s important that you take ashwagandha supplement consistently to help your body to adjust to this medicinal herb and experience the desired benefits.
How To Remove Ashwagandha From Your Body
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb and it needs to be taken at the right dose. If you overdose on ashwagandha, then you may experience some side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea.
As it takes at least two to three days for your body to pass the water-solubles of ashwagandha through urine, you will likely not reach a toxic level in your system.
However, the fat-solubles can stay in your body for up to a month. This means you will need to help flush ashwagandha out of your system if you want to stop taking the supplement.
Here are some of the best ways to help you remove ashwagandha from your body.
Flush Ashwagandha
Some people are allergic to ashwagandha. An allergic reaction to this herb can lead to hemolytic anemia which means your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to move oxygen around your body.
If you are allergic to ashwagandha, you will likely experience vomiting, nausea and diarrhea which helps you flush out all ashwagandha compounds.
It’s important to carefully read the dosage advice on your supplement. If you notice any health issues that don’t resolve, then it’s a good idea to stop taking ashwagandha and consult a herbalist.
Drink More Water
One of the most gentle ways to remove ashwagandha from your system is by drinking more water.
The extra water in your body means you will need to pass urine which flushes out the water-soluble compounds of ashwagandha faster than the normal 2 to 3 days..
Saying this, an increased water intake will only help you remove the compounds that are soluble in water.
Any of the long-term fat-solubles in ashwagandha take longer to remove.
Reduce Ashwagandha Dose Slowly
If you don’t experience any adverse effects with ashwagandha supplements but you still want to stop taking them, then it’s best to reduce the doses slowly over time.
Depending on your daily intake, you can reduce it to one capsule a day, and then to just one a day or a month. Over time, the ashwagandha will flush out of your body.
However, you may notice some side effects when you stop taking ashwagandha, such as digestive upsets or sleep issues. That’s because your body is used to the herb.
These side effects should subside after some time but if you experience health problems for longer, then it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor or a healthcare practitioner.
Why It’s Good To Take A Break From Ashwagandha
You may be taking ashwagandha to reduce your anxiety or help with lowering your cholesterol level.
Whatever reason you have taking ashwagandha supplements, it can be tricky to see how effective they are when you take them continually.
Healthcare professionals and herbalists recommend to regularly check in with your body and find out what has changed.
You can do this by taking a break from ashwagandha for a while and then explore if this herb is still right for you.
When You Should Avoid Taking Ashwagandha
There are a few situations where you should not take ashwagandha at all, such as while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ashwagandha can boost hormone levels and cause hyperthyroidism. This means that anyone with thyroid issues should not ingest ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha can also interact with some medication that you are already taking.
When you are using anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines and barbiturates, then you should avoid ashwagandha because it can raise the risk of drowsiness.
If you have an autoimmune disease, then your immune system is hyperactive. As ashwagandha is well-known for its immunity properties, you should stay away from it.
It’s also recommended to avoid ashwagandha before you have surgery. The herb can affect anesthesia, so it’s best to stop taking ashwagandha at least two weeks before your planned surgery date.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha has a range of great health benefits. It supports the immune system and can even help you sleep better.
When you take ashwagandha consistently, then you can expect the herb to stay in your body for up to one month.
However, if you want to stop taking ashwagandha, then you can slowly reduce the dose over time and flush it out by drinking more water.
All aspects of health are incredibly important in keeping us at the top of our game when it matters most. But many people choose to ignore the health that they cannot see - including the gut, cognitive, respiratory, and more.
Hi, my name is Adam Maxwell and I have been a medical professional for over 20 years. My wife is also in the same field, having been a trained clinical psychologist for 15 years.
Between us, we have seen a fair amount of health-related issues!
