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Is ashwagandha good for the breast?

Exploring the Benefits of Ashwagandha for Breast Health
Ashwagandha, a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, particularly among women. As research continues to unfold, many are curious about its implications for breast health, especially in the context of conditions like breast cancer.
Hormonal Balance and Overall Wellness
One of the primary benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to help balance hormones, which can significantly impact women’s overall wellness. This hormonal regulation may influence various aspects of female health, including the menstrual cycle, reproductive health, and menopause. By promoting hormonal balance, ashwagandha could indirectly support breast health, as hormonal fluctuations are known to affect breast tissue and overall breast health.
Potential in Breast Cancer Treatment
Recent studies have indicated that ashwagandha may possess properties that could be beneficial in the context of breast cancer. Research suggests that extracts from the ashwagandha root exhibit cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cell lines, particularly in cases of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and triple-negative breast cancer. These findings are promising, indicating that ashwagandha might play a role in developing treatments for breast cancer, although more extensive clinical trials are necessary to confirm these effects.
Cautions for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Despite its potential benefits, caution is advised for specific populations. Pregnant women are generally advised against using ashwagandha due to concerns that it may lead to miscarriages. Additionally, there is insufficient reliable information regarding the safety of ashwagandha during breastfeeding, leading experts to recommend avoiding its use during this period as well. This highlights the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before incorporating ashwagandha into one’s regimen, especially for those who are pregnant or nursing.
Conclusion: A Complex Picture
In summary, while ashwagandha shows promise in supporting hormonal balance and potentially aiding in breast cancer treatment, its use is not without risks, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women. As research evolves, it will be crucial to continue monitoring the herb’s effects and safety profile to fully understand its role in breast health. For those considering ashwagandha, a discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to weigh the benefits against any potential risks.

Are there any dangers to ashwagandha?

In some individuals, ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

Does ashwagandha change your body?

Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system. Since ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen, it is used for many conditions related to stress. Adaptogens are believed to help the body resist physical and mental stress.

Does ashwagandha improve size?

Additionally, ashwagandha may help increase muscle strength. In a 2015 study , male participants who took 600 mg of ashwagandha per day and participated in resistance training for 8 weeks had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size compared with a placebo group.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Signs of low estrogen include:

  • Dry skin.
  • Tender breasts.
  • Weak or brittle bones.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Moodiness and irritability.
  • Vaginal dryness or atrophy.
  • Hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).

What happens to your body when you start taking ashwagandha?

Taking ashwagandha by mouth seems to improve overall sleep and sleep quality in some people. Stress. Taking ashwagandha by mouth seems to help reduce stress in some people. It might also help reduce stress-related weight gain.

What does ashwagandha do to a female?

Ashwagandha has a beneficial effect on key factors that influence your menstrual cycle, such as stress, inflammation, and hormonal fluctuations. It helps regulate your cycle by balancing reproductive hormones like serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin hormones.

Does ashwagandha increase estrogen levels?

In one study, women with perimenopausal symptoms who took daily doses of ashwagandha significantly increased their circulating oestrogen after 8 weeks. The same study found that ashwagandha lowered levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the hormone that triggers the production of oestrogen in your ovaries.

Does ashwagandha make you thicker?

Can ashwagandha make you gain weight? Ashwagandha is unlikely to make you gain weight. There’s some chance it could help you lose weight, but weight loss is a complicated formula. It’s not clear if or how ashwagandha might play a role, but if it does, it likely has something to do with your metabolism.

What not to mix with ashwagandha?

They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid supplements, drugs that suppress the immune system, and drugs for anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Ashwagandha might also interact with supplements that cause sleepiness, like St. John’s wort, kava, valerian, and others.

Does ashwagandha change your appearance?

A study on the efficacy of ashwagandha lotion in healthy photoaged people revealed the plant can significantly reduce the appearance of aging signs caused by UV radiation, including fine lines and wrinkles. As a potent antioxidant, ashwagandha repairs cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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