Is Ashwagandha a Blood Thinner? We Examine the Scientific Evidence

Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is an extract taken from the Withania somnifera plant, a relative of the nightshade family of herbs. The Indian Journal of Anesthesia notes that Ayurvedic remedies make a significant impact in the US, with more patients relying on them recently. Ashwagandha is one of these extracts that has long been held in high regard in ancient Eastern medicine. While many doctors have claimed that ashwagandha could treat many ailments, science hasn't found evidence for many of these claims. However, there is still a lot unknown about the extract, and research continues to be done. Many patients ask: is ashwagandha a blood thinner? Here, we delve into the topic and examine if the herbal extract may show some of the properties of blood thinners.

The Adaptogenic Properties of Ashwagandha

Most experts agree that ashwagandha is an adaptogen. The definition of an adaptogen is any substance that promotes homeostasis within the human body. Ashwagandha does this by stabilizing physiological processes to a great degree. Already, research has found that ashwagandha may help treat severe problems. Many modern doctors are already prescribing it in some cases to their patients. The journal Cureus published a paper that shows distinct evidence for using ashwagandha to help those who have insomnia. The extract has also been widely prescribed to help individuals deal with stress and anxiety, with excellent results.

As an adaptogen, the question of is ashwagandha a blood thinner remains unanswered. The drug has proven helpful in treating some mental conditions such as anxiety and stress. However, doctors have noted that the extract has shown some interesting (and potentially dangerous) side effects in the past. Currently, experts advise patients to get off ashwagandha before coming in for surgery because of the danger it poses.

Blood Thinners and Their Uses

Blood thinners are chemicals that aid in ensuring your blood flows smoothly through your circulatory system. When blood becomes backed up in your circulatory system, you may encounter problems such as strokes, heart attacks, and embolisms, each of which may prove fatal, depending on when and where they occur. Blood thinners interact with your blood and make it flow through your system with less resistance and less chance of clogging an artery or a vein.

Unfortunately, they do come with their own side effects. If you're on a blood thinner and cut yourself, you'll likely bleed a lot more than regular. It's a small price to pay to ensure that your blood doesn't back up inside your system.

There are two major types of blood thinner. The first is known as anticoagulants. They help by stopping your blood from clotting or turning into a clumped group of cells. It's evident that if this happens within your body, they will block off an artery or a vein, leading to a ruptured vessel.

The second form of blood thinners is known as antiplatelets. Part of the clotting process within the human body sees "nets" of proteins being spread with tiny cells known as platelets filling out the empty space and stopping blood flow. Antiplatelets target this type of cell, making it impossible for clotting to occur.

A "blood thinner," therefore, doesn't make your blood any thinner. It just makes it harder for your blood to clot. If you're already suffering from clotting, a blood thinner won't do anything to break up those clots, but it'll stop you from forming new ones. It'll also prevent the existing ones from getting bigger.

Some anticoagulant blood thinners do their job by stopping your liver from producing certain chemicals vital to the clotting process known as "clotting factors." If we examine ashwagandha, is it possible to tell if it's a blood thinner? And if so, what type of blood thinner is it?

The Anticoagulant Properties of Ashwagandha

The Journal of Ethnopharmacology notes that ashwagandha displays several traits under investigation, one of which is being an anticoagulant. As an anticoagulant, ashwagandha is essentially a blood thinner, making it useful in some cases. However, as noted before, there are serious side effects to be concerned about when it comes to taking the supplement. If you may become injured, your clotting will take longer to kick in, causing you to lose more blood. In some cases, taking ashwagandha may lead to bad interaction with other types of drugs. Most doctors warn that patients preparing for surgery should avoid taking the extract at least two weeks before they go under the knife. If they don't, they risk bleeding out on the operating table.

On the other side of the spectrum, taking ashwagandha may actually improve circulation and overall heart health. Because of the ability to thin the blood, ashwagandha might prevent embolisms around the body. The heart would need to expend less power to push blood around the individual's body. There is also less chance of arteries becoming blocked by the natural flow of blood through them, even if the vessel's lumen has become constricted. Investigation into the extract's anticoagulant properties is continuing, but preliminary results on its properties look promising.

Is Ashwagandha Worth Taking?

Western audiences have a habit of looking for a "cure-all" or a "wonder drug" that will solve all of their worries. While ashwagandha isn't a panacea, it covers several things that may make it worthwhile to take.

Getting better sleep is an obvious upside, but anything that deals with these problems may be worth taking in this day and age of stress and anxiety. What's more, its anticoagulant effect makes it a good choice for individuals who may want to have something to aid their heart health. There's no minimum age for taking the supplement either, allowing for even teenagers to start on it early. Taking it as a supplement may improve the overall quality of your life as a result.

It's your choice whether you should spend the money on a drug. However, with one that has been around for centuries and still proves its value today, it may be well worth it.