3 Reasons Ashwagandha is Not Working for Your Postpartum Insomnia

Ashwagandha Benefits for Women

Hey Mama, are you wondering why Ashwagandha isn’t working for you, especially regarding insomnia?

Today, we’re diving into the benefits of ashwagandha, who should avoid it, and tips to make it work for you or potentially find another botanical remedy for your insomnia.

Today, we're exploring the wonderful botanical, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), known for providing the "strength of stallions" and enhancing sleep. However, it doesn’t work for everyone. Let’s talk about its benefits first.

  • Ashwagandha is renowned for enhancing stamina and regulating thyroid and adrenal glands.

  • It’s often more beneficial for hypothyroidism rather than hyperthyroidism, as it can affect thyroid hormones and potentially cause more anxiety if you have hyperthyroidism.

  • It’s effective for anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, and insomnia, and is rich in iron, which can help with iron deficiency. Traditionally used as a powder in decoctions, its effectiveness might be influenced by how you consume it.

  • Powders and decoctions are often preferred over tinctures or supplements because they’re more nutritious and better absorbed. Tinctures, containing a bit of alcohol, might not be ideal for those with liver concerns or postpartum issues, which could exacerbate insomnia and anxiety.

Ashwagandha for New Moms Breastfeeding

I found that ashwagandha supplements work better for me than tinctures. Give them a try and see if they work for you.

  • Additional benefits of ashwagandha include relieving muscle pain and cloudy thinking. Master herbalist David Winston notes it can prolong life, stimulate the mind, and enhance vigor and sexual prowess. Some herbalists categorize it as a "male herb," but this isn’t always the case. Individual characteristics and the quality of the product matter.

Who should avoid Ashwagandha?

If you’re sensitive to the nightshade family, have excessive iron or hyperthyroidism, are pregnant, or have an autoimmune disorder, you might want to steer clear.

Here are some questions to consider if Ashwagandha isn’t working for you:

  • Do you have a high heart rate or hyperthyroidism?

  • Are you using it as a tincture, powder, or supplement?

  • Where are you purchasing your ashwagandha from? Is it a high-quality product?

  • Are you struggling with other symptoms that might need different remedies?

Why doesn’t Ashwagandha work for me?

Will Ashwagandha make me sleepy?

  • Yes, taken alone, it could induce sleep.

  • You may also need additional nervines to help you sleep, or it could be the wrong product as well.

Ashwagandha can boost milk supply and is generally safe during postpartum and breastfeeding, but should be avoided during pregnancy.

Comment below and share your experiences with Ashwagandha in the postpartum years. Has it helped you? Increased anxiety? If you have any questions or need product recommendations, let me know.

xo

Tara

Resources:

  1. Favorite Products: https://www.taragregorio.com/supplements

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Tara J. Gregorio

I’m an expert on postpartum recovery and herbs for women’s health - I love teaching others how to use herbal and homeopathic remedies, so they feel confident they will work fast enough.

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5 Mistakes You Make with Postpartum Insomnia

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3 Ways to Use Ashwagandha for Postpartum Anxiety