In the world of health and wellness, Ashwagandha has emerged as a popular supplement due to its numerous potential benefits.
Many people have incorporated this Ayurvedic herb, known for its stress-relieving properties, into their daily routines.
However, a question that often arises is whether consumption of Ashwagandha could lead to a failed drug test?
In this blog post, we delve into the facts, dispel myths, and provide clarity on whether Ashwagandha can indeed affect your drug test results.
Based on various sources, including medical professionals and supplement manufacturers, the consensus is that taking Ashwagandha should not cause a positive result on a routine drug screening.
However, it’s always essential to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re subject to regular drug testing. So, read on as we explore this topic in detail.
Will Ashwagandha Make You Fail A Drug Test?
Ashwagandha has been touted for its numerous health benefits and has become more mainstream in recent years.
Users of Ashwagandha powder may wonder if it could cause them to fail a drug test. However, if the supplement is sourced from a reliable source and has undergone third-party testing, it should not cause a failed drug test.
Despite this, there have been reports of users failing drug tests after taking Ashwagandha powder, even though no traces of benzodiazepines were found in the supplement.
This unusual result has led to three possible conclusions: the user took a tainted or mislabeled supplement, the user consumed an excessive amount of the supplement, or the testing method was flawed.
The claim was fabricated
Based on the information gathered from various sources, it appears that Ashwagandha, a well-known herb often used in Ayurvedic medicine, is not prohibited for use and should not produce a positive result on a routine drug screening test. Therefore, any claims suggesting that Ashwagandha consumption could lead to a failed drug test are likely to be fabricated.
The user was taking other substances at the same time as Ashwagandha
It’s important to note that certain foods and other substances can potentially cause a false positive on a drug test. Therefore, if you were taking other substances at the same time as Ashwagandha, it’s possible that those could have affected the drug test results.
The user was taking an unreliable source of Ashwagandha
The quality and reliability of the Ashwagandha source are crucial factors. It’s important to ensure that the Ashwagandha you’re using comes from a reliable source and has been third-party tested. If the source is unreliable, the product may contain other substances that could potentially affect drug test results.
Should You Stop Taking Ashwagandha Before A Drugs Test?
Ashwagandha, a popular herbal supplement known for its stress-reducing properties, is generally considered safe and non-addictive.
However, when it comes to drug tests, there are some factors to consider. While Ashwagandha itself is not a substance that drug tests typically screen for, it can potentially interfere with test results due to its effects on the body’s hormonal balance and metabolism.
Some reports suggest that Ashwagandha might cause false positives for benzodiazepines, a class of drugs often screened for in drug tests.
Furthermore, it can also influence thyroid hormone levels, which could affect related medical tests. Given these potential interferences, it may be wise to discontinue Ashwagandha use before a drug test or at least inform the testing entity about your Ashwagandha intake.
How Long Does Ashwagandha Stay In Your Urine?
Ashwagandha contains both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds. The water-soluble compounds are typically expelled from your system within 2 to 3 days through urine.
However, the fat-soluble compounds can take longer to exit your body, potentially remaining in your system for around 30 days.
It’s important to note that these timelines can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as metabolism speed, dosage, frequency of use, and overall health status. For optimal benefits, typical doses of Ashwagandha range from 250-600 mg/day, often taken twice daily for 8-10 weeks.
Does Ashwagandha Count As A Drug?
Ashwagandha is not typically classified as a drug. Known for its stress-reducing properties, it’s often categorized as an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps the body cope with stress. The root of Ashwagandha is also known for various qualities, such as being tonic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, and stimulant.
While it’s not a controlled substance and is not typically tested for in drug screenings, it can potentially cause a false positive for benzodiazepines, a class of drugs commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Although Ashwagandha is not officially listed as “generally recognized as safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, various studies have examined its use in people with stress, anxiety, low stamina, infertility, and even cancer, showing that it is safe in healthy adults.
Is Ashwagandha Banned By WADA?
Ashwagandha is not listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). KSM-66 Ashwagandha, a specific form of the supplement, has received certification from BSCG (Banned Substances Control Group), indicating it’s free from substances banned in sports.
WADA’s prohibited list includes categories such as androgens, blood doping, peptide hormones, stimulants, diuretics, narcotics, and cannabinoids.
Some nootropics, which are substances that may enhance cognitive performance, are also included in WADA’s banned list. These include potent stimulants and productivity boosters like modafinil, adrafinil, phenylpiracetam, and selegiline.
Is Ashwagandha Banned In Powerlifting?
Ashwagandha is not currently banned from powerlifting. This herb, commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been gaining popularity in the fitness community for its potential benefits in reducing stress and increasing muscle strength.
While it is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of banned substances, it is important to note that individual federations may have their regulations regarding the use of supplements.
Conclusion: Does Ashwagandha Show Up On A Drugs Test?
Many people have wondered whether taking ashwagandha could result in a failed drug test. The good news is that ashwagandha is not a controlled substance, and therefore does not show up on most drug tests.
However, it is important to note that some drug tests may include testing for substances such as withanolides, which are found in ashwagandha.
If you are concerned about a potential positive test result, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider or the testing facility before taking any supplements.
Overall, ashwagandha is a safe and natural herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to support the body in various ways.
Hi, I'm Dave Moffat the founder and Chief Editor of steroidsourcetalk.com and certified International Personal Trainer and Certified Nutritionist. My passion has always been bodybuilding but with 15 years' experience in weight loss programs too, it's hard not to mention all that when you're working at your fitness level fullest (I hope). When Im not in the gym or spending time away from my family i often think about what advice would help others achieve theirs goals just like these inspired mine.
