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My mornings used to begin with a bright-green smoothie. Although I was not fond of the taste of pulverized kale or various protein powders with dubious ingredients, I believed I was making a healthy choice. My routine was pristine: I exercised daily, aimed for 10,000 steps, enjoyed eight hours of sleep, and diligently took my supplements, all while browsing online health information to ensure I was doing everything right.
Consequently, I thought it wise to incorporate spirulina, a nutrient-rich algae, and ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic root, into my morning concoction. These herbs are advertised as panaceas, promising everything from stress relief to enhanced immune function — attractions highlighted across various TikToks.
In February of this year, after grappling with a myriad of puzzling symptoms, I received a diagnosis of dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by severe muscle weakness and skin rashes. This diagnosis followed a six-month saga that began with fatigue and brain fog, culminating in a day when I woke up unable to move. My body ached, my neck was stiff, and my hands had turned blue, alongside new neurological symptoms such as light flashes, balance issues, and facial numbness—a bewildering combination of signs that indicated an autoimmune crisis.
It was only during a consultation with a leading expert in dermatomyositis that I learned the possible triggers for my debilitating symptoms. “Do your protein powders contain ashwagandha? Is spirulina a part of your smoothies? Any echinacea in your teas?” dermatologist Victoria P. Werth inquired during one of my urgent visits. Each affirmative response unwrapped a startling revelation: the various products I had believed were enhancing my health may have triggered my illness. I’m not alone in this experience; in one study, Werth monitored 637 patients with dermatomyositis or lupus and reported that 31% of dermatomyositis patients faced disease onset or exacerbation linked to supplement use.
It’s crucial to highlight that I have a genetic predisposition to autoimmune conditions. I have polycystic ovary syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Raynaud’s syndrome, alongside a family history of autoimmune diseases. However, I was unaware that my self-care routine was a ticking time bomb. When I felt unwell, I gravitated toward “immune-boosting” products, oblivious to the fact that they were exacerbating my existing issues.
The situation was ironically devastating. By consuming ashwagandha, spirulina, and echinacea, I unwittingly prompted my immune system to attack its own cells. My genetic makeup laid the groundwork, but these supplements escalated a predisposition into a chronic, irreversible assault on my healthy tissues. Consequently, to avert further flare-ups, I now adhere to a strict rule: a complete avoidance of these immunostimulatory herbs.
For me, the impact of consuming these herbs led to a significant autoimmune flare. Yet, for others, the consequences can be even more dire.
Naveen Kathuria, a health consultant and attorney from West Bloomfield, Michigan, took 150 milligrams of ashwagandha daily to manage stress and improve sleep when it triggered a health crisis. Last year, this supplement left him severely jaundiced, drastically underweight at over 40 pounds lost, and bedridden for months. His bloodwork revealed dangerously elevated bilirubin levels, prompting evaluations for a liver transplant. “I was on a standard dosage of ashwagandha; it wasn’t excessive, yet it had a detrimental effect on me,” Kathuria shared. “I initially overlooked mentioning it to my doctors, leading them to suspect colon cancer instead.”
Kathuria highlighted the challenges patients face in connecting new or worsening symptoms to seemingly innocuous supplements. Many pass through numerous doctor visits before anyone considers that a vitamin, powder, or herbal blend could be playing a role. Often, supplements are not brought up during consultations, either because patients forget or because they view them as irrelevant, delaying crucial answers.
Last year, in two separate incidents involving residents of New Jersey, Katie Mohan and Robert Grafton made headlines due to hospitalization caused by turmeric supplements. These cases have spurred greater awareness of the potential dangers of these products, underscoring the unpredictable nature of supplement-induced liver issues. As Werth explained, unless providers thoroughly inquire about supplement use, patients often overlook this aspect. John Fontana, a prominent expert in drug-induced liver disease at the University of Michigan, noted that genetic factors significantly influence these adverse reactions, suggesting that using herbal supplements can be akin to playing Russian roulette with one’s ability to tolerate them.
Ashwagandha has a history of over 6,000 years, revered in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, as a potent restorative herb. It is recognized for enhancing stamina, reducing chronic inflammation, and lowering cortisol levels. In recent times, it has gained traction among wellness influencers and celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah Winfrey, further popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic when many sought ways to enhance their immunity. Sales of herbal supplements increased dramatically during 2020, rising by a record 17 percent to reach $11.3 billion. By 2024, the dietary supplements market is projected to be worth $74.3 billion, potentially hitting $170 billion by 2034. Nowadays, this ancient Ayurvedic remedy is commonly found in teas, protein powders, and trendy lattes. At The Alchemist’s Kitchen in New York City, an Iced Ayurvedic Cacao—which combines cacao, ashwagandha, ginger, chaga, reishi, and lion’s mane mushrooms—comes with a price tag of $8 before taxes and tips.
Unfortunately, many wellness influencers fail to clarify the complexities involved when endorsing popular herbs. Clinical herbalist Maddie Miles states that when individuals face negative effects, it’s often not the herb itself that’s at fault. Instead, it may stem from the quality of the supplement or the user’s lifestyle choices. In her podcast peace.love.hormones, she encourages listeners to inquire: “Was it a standardized extract? Is the issue more likely to stem from the person’s diet? Does the individual need detoxification?” She argues that if the body has not effectively eliminated “toxins” or if one is already grappling with chronic inflammation or poor dietary habits, a restorative herb like ashwagandha might exacerbate their condition.
Even when complexities are acknowledged, social media users might overlook critical details. Dr. Kunal Sood, a double board-certified physician, shares videos explaining how ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen with potential benefits for anxiety and stress management. However, these messages often focus on positive, impactful terms like “resilience” and “core defense” systems. Despite his careful caveats about inconsistent cognitive benefits and serious side effects like liver damage, it’s the enticing nature of these claims that draws consumers in — and was very much my own experience as well. Lifestyle influencers often promote lists of adaptogens, including ashwagandha, as solutions for contemporary issues such as burnout. Their messaging is simplistic and alluring: Take this if you’re feeling unwell, and you’ll feel better. And who wouldn’t want that?
I once did. Yet, it wasn’t just about purchasing a powder and hoping for the best. After stopping the intake of these herbs, my rashes considerably improved, my energy levels rose, and the discomfort across my body diminished. Thanks to time, prescribed treatments, and support from my healthcare team, I have found a way to manage my autoimmune conditions. For anyone facing chronic illness, this serves as a vital reminder: the safest route is often the simplest: trust your healthcare providers, exercise caution with unregulated supplements, and prioritize the genuine care your body requires.
