Ashwagandha, the science-backed super herb that can reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance your immune, cardiovascular, and brain function (and more), is a massive health hack that you don't want to sleep on!
If you want to make the most of those incredible health benefits, you're probably wondering when to take Ashwagandha – on an empty stomach, in the morning, or at night?
Keep reading to find out the best time and way to take Ashwagandha to maximize its healing qualities.
Should I Take Ashwagandha At Night Or In The Morning?
Taking Ashwagandha in the morning
Do you prefer the convenience of taking your supplements at the start of your day, so you don't forget them? You can take Ashwagandha in the morning along with your other daily vitamins.
It's up to you whether you take it before breakfast on an empty stomach or after. As long as you keep at it every day – the key is to be consistent to reap the rewards of this amazing herb.
Taking Ashwagandha at night
Are you trying to wind down and improve your sleep quality after a stressful day? You can take Ashwagandha after dinner or just before bed to help you relax.
If you take Ashwagandha powder, you can mix it with warm milk and honey to make a powerful anti-stress beverage to lower your stress hormones before hitting the sack.
Those who experience stomach discomfort prefer taking Ashwagandha during the evening.
Should I Take Ashwagandha After Or Before A Meal?
Some people find taking Ashwagandha on an empty stomach most effective, while others experience stomach discomfort. So it really depends on you.
Ashwagandha supplements can be taken before or after meals, with small snacks, or in a beverage.
If you're new to taking Ashwagandha, you can start by trying it out before your meals and be mindful of any side effects you may have. Stick to what works for you.
How Much Ashwagandha Should I Take?
Your daily dosage will depend on the individual health concerns you're trying to improve – there is no standard dose.
However, it's essential that you choose a high-quality, full-spectrum Ashwagandha supplement.
Ashwagandha root extract ranges anywhere from 250 mg to 6000 mg per dose.
Doctors usually recommend taking about 250 mg to 500 mg of Ashwagandha every day for at least a month to see results and then adjust the dosage.
My best advice is to follow the directions on the supplement label or consult with a medical professional if you're still unsure about how much to take.
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When Should I Not Take Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha extract is completely natural and considered safe for the average person.
If you experience any unpleasant side effects like nausea, stomach irritation, or low blood pressure, decrease your dosage and take it after meals (not without food). Or consult your doctor.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (not enough research has been done to ensure it's safe)
- People with diabetes (it may lower blood sugar)
- Those scheduled for surgery (Ashwagandha combined with anesthetics may cause over-sedation)
- People taking thyroid medication (it can increase thyroid hormone levels)
- Those with intestinal ulcers (gastric or peptic ulcers can worsen)
How Long Does Ashwagandha Stay In Your Body After You Take It?
You can expect the water-soluble components to leave your system after 2 or 3 days. Still, the fat-soluble components in Ashwagandha powder can stay in your body for roughly a month.
You're probably also wondering, how long do I need to take an Ashwagandha supplement to start experiencing the health benefits?
According to research, you need to take Ashwagandha root powder consistently for at least three months to see a clear difference in your symptoms. This will allow your body the necessary time to adjust and adapt.
FAQs
Can I take Ashwagandha every day?
Yes, in fact, you should be taking this adaptogenic herb every day if you want to see results like improved sleep, an enhanced immune system, and reduced stress, to name a few.
The most common forms of Ashwagandha that people take daily are:
- Ashwagandha powder
- Ashwagandha capsules
- Ashwagandha tablets
- Ashwagandha oil
You can also get your daily super-herb-fix through a greens powder like this one, packed with various adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health.
How effective is Ashwagandha powder for anxiety?
Studies show that 125 mg to 5000 mg of Ashwagandha powder taken daily for one to three months helped reduce cortisol levels in the study participants.
Lowering stress hormones (also known as fight-or-flight hormones) is key to keeping anxiety at bay.
If you find yourself struggling with excess stress or anxiety – it's definitely worth giving Ashwagandha a try!
Does Ashwagandha make you sleepy during the day?
Since Ashwagandha brings on relaxation, it is possible for some people to feel drowsy during the day. On the other hand, it can also boost your physical and mental energy during the day.
Again, everyone is different, and you will have to go through some trial and error to find your perfect Ashwagandha supplementation strategy.
If you find yourself experiencing drowsiness during the day, opt for only taking it before bed – with the added benefit of a really good night's sleep.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Ashwagandha?
Drinking alcohol after taking Ashwagandha is not advised.
Why? This incredible herb has a natural relaxing effect, and combining the two can make you feel very sleepy and intensify the impact of your drink.
This is not a worry for me as I quit alcohol in 2019.
The Bottom Line
Whether your goal is to have better sleep, cure insomnia, reduce your anxiety levels, or boost fertility, the benefits of Ashwagandha are amazing.
The most important factor in achieving results is to be consistent and patient. This isn't a quick fix, and you won't see results overnight but give it one to three months, and you'll be telling all your friends about this wonderful herb!
Focus on incorporating Ashwagandha powder into your daily supplement routine, and don't worry too much about the exact time of day you take it.
Give it a try, and your body will thank you!
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