Have you ever been so wiped out that you feel like you need to sleep for a week . . . maybe a month? When you do sleep, do you wake up still feeling drained? If you answered yes, I’d love to introduce you to one of my favorite herbal adaptogens: ashwagandha.
Adaptogens, or herbs that help us adapt to stress, have long been used to help fortify resilience during times of chronic stress. But they don’t just help us stay strong for longer . . . they can help rebuild when we’ve already overdone things. That’s why Ayurveda classifies ashwagandha as a rasayana, or “herb that deeply rejuvenates and promotes longevity.” (1)
Ashwagandha roughly translates from sanskrit as “smell and strength of horse,” and um, part of that doesn’t seem like a selling point. However, according to Herbal Medicine for Beginners:
Ashwagandha might be translated as ‘strength of a thousand horses,’ but its action is quite a bit more gentle and foundational than the image conjured up by the translation! Unlike more stimulating herbs, such as ginseng or eleuthero, ashwagandha is a slow, restorative builder. There’s no big rush of energy, which means there’s no corresponding crash of energy running out.
Instead, each day you have a little more resilience than the day before – until, after a while, you feel like your old self again! Ashwagandha is particularly appropriate in cases of extended exhaustion, depletion, and deficiency.”
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
The roots of the ashwagandha (Latin name Withania somnifera) can be made into a strong tea that is blended with milk, mixed with coffee, or sipped on its own to “‘tune-up’ the whole system, especially during times of stress and heavy workloads.” (2)
Known in some places as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, ashwagandha root can also be ground into a powder and added to smoothies and other recipes. I’ll share some of the easiest methods for preparing ashwagandha later in this article, but first let’s take a look at its benefits.
#1 – Helps With Restful Sleep
Ashwagandha is the type of herb that refuses to be classified as offering just one or two benefits. Although it’s considered helpful for supporting energy levels, its species name – somnifera – means “sleep inducing” in Latin.
Researchers have found that one compound in the leaves – triethylene glycol – plays a role in its sleep promoting properties. (3) Although leaves were used in that study, ashwagandha roots are usually favored because they are thought to be more potent.
In another animal study, ashwagandha influenced the GABA neurotransmitter pathway, which is one of the main sedative neurotransmitters. GABA is associated with improved mood, a sense of calm and tranquility, improved sleep, help with PMS, and calm focus. (4)
#2 – Stress Relief & Overall Well-Being
Several human studies have shown that it can reduce symptoms in people experiencing stress and feelings of anxiousness.
For example, in one study, participants who received full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract showed signficantly lower cortisol levels and higher resistance to stress than the control group. One important thing to note is that the study was sixty days long. (5) As mentioned earlier, ashwagandha is a “slow, restorative builder” that typically works best when taken consistently for a period of time.
There are a lot of different mechanisms by which ashwagandha supports well-being. One worth noting here, though, is that it seems to help the body reduce cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Adults with chronic stress, for example, experienced an average 30% reduction in cortisol levels when they took the maximum dose of ashwagandha that was available in this study.
#3 – Immune Support
According to Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health (and several animal studies), ashwagandha is a powerful immune system modulator, which means it helps balance between an underactive immune system (increased susceptibility to infection) and an overactive one (autoimmunity). (6) (7)
It’s been shown to have a positive impact on natural killer cells, macrophages and lymphocytes, which all help our bodies deal with pathogens. (8) (9) (10)
#4 – Memory & Cognitive Support
Ashwagandha has long been recommended in Ayurvedic medicine to help with memory, and recent studies seem to support this traditional use.
In one study, adults taking 300 mg of ashwagandha root twice daily showed significant improvements in both immediate and general memory, plus “executive function, attention, and information processing speed.” (11)
In another study, healthy men who took 500 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract once daily showed improvements in brain function, specifically reaction time related to cognitive tasks. (12)
#5 – Thyroid Support
According to The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, “Ashwagandha helps boost the conversion of T4 (the thyroid storage hormone) to T3 (the active thyroid hormone).”
#6 – Healthy Energy Levels
The roots of ashwagandha are rich in withanolides, which positively influence the body’s energy production system. (5)
In a study done with elite cyclists, ashwagandha improved energy levels related to cardiorespiratory cardiovascular endurance. (13)
#7 – May Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
“When you’re in stress overload, your cortisol levels will remain unnaturally high instead of following the daily high-to-low pattern. Elevated cortisol means elevated blood sugar, which then raises insulin – the fat storage hormone.” (14)
Due to its positive influence on cortisol, ashwagandha appears to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar as well. Several human studies have shown it to be helpful for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. (15) (16) (17) (18)
#8 – Counteracts Oxidative Stress
We know that excessive amounts of free radicals – which our bodies produce as byproducts of metabolism – cause oxidative stress that can lead to accelerated aging and several disease processes. Fortunately, as this Live Science article puts it,
Antioxidants are able to give an electron to a free radical without becoming destabilized themselves, thus stopping the free radical chain reaction. ‘Antioxidants are natural substances whose job is to clean up free radicals. Just like fiber cleans up waste products in the intestines, antioxidants clean up the free radical waste in the cells,’ said Wright.”
Ashwagandha is rich in several antioxidant compounds, including withanamides, which possess “potent antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.” (19) (20)
#9 – Hormone & Reproductive Support
Ashwagandha is regarded as an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda, and some modern research indicates that it is. (21) Recent research also suggests it may have a positive impact on hormone health and reproductive function as well.
Several studies have concluded that it improves sperm quality and sperm count by supporting healthy hormone levels and reducing oxidative stress. (22) (23) (24)
How To Prepare Ashwagandha Root
Ashwagandha can be blended with other adaptogenic herbs or taken solo as a tea, tincture or powder. Here are some of the easiest ways to incorporate it into your life:
How To Make Ashwagandha Tea
Roots and woody plant parts need a extra coaxing to release their therapeutic compounds, so when you make them into tea you need to simmer them in water for awhile. This type of herbal preparation is called a decoction (long-simmered tea), and it can be made in relatively big batches that you can keep in the fridge and sip over the course of several days.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried ashwagandha root
- 4 cups water (room temperature)
Instructions
Place ashwagandha root and water in a pot and cover with a lid. Bring water to a low simmer and allow herbs to decoct for 20 minutes, then remove the decoction from heat and allow it to infuse for one hour before straining out the ashwagandha root.
How To Take It
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide recommends drinking 1/2-1 cup three times daily. It can be mixed with coffee or blended with the milk of your choice and a sweetener.
How To Make Ashwagandha Tincture
Tinctures are rapidly absorbed by the body, making them a favorite with many herbalists. Here’s how to make one with ashwagandha:
Ingredients
- 1 ounce dried ashwagandha root (by weight)
- 5 ounces of 140 proof or higher alcohol (by volume)
Instructions
Place ashwagandha root and alcohol in a mason jar and secure with a lid. Place the jar in a dark cabinet and allow the mixture to infuse for six to eight weeks, shaking occasionally.
Another option is to purchase pre-made ashwagandha root tincture and follow the instructions on the label after talking with your healthcare provider.
How To Take It
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide suggests 1-10 ml (0.2-2 tsp) of this tincture 3 times daily.
How To Use Ashwagandha Powder
Traditionally the powder has been mixed into wine or ghee, but I prefer to mix it into smoothies, coconut milk drinks, and nut butter balls. (Keep an eye out for new recipes this fall.)
How much is recommended?
Adaptogens are herbs rather than pharmaceutical drugs, so there are no dosages. However, herbalists do share knowledge about what approaches to consumption seem to produce a beneficial effect for most people.
The suggestions below are based on those found in The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide:
- Tincture: 1-10 ml (0.2-2 tsp) 3 times daily using the recipe in this article. Another option is to buy a pre-made tincture like this one and follow the instructions on the label after talking with your healthcare provider.
- As a decoction – 1/2-1 cup taken three times per day.
- Capsules – 2-6 capsules (1,000-3,000 mg) 3 times daily
Safety Considerations
According to the Botanical Safety Handbook: 2nd Edition, ashwagandha is a Safety Class 2 herb. If you’re not familiar with their rating system it ranges from 1-3. Safety Class 1A herbs have no known restrictions, Safety Class 2 herbs have some restrictions, and Safety Class 3 should only be used under the supervision of a qualified expert.
The restriction given by the Botanical Safety Handbook is that ashwagandha should not be used during pregnancy due to conflicting information about whether it may act as an abortifacient.
With regard to breastfeeding, the handbook notes that ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support lactation.
Ashwagandha is in the nightshade family, so it is recommended that you avoid ashwagandha if you are sensitive to nightshades.
Unlike some herbs that can interact with certain medications, ashwagandha is not expected to have any clinically relevant interactions with other supplements or medications.
Have a question about ashwagandha root? Please leave it in the comments below!
Ashwagandha Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup dried ashwagandha root
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Place ashwagandha root and water in a pot and cover with a lid.
- Bring water to a low simmer and allow herbs to decoct for 20 minutes, then remove the decoction from heat.
- Allow it to infuse for one hour before straining out the ashwagandha root.
Notes
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Article Sources
1. de la Foret, Rosalee (2017) Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal
2. Swift, Katja and Midura, Ryn (2018) Herbal Medicine for Beginners: Your Guide to Healing Common Ailments with 35 Medicinal Herbs
3. Kaushik, Mahesh et. al. (2017) Triethylene glycol, an active component of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves, is responsible for sleep induction
4. Kumar, A. and Kalonia, H. (2008) Effect of Withania somnifera on Sleep-Wake Cycle in Sleep-Disturbed Rats: Possible GABAergic Mechanism
5. Chandrasekhar, K et. al. (2012) A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults
6. Agarwal, R. et. al. (1999) Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation
7. Ghosal, Shibnath (1989) Immunomodulatory and CNS effects of sitoindosides IX and X, two new glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera
8. Davis, L. and Kuttan, G. (2000) Immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera
9. Davis, L and Kuttan, G. (2002) Effect of Withania somnifera on cell mediated immune responses in mice
10. Bhat, Jyoti (2010) In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs
11. Choudhary, Dnyanraj et. al. (2017) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions
12. Pingali, Ushurani et. al. (2014) Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants
13. Shenoy, Shweta et. al. (2012) Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists
14. Integrative Pain Science Institute. Stubborn Belly Fat: Are Your Adrenals To Blame?
15. Auddy, Biswajit et. al. (2008) A Standardized Withania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
16. Raut, Ashwinikumar et. al. (2012) Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers
17. Agnihotri, Akshay et. al. (2013) Effects of Withania somnifera in patients of schizophrenia: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial study
18. Andallu, B. and Radhika, B. (2000) Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root
19. Singh, Narendra et. al. (2011) An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda
20. Jayaprakasam, Bolleddula et. al. (2010) Withanamides in Withania somnifera fruit protect PC-12 cells from beta-amyloid responsible for Alzheimer’s disease
21. Dongre, Swati et. al. (2015) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study
22. Gupta, Asish et. al. (2013) Efficacy of Withania somnifera on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males: a proton NMR study at 800 MHz
23. Ambiye, Vijay et. al. (2013) Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study
24. Ahmad, Mohammed Kaleem et. al. (2009) Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males
Hi! I love your blog. I have heard that this herb (ashwagandha) maybe beneficial to people who is trying to get pregnant. Have you heard or read something like that before? I’m just curious since you are very knowledgeable 🙂
Hi Amy, yes I have read that it is used to support the endocrine system and overall fertility. Since it is contraindicated during pregnancy I’m guessing that it’s usually used to support hormonal health as women prepare for pregnancy. Of course, I’m not an expert, though, so please do talk to an herbalist or your healthcare provider. 🙂
Can it be taken as a tablet or liquid, maybe?
Hi Heather, do you a
Have a suggestion for this in capsule form?
It does truly help with fertility. From my experience it balances your hormone and makes pregnancy stay. I was having chemical positive pregnancy for 3 months in a role. I did research and base on the symptoms i was having at that time it looked like I was suffering from inflammation and terrible anxiety. So I reduced my carb as I also found out carbs can cause anxiety from d sugar rush. I also, exercise and started taking ashwagandha and maca root. That month I took in. That same month I felt so great and more energetic. I took it few days after I new I had missed my period nd stopped it all together and stayed off heavy carb through out the pregnancy. After the baby was born I will take ashwagandha once in a while when I felt stressed and it worked wonders in calming me down and prevent me from anxiety. I bought my brand off Amazon. I introduced it to hubby and he loves it.
As an adaptogen, ahwagandha is an herb that calms extremes of the body systems. So it makes sense to me that this would be a good thing in almost any situation.
Asparagus. If you want to get pregnant eat asparagus. It worked for me. Ps i was already taking lots of herbs for help conceiving from my herbalist. No baby for over 6 months. Then a friend at work said i heard eating asparagus was supposed to help. I ate asparagus that night and had a positive test two weeks later. Sounds crazy but eating asparagus is sort healthy so maybe worth a try
Unfortunately, I have found that ashwagandha upsets my stomach so I had to stop taking it. Anyone know a way to stop this?
I have been reading about this for a while now. I had no idea that it translated so funny. Thanks for the great info on ashwagandha.
The capsules you link to aren’t currently available. Is there another brand you recommend? Thanks!
Thanks for letting me know! I just updated the link to another brand I use and like.
Where can you get it ???
Can I buy it from a store ?
I didn’t realise that ashwaganda was a nightshade. I’m sensitive to them so I might try something else first. Thanks, Cath xx
I am having troubles sleeping lately, I essentially need this ashwagandha. Glad to have uncovered his here. My only concern now is where I can buy the product. Please advise.
Amazon
I buy mine from Iherb. Amazon shipping is very costly to Israel
I tried ashwaghanda and did notice I felt more relaxed. Awhile ago, I got a period in between periods. I checked out ok and stopped taking Ashwaghanda for whatever reason. Weeks later, I took it again for about a week and got another period in between periods. It dawned on me a few days later these periods came during times I was taking ashwaghanda. I couldn’t find much about it but did find a couple links about how it helped women who no longer had a menstrual cycle bring back their period. My cycle has bee on track for months now. Do have any thoughts on this? would love to hear what you think!
Thanks for the information. I have been taking ashwaganda for the past few months. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for nearly two years. I had NO IDEA just how much stress and anxiety I felt on a daily basis until I started taking ashwaganda. I’m convinced that it, along with acupuncture, aided in our pregnancy. I’m almost 6 weeks along and thanks to your blog, I learned that continuing to take it was unsafe and I immediately discontinued taking it. But I sure do miss it already! It’s better than Xanax!
I’m wondering how long you can take this for. I’ve been taking for one year plus for anxiety and feel great. I can’t find any information besides not taking for more then 3 months. Any insight would be great
I thought it translated as ‘woman with 1000 husbands’!!! Did you come across evidence that it’s a libido tonic too? Or maybe the quote above refers primarily to stress management ?
Definitely helps me in that regard. 🙂
Yes, one ayurvedic doctor advice me and my hubby to take this for our general weakness also… its kind of revitalizer…
That’s Shatavari 😉
it’s also important to know that ashwagandha also increases serotonin. If you are taking SSRIs, SNRIs, high antihistamines, it could be a problem. If take MAOI Inhibitors, (including turmeric) or if you have had a history of serotonin syndrome, I would suggest trying a different herb. I believe in herbs, using them safely is key.
I missed my period from last two months. Can i take ashwgandha capsules for periods
It may help your nervous system relax, but I would consider Vitex Chasteberry to help regulate periods. Tara
Why is it not recommended for people with hyperthyroidism? Thanks!
I have Ashwaganda powder. How much should be used to make tea? Or is it better to not heat and just put it in smoothies?
Can u take ashwaghandha during breastfeeding, plz revert
Hi there,
I couldn’t read the answer to this question and I would like to know if I can take it while breastfeeding and the dosis recommend?
Thanks for then information
Is it safe for kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD?
There are no contraindications listed for children in the Botanical Safety Handbook. That said, if you have a question about whether ashwagandha (or any herb) is right for your child, please talk with a qualified healthcare provider. ❤️
Hi
I am a nursing mother feeeding my 6 month old baby. I am not catching up good sleep in the night. Can you please suggest if it is absolutely safe to take aswagandha in the night.
Yes! It’s safe to take at night.
Hi there,
Wonderful blog, especially for a new mama that is also new to the world of ashwagandha. I am nursing my 6 week old and feel ashwagandha has made a world of difference for me. As far as hormonal balance and general well-being. I did want to ask, how would you know if you are sensitive to nightshades?
Some people do formal testing (like the blood tests done by Cyrex Labs) and others can just tell they don’t feel well when they consume them.
Thank you so much for replying. I also wanted to know what is the most milligrams I should take a day of ashwagandha while breastfeeding? Right now I have been taking 550-600 mg/day. Wanted to know if I can up the dosage? Thanks you!
Is ashwaganda something that can be taken indefinitely? Or if not, what would be a safe timeframe for taking it and how long of a break should you take before you could restart?
Thanks for sharing!!!!
I have definitely seen a large number of patients benefit from Ashwagandha in my functional medicine practice. The calming and relaxing effects have been the most pronounced. As noted in your blog, nightshade reactions is a contra-indication. I have seen 2 patients who I am 99% certain reacted to Ashwagandha’s nightshade issue.
I will save your references for later reading, but will add one more use… At least in these two studies, it showed some benefits in exercise training.
Wankhede, Sachin et al. “Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 12 43. 25 Nov. 2015, doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9
Ziegenfuss, Tim N et al. “Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial.” Nutrients vol. 10,11 1807. 20 Nov. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu10111807
Thanks for you hard work on these articles. I know how much time and effort writing these takes as I write my own blogs.
Eric Potter Functional MD
hello! firstly i adore your site and have for years & years thank you!!
secondly, i have Hashimoto’s disease and though i’ve been seeing a naturopath i have still really struggled with being overly drained (over & over). this really sounds perfect! i purchased it as an oil from our natural grocers… do you recommend this or the tea more? please advise!
many thanks & blessed-be
Can I take Ashwagandha in capsule form, instead of tea or tincture? Is it as effective in capsule form?
Hi, Heather!
Thank you so much for all this amazing information! I have a question. Is Ashwagandha often taken for a small period of time as needed? Or can it be used for as long as I want? Also, I heard that this herb does affect the hormones. Not really sure if that’s a positive if it does. Do you know if that’s true or not?
Most adaptogens, including ashwagandha, tend to be slow-building, meaning they work best when taken consistently for a period of time. I usually take ashwagandha for about 6-8 weeks and then take a break while rotating in another adaptogen. It’s usually considered safe for use up to three months. To answer your other question: As mentioned in #9, “Recent research also suggests it may have a positive impact on hormone health and reproductive function as well.”
Please help me out. I got 2 questions about Ashwagandha roots and leaves; but sadly I couldn’t find the answers in my google search/results.
Questions:
1) Is Ashwagandha considered an oil crop like black sesame seeds, sunflower, palm leaves, etc.?
2) Does 100% pure Ashwagandha powder (roots & leaves) release/excrete oil by itself without the aid of any other oil or substance?
Please bear with me. I just got a bad experience of mixing a 1 Tbsp. Black Sesame powder in a 100ml of Scalp treatment for anti-hair loss. I use this scalp treatment daily after shampoo or in-between shampoos because it doesn’t cause the hair to be oily or look greasy. Now, I couldn’t use anymore the mixed solution because the sesame powder turned the solution into “hair oil” making my hair heavily greasy. I really have to wash my hair after each use.
Because I believe in the hair benefits of Ashwagandha, I intend to open some Ashwaganha capsules to add-on/mix it with my newly purchased Nioxin Scalp treatment only if I get the answers from you as I believe in your knowledge & expertise.
Thank you, Grace
Would I use the same weight of powdered Ashwagandha for a tincture?
Ashwagandha powder would be very difficult to strain after the tincture has infused so I don’t think it will work well for that purpose.
Can I consume this is I’ve had alcoholic beverages?
Can I take the ashwakanda gummies while breastfeeding
Hi Heather,
Can the leaves be used for anything? I found some info on using the leaves in Ayurvedic preparations but not much. I am growing it and hate to waste the top part of the plant! I know you can save the seeds and I will do that since mine is heirloom. Is there a book that talks more about this? Thanks!
I am not aware of any known uses for the leaves, sorry.
Just an FYI … ashwagandha can cause intestinal distress. I bought 2100 mg capsules, organic, vegetarian and was fine the first day but starting day 2, shortly after taking a capsule I was vomiting and had severe diarrhea. I’m embarrassed to admit that it took me several days to put 2+2 together and research potential side effects.
I have taken Ashwagandha capsules for years for stress. The Amazon link provided was sold out. So thought I would mention, I do order my ashwagandha from Mountain Rose Herb, an online organic herbal company that does practice sustainable harvest techniques. Hope it is ok to mention this resource.
Re; making ashwagandha tincture
I have heard that using alcohol can affect the strength of the herb used and that organic glycerin would be a better choice.
Could you comment on this, please?
In general alcohol is better at extracting compounds from roots than glycerin.
Hi,
My name is Randi J. I have Hashimoto’s Autoimmune. It was suggested that I take Ashwaganda. But I was also told to avoid nightshades. I’m confused. Can you advise?
Very well explained. Thanks for sharing these benefits of Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is widely used in Ayurveda (Ancient Indian Medication). I learned about Ashwagandha from iahas.com. I have tried remedies using it, they worked well for me. I will add your blog to my list.
Hey Heather,
Have you found any research about hair loss in women due effect on testosterone levels?
Hey Heather
First a shoutout. 🙏🏽So appreciate for last 10 years all your info.+ have passed your site on to countless others.
I have been wanting to make Ashwagandha tea for awhile ( only have taken supplements) and when I clicked on your link it says currently unavailable. Any other suggestions for an organic brand you like?
Thank you for everything all these years
Bethanie
Hi is this safe to use with a pre teen? My almost 11 year old daughter deals with anxiety and panic attacks. I think this could be helpful for her
Unfortunately, I have found that ashwagandha upsets my stomach so I had to stop taking it. Anyone know a way to stop this?
How much ashwagandha powder do you use in a smoothie?
Thank you for the information! I have been studying herbal healing since the early 80s. I had a health scare last year and thought to take ashwaganda. I was on heavy prednisone and reading about ashwaganda I saw it worked like a
natural prednisone and I was afraid to take it. I was so over amped. I take a light dose now, 10 mgs a day. I think it would help now. I’m wondering if I ever get off of prednisone if it would work for helping to get off of the steroids.
I have an auto immune disease called Giant Cell Arteritis which caused my right eye to have a stroke last year, I was told I would go blind, but in 4 days I had my vision back. My neural ophthalmologist thinks it is because of my healthy living and my use of herbs and supplements. She also tells me I am her only patient that always shows improvement. I will eventually be in a special study. I was at a university hospital and students would come talk to me because I knew how to take care of myself! Thanks for the ashwaganda info. I have been wanting someone with good knowledge to get a little info on this. I also read that dong quai helped for getting off of steroids too. GCA also gives you RA. The information in your article is very helpful and useful for me. Thank you.
Hi Heather,
Thanks for this very interesting information. I was recently given some Ashwagandha powder and would appreciate some indications as to how much should be consumed and how often. Would you have some recipe ideas? Love your articles. I have made some very positive changes in my life and habits thanks to you!
Blessings to you,
Evelyne
Thank you for this info. I’ve been including organic ashwanganda in my morning “power drink” for months now. Because I have the powder form, it isn’t concocted as a tincture or tea so my question is, does it have to be in order to get the benefits? Thanks.
How much powdered ashwagandha can you use per day?
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory suggests (1,000-3,000 mg) 3 times daily. It’s generally a good idea to take scheduled breaks when using an herb daily.
I’m not clear n how to use ashwagandha power. Recipes for smoothies. Other than smoothies, how else can it be applied? Soups? Teas?
It can be added either but it will likely sink to the bottom unless the tea or soup is creamy.
Do you have a recipe for Ashwagandha gummies made from its powder form?
I don’t, sorry!
How long does it typically take to start working? I bought two different brands of capsules and stopped taking because I didn’t notice a difference after a week. Would it need to be taken longer than that to feel the effects? TIA
I should also mention it upset my stomach when taking. Took me some time to figure that out. Any recommendations for making it more digestible? $60. Worth of capsules and I would like them if they work and won’t upset my tummy. Thanks again!
Hi, I was wondering if ashwagandha will interfere with my thyroid medicine? It looks like a great herb to use. I read your article that it supports your thyroid. Boosting the conversion T4 to T3.
for sleep, ie ‘Moon Milk’ how much powdered ashwaghanda is recommended?
You can find my moon milk with ashwagandha powder here.