Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that may offer several health benefits, such as improved blood sugar, inflammation, mood, memory, stress and anxiety, as well as a boost in muscle strength and fertility. Dosages vary depending on your needs, but 250–500 mg per day for at least one month seem effective.
Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems might occur. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ashwagandha is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: It is likely unsafe to use ashwagandha when pregnant.
One study in 80 healthy men and women showed that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha daily for 8 weeks was safe and did not cause any adverse health effects in participants ( 25 ).
It can take days to weeks before you begin to notice its effects. For example, in one study including 60 people who took 300 mg of ashwagandha daily, it took upward of 10 weeks for them to observe its full effects on their sleep quality, compared with those in the control group ( 6 ).
Ashwagandha can take anywhere from 2-3 days to several weeks to work. Current research suggests it may take ten or more weeks to achieve maximum benefits related to stress and anxiety reduction [5].
If you're feeling more calm and relaxed, that's a good sign that the ashwagandha is working. You may also notice an improvement in your sleep quality. If you're sleeping better and feeling more rested, that's another sign that the ashwagandha is doing its job.
Ashwagandha is commonly called “Indian winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng” and is used in Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda) for its wide-ranging benefits. Yes, taking ashwagandha daily is safe, but people should never take it beyond the recommended doses or periods.
But when is the best time of day to take ashwagandha? To see the best results, most research recommends also taking Ashwagandha in the morning. Taking it twice a day can help your body maintain equilibrium in your adrenal system. You can buy ashwagandha in capsule form or as a powder to mix with coffee or tea.
Studies on ashwagandha have used dosages of 250–600 mg/day of a root extract. The most common dosing protocol is 600 mg/day divided into two doses, with one taken in the morning with breakfast and the other in the evening. Evidence suggests that 600 mg/day is superior to lower doses for improving sleep.
Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S (p = . 005) and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone (p = . 010) compared to the placebo.
Ashwagandha has been used in medical practices like Aryuveda, a medical system that originated in India over 3,000 years ago, to fight stress, boost endurance, and promote a general sense of calm. While science is limited, modern studies reinforce ashwagandha's potential to reduce stress and anxiety in adults.
Ashwagandha root has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which protect the skin from infections or acne. It also boosts the collagen in the skin which prevents it from ageing. If you suffer from acne, you should try natural face packs with Ashwagandha powder.
Ashwagandha helps in reducing muscle weight related to stress. It does not lead to weight gain.
Ashwagandha might lower blood sugar levels and thus make it unsafe to use with antihyperglycemic (glucose-lowering) drugs (by lowering blood sugar too much). Because of its potential to lower blood pressure, ashwagandha might not be safe in people who take drugs to treat high blood pressure.
Several studies have found that ashwagandha can be effective when taken either at night or during the day: A 2019 study investigating ashwagandha's potential to improve stress and sleep found that a 125- or 300-milligram dose taken twice a day for 8 weeks was effective for reducing stress and improving sleep quality.
As a general rule, it's a good idea to take 4 weeks off every 2-3 months. The majority of the studies that have been done on Ashwagandha saw treatment periods of around three months, so the evidence suggests that it would be effective during this time.
One particular study indicated that ashwagandha can benefit sleep quality as well—researchers confirmed participants slept much better with doses of the herb compared to placebo doses.
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has many benefits for women. It can help to improve vitality, strength, and energy. Additionally, ashwagandha can help to balance hormones, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall health and well-being.
It is perfectly safe to take ashwagandha daily, for up to eight weeks. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate the long-term safety of ashwagandha. You should be mindful not to take more than the recommended dose, and you should also try to avoid taking it on an empty stomach.
Can ashwagandha be taken on an empty stomach? Ashwagandha can be taken on an empty stomach and some people find that it works better that way. It can also be paired with a small snack if you are concerned about digestive discomfort.
Potential Side Effects of Ashwagandha
You should always take a break for 2 - 4 weeks before beginning your daily intake again. Large doses or prolonged use of Ashwagandha may cause issues with the stomach (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), as well as potential liver issues--although this is exceptionally unlikely.
Ashwagandha improves the digestive system. By helping the body to digest food, the metabolism is boosted too, aiding in weight loss. Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants that help your body burn fat better. Not only do these antioxidants improve overall vitality, but they boost your metabolism as well.
While there are no formal dosing guidelines for ashwagandha, "many studies show safety and efficacy when 300 mg of ashwagandha is taken twice daily," Avena says. "We don't have long-term data on ashwagandha, so at this point, we only know it's considered 'possibly safe' when taken daily for up to 3 months."