Beyond Powders and Pills: 5 Easy Ashwagandha Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What happens when you take ashwagandha daily? ›

Ashwagandha may have a calming effect on anxiety symptoms. In a 2019 study , researchers found that taking a daily dose of 240 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha significantly reduced people's stress levels when compared with a placebo. This included reduced levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone.

When taken by mouth: Ashwagandha is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems, including severe liver failure and a need for liver transplantation, might occur.

If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using ashwagandha supplements. They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid supplements, drugs that suppress the immune system, and drugs for anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Ashwagandha should be more often considered as a potential liver-damaging factor, and doctors should pay attention to herbal supplements taken by patients when collecting anamnesis [30]. A procedure that could optimize hospitalization is a liver biopsy to accurately determine the histopathologic type of liver injury.

Ashwagandha has been shown to enhance muscle strength and size by stimulating protein synthesis. By promoting the growth of lean muscle, the herb supports a higher metabolic rate, aiding in the body's ability to burn calories and fat more effectively.

Studies evaluating ashwagandha for stress reduction and weight management reveal reductions in perceived stress levels after four weeks. However, a significant difference in weight loss was noted at around eight weeks.

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.

Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding. Ashwagandha is not recommended for people who are about to have surgery, or for those who have autoimmune or thyroid disorders.

Ashwagandha may cause a drop in blood sugar levels. In some cases, this could worsen depressive symptoms, especially for those already dealing with low energy, mental fog, lack of motivation, or occasional depressive states.

What happens when you stop taking ashwagandha? ›

Ashwagandha withdrawal is rare, but some people may experience mild symptoms such as insomnia, brain fog, and headaches after stopping taking the supplement. These symptoms are thought to be caused by a change in GABA levels in the brain.

Certain vitamins, such as vitamin D or calcium, may hinder the absorption of ashwagandha if taken simultaneously. This could reduce the effectiveness of the herb and limit its benefits. Additionally, it is important to note that taking ashwagandha with rhodiola may also have potential absorption interference.

Ashwagandha might lower blood sugar levels and thus make it unsafe to use with antihyperglycemic (glucose-lowering) medications (by lowering blood sugar too much). Because of its potential to lower blood pressure, ashwagandha might not be safe in people who take medications to treat high blood pressure.

However, the efficacy and safety of long-term ashwagandha use over months or years for stress, anxiety, or sleep is not known. In addition, ashwagandha may have potential adverse effects on the liver and thyroid and might not be safe for people with prostate cancer or those who are pregnant or nursing.

Similar to Ashwagandha, Rhodiola is an adaptogen as it may help the body respond better to stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in alternative medicine. Preliminary research shows that it may improve thyroid levels in those with hypothyroidism. However, it may worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha for a thyroid condition.

One study did find that ashwagandha use in women with menopause increased estrogen while simultaneously lowering follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels to produce an overall improvement toward menopausal symptom related quality of life.

Research suggests that ashwagandha may help regulate cortisol levels and reduce stress and anxiety, which can prevent uncontrolled eating and subsequent weight gain. Lowering cortisol levels could be beneficial for individuals struggling with belly fat, food cravings, and a high body mass index (BMI).

It is important to realise that many supplements people use for working out or bulking up can have a devastating impact on your hair. Check to see if your collagen complex or hair vitamin has Ashwagandha. Not only can it cause hair loss but it can grow facial hair on women.

There are no official dosing guidelines for ashwagandha, but study participants typically take between 300 mg and 1,000 mg daily for up to three months. 10 Higher dosages may be beneficial for athletes undergoing an intense physical fitness regimen.

How much ashwagandha should I take to lose weight? ›

Therefore, it concluded that ashwagandha is useful for body weight management in patients experiencing chronic stress. Recommended dosage: if you're taking ashwagandha to help lose weight, dosages vary depending on individual needs, but taking 250 – 500 mg a day for at least 1 month should be effective.

May improve brain function, including memory

One review of five clinical studies found early evidence that ashwagandha could improve cognitive functioning in certain populations, including older adults with mild cognitive impairment and people with schizophrenia.

Research suggests Ashwagandha supplements may help relieve stress and anxiety. In a small study with 58 participants, those who took 250 or 600 mg of ashwagandha extract for 8 weeks had significantly reduced perceived stress and levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared with those who took a placebo.

Yes, ashwagandha supplements have been found to boost testosterone in both men and women.

The ashwagandha supplement should be taken for 6-8 weeks and then do monthly break. The body stimulated all the time with ashwagandha will not react as well to supplementation, as when taking breaks, which prevent getting used to the action of constants doses of withanolides on the body.

Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb known for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb has potential benefits for skin health, including reducing inflammation, promoting collagen production, and improving hydration.