Best Time To Take Ashwagandha + FAQs
Posted by Leonard Shemtob on May 23, 2023
Intro
Ashwagandha, sometimes referred to as "Indian Ginseng," is a powerful herb used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s known for its potent adaptogenic properties—meaning it helps your body adapt to stress. Whether it's in powder, tablet, or liquid form, Ashwagandha supplements can provide a whole lot of health benefits.
In this article, we'll dive into the Pro's and Con's of this incredibly popular ingredient as well as the best times to take it.
Ashwagandha Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Adaptogenic properties: Ashwagandha helps your body manage stress naturally.
- Mental health benefits: It can enhance cognitive function and potentially boost mood.
- Physical health benefits: Ashwagandha may improve immune health, blood sugar levels, hormonal imbalances, and even fertility.
Cons:
- Potential side effects: Some users may experience digestive issues like upset stomach, diarrhea, or nausea.
- Potential interactions: Ashwagandha may interact with medication for diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining it with any medication.
- Precautions and warnings: The effects of ashwagandha on pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are not well studied, so it's best to avoid it during these periods.
Best Time To Take Ashwaganda
When it comes to taking Ashwagandha, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best time to take this herb depends largely on what you're using it for and how it fits into your daily routine. However, here are a few general tips that might help:
Morning: Some people choose to take Ashwagandha in the morning to make the most of its stress-relieving benefits throughout the day. It may also provide an energy boost to help kickstart your day.
Evening: Ashwagandha has been linked with improved sleep quality, so taking it in the evening or before bed could potentially help if you struggle with insomnia or poor sleep. It's often used as a relaxant, so taking it at night may help you unwind and prepare for a good night's sleep.
Before a Meal: Ashwagandha can be taken on an empty stomach for faster absorption. Some people find that taking it before a meal works best for them.
With a Meal: If you find that Ashwagandha upsets your stomach, you might want to try taking it with a meal to help mitigate any potential side effects.
It's always a good idea to start with a lower dose to see how your body reacts, and then adjust accordingly.
Best Ashwagandha Supplements
Choosing the right Ashwagandha supplement is key to reaping its full benefits. Here are some recommendations for the best Ashwagandha supplements in various categories:
Best Stand Alone Ashwagandha
KSM-66 by SNS
KSM-66 by SNS is a high-concentration Ashwagandha extract. It utilizes the highest concentration of full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract on the market. It's perfect for those looking for a stand-alone Ashwagandha supplement.
Best Fat Burner With Ashwagandha
Naturally Shredded by Vital Alchemy
Naturally Shredded by Vital Alchemy combines the benefits of Ashwagandha with other natural ingredients to promote fat loss. The Ashwagandha in this supplement may help reduce stress, one of the factors that can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
Best Testosterone Booster With Ashwagandha
Sergeant Steel by Assault Labs
Sergeant Steel by Assault Labs combines Ashwagandha with other potent ingredients to support testosterone levels. Ashwagandha is believed to support testosterone production, making it a key component of this supplement.
Best PCT With Ashwagandha
Post Cycle 3X by Vital Alchemy
Post Cycle 3X by Vital Alchemy uses Ashwagandha as part of a formula designed to help the body recover after a cycle of performance-enhancing supplements. Ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties can help manage the stress that the body goes through during such a cycle.
Looking for more options for Post Cycle Therapy?
Check out this article here: Top 5 Post Cycle Therapy Supplements
Best Cortisol Blocker With Ashwagandha
Corti Combat by Assault Labs
Corti Combat by Assault Labs is designed to help manage cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. With Ashwagandha as one of its main ingredients, it can greatly help reduce or manage stress levels.
Looking for more options to help manage stress and lower cortisol?
Check out this article here: The Best Supplements to Reduce Cortisol Levels and Manage Stress
To Wrap Things Up
Ashwagandha has many potential benefits, but like all supplements, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regime, and remember to listen to your body.
Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob
Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding.
Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.
Ashwagandha FAQs
No, in fact, Ashwagandha might improve hair health and promote hair growth by reducing stress and balancing hormones. This ingredient is believed to improve circulation and promote a healthy immune response, two factors which are crucial for maintaining a healthy scalp, hair follicles, and hair growth.
More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of Ashwagandha in treating hair loss. If you notice any unusual hair shedding, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
The best time to take ashwagandha depends on the specific benefits you're looking to achieve:
For Stress and Anxiety: Its best to take it when you tend to feel most anxious or stressed (in the morning to manage work or daily stressors or in the evening to help calm the mind before bed.
For Sleep: Take it in the evening before bed.
For Exercise Performance and Recovery: In this scenario, you might want to take it about an hour before your workout.
Related Articles
Read More About Ashwagandha
- Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 901–908.
- Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (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. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255.
- Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., & Smith, S. J. (2019). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in aging, overweight males. American journal of men's health, 13(2).
- Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress—protective activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188-224.