Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that has multiple health benefits. It has been used as a medicinal herb since the beginning of the ayurvedic system of medicine. Not only ashwagandha is a popular medicinal herb in ayurveda but in the Unani system of medicine as well. But how and when to use ashwagandha? First let us know more about ashwagandha and its benefits.
Also known as “winthamia somnifera” ashwagandha’s name is derived from sanskrit words, “ashwa” meaning horse and “gandha” means smell. Therefore, ashwagandha means the smell of horse and it is also associated with the strength of horse.
The leaves, berries and roots of ashwagandha are used for various purposes and as multiple remedies. But it is the roots that make the main ingredient for medical treatments. Ashwagandha has multiple benefits including:
It calms your mind:
Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, a herb that is considered to have calming effects on your mind. It helps you to reduce stress and anxiety because it controls stress hormones released by your body. By controlling stress hormones your mind does not feel pressured hence experiencing calmness and a good quantity and quality of sleep.
It improves strength:
The name ashwagandha has “ashwa” in it which means horse in Sanskrit. This name is an indication of horse-like strength. Thus, ashwagandha is associated with strength. People consuming ashwagandha especially those who undergo vigorous exercises or athletic activities experience great improvement in their strength.
It helps improve mental health:
Since ashwagandha controls stress hormones, it keeps your mind in a relaxed state which can impact your mental health positively. Ashwagandha helps to reduce the symptoms of mental health like depression and anxiety.
It helps to reduce blood sugar levels:
Ashwagandha can help manage blood sugar levels making it a good option to reduce the risk of factors leading to diabetes.
It helps boost scalp health:
Ashwagandha is also beneficial for hair growth. Hairfall, hair thinning and other related issues have been associated with stress. Consuming ashwagandha can help you reduce stress that will eventually lead to a healthy scalp. Stress can disrupt hair growth by damaging hair follicles. Consuming ashwagandha can help you repair hair follicles.
How to use ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is available in the form of powder, teas, supplements like capsules, tablets and gummies or topical products like oil. You can use ashwagandha in the following ways:
With milk:
You can add ashwagandha powder to your milk or take it in the form of a supplement with your milk.
Soup:
You can add ashwagandha powder to your soup as well. You can also use ashwagandha liquid extract if you do not want to consume it in powder form with your soup.
Ashwagandha tea:
You can grab ashwagandha tea bags to replace your regular tea. Ashwagandha tea can help improve your stress and allow you to sleep better. An ashwagandha teacup in the morning can keep you energetic throughout the day. It is a good way to replace your unhealthy drinks with ashwagandha herbal tea.
Supplements:
Ashwagandha tablets, capsules and gummies are available in the market. These can be consumed with warm water or milk before eating your meals or before going to bed.
Topical products:
Products like ashwagandha oil and powder can be used for topical application especially for hair growth. One can use ashwagandha oil on the scalp and massage it for some time and leave it overnight or for 30-60 minutes before washing your hair.
Also, you can use an ashwagandha hair mask. Add 1-2 spoons of ashwagandha powder in warm milk or coconut oil and apply it on your hair. Leave it for 30-40 minutes and wash it with a shampoo that suits your scalp.
When to take ashwagandha?
There is no specific time to consume ashwagandha. It mostly depends on how you take the herb and for what purpose.
- If you are consuming ashwagandha in the form of supplements to have a relaxed mind and better sleep you should take it 60-90 minutes before going to bed.
- You can take ashwagandha powder with milk in the morning, or before going to bed.
- Massage hair oil on the scalp before 30-60 minutes of washing your hair, or you can also leave the oil overnight and wash it in the morning.
- An ashwagandha hair mask should be applied before a hair wash. You can leave the mask for 30-40 minutes before washing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best time to take ashwagandha?
Ans. There is no best time to take ashwagandha. It depends more on the purpose rather than the time of the day. If you want to have a better quality sleep, you should prefer taking it 60-90 minutes before taking it. If you want to improve your physical strength you should consider taking it before any physical activity.
- Where to buy ashwagandha?
Ans. Ashwagandha is readily available at stores that sell ancient herbs and spices. You can buy it online in the form of powder or capsules. You can also visit your nearest stores that sell such products.
- How long does it take Ashwagandha to work?
Ans. Consistency is more important if you want ashwagandha to work. It may take 4-12 weeks for a person to experience better results but for that you have to keep consuming it consistently for weeks as prescribed by healthcare professionals.
- How many ashwagandha gummies should I take?
Ans. Ashwagandha gummies are supplements that can be taken once or twice a day. The consumption should be based as per prescribed by healthcare professionals or as mentioned on the packaging.
- What will happen if you take too much ashwagandha?
Ans. Excess of everything is bad. If you take large doses of ashwagandha you might experience an upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting.