Ashwagandha is an evergreen remedy for stress, anxiety, and overall well-being. However, timing matters to get the maximum benefit of this powerful herb. Most people are confused about when to take Ashwagandha before or after a meal.
Many experts suggest taking it after a meal, as this improves absorption and reduces the chances of digestive discomfort. Understanding the right time for Ashwagandha makes a big difference in how well it works for you.
Read further and learn the best time to take Ashwagandha so you can get the most out of its benefits and feel your best!
Should I take Ashwagandha on an empty stomach or with food?
It is recommended to take Ashwagandha during or after a meal. Eating it on an empty stomach can cause digestive issues such as abdominal pain or nausea.
You can take Ashwagandha any time of the day. You can take it in the morning, at night, or even after a heavy workout. The only thing to avoid is taking it on an empty stomach. It can cause mild pain or discomfort in the stomach.
If you have digestive problems, try to take Ashwagandha after breakfast or a small snack. This way, you can maximize their effectiveness, and your body will absorb their nutrients more efficiently.
Benefits of taking Ashwagandha after meals
Taking Ashwagandha with a meal is beneficial in various aspects. Have a look:
- Improved digestion: It will help your stomach work better. Combined with a meal, it breaks down the food quickly and makes it quick to digest.
- Steady absorption: Taking Ashwagandha after eating helps your body soak it slowly. It allows your body to use it more effectively, and you will get all the benefits over time.
- Enhanced nutrient uptake: Proper absorption of the Ashwagandha will lead to increased nutrient uptake. It works faster with other vitamins and minerals from the food you eat with it. Thus, you can keep yourself healthy and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
How much Ashwagandha should I take after meals?
Research says the standard amount of Ashwagandha is between 300 mg to 1,000 mg daily, and continue this for up to 3 months.
However, the dosage amount will vary based on the purpose for which you take this medicinal herb.
i) General health and stress relief
Ashwagandha is best for stress relief. It is highly beneficial for lowering cortisol levels, which helps manage stress. For instance, the daily dosage recommended is 225–600 mg for 1–2 months.
Another report shows that at least 600 mg daily for 8 weeks is also perfect for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
ii) To enhance muscle growth
Ashwagandha is also highly effective in strengthening mass and growth. In a particular study, people who took 500 mg of Ashwagandha with their weightlifting exercises for 12 weeks experienced stronger body muscle.
According to another study, taking 600 mg of Ashwagandha daily would be enough for this instance.
iii) To boost fertility
Ashwagandha has high benefits for boosting fertility, especially for men. According to expert observation, 5 g of Ashwagandha root powder daily intake significantly improves sperm quality.
iv) To lower inflammation:
To lower inflammation issues and protect against infection, take at least 250–500 mg of Ashwagandha over 60 days. It helps you reduce C-reactive protein levels by up to 30% and boosts immunity.
Can I take Ashwagandha with other supplements?
Yes, it is completely safe to take Ashwagandha with other supplements. It ensures maximum benefit by providing a wide range of essential nutrients.
Taking Ashwagandha with any additional products like vitamins or minerals supports your overall health and fills nutritional gaps.
However, keep in mind that you should avoid mixing Ashwagandha with certain medications. Such as medication for sedatives, antihistamines, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and so on.
Combining Ashwagandha with these medications may have negative interactions. Also, you should not mix it with alcohol or with others that have calming effects, like valerian or St. John's wort.
Since all these have relaxing properties, using them together might make you feel too sleepy or cause other problems.
How to use Ashwagandha for optimal effectiveness?
Here is the best way to use Ashwagandha to ensure optimal effectiveness:
- i) Ashwagandha tablets and capsules: You will find Ashwagandha widely available in capsule and tablet form. If you take the Ayurvedic herb for weight loss, better sleep, or stress relief, 250 to 600 mg is enough. Take 1-2 capsules or tablets twice a day after meals to get the most benefit.
- ii) Ashwagandha powder: If you prefer to have Ashwagandha in powder form, you can mix it with water, milk, smoothies, or even sprinkle it into your food, like soups, stews, curries, or roasted vegetables.
It will give your food an earthy flavor and boost the nutrients. To make the Ashwagandha drink, mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder into a warm glass of milk or water. Add a natural sweetener if you want. Drink it once or twice a day.
In Closing
Ashwagandha holds an important place in Ayurvedic medicine and brings solutions to many health problems. However, its effectiveness depends on your dosage time and how you take it.
Always try to take Ashwagandha after having a complete meal. Also, stick to a regular schedule, take it 1-2 times a day, and monitor your daily dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can You Take Ashwagandha?
You can make schedules for taking Ashwagandha. One way is to use it for 6 weeks, then take a week off. Another way is to use it for 6 months and then take a month off.
Should You Consume Ashwagandha Daily?
You should take Ashwagandha daily, ensuring the recommended dosage amount. Regularly using this effective herb will quickly give you the benefits you want.
Can I Take Ashwagandha After A Workout?
Yes, it is a good moment to take Ashwagandha after a workout. It will ensure maximum muscle growth. Using it before exercising can cause drowsiness, which may affect your workout.
What Is The Best Time Of The Day To Take Ashwagandha?
You can take Ashwagandha at any time of the day. However, taking Ashwagandha in the evening after dinner and 45-60 minutes before bedtime is best. This timing can help you relax and prepare for a good night's sleep.
