Timing is everything, especially when it comes to reaping the maximum benefits from herbs and supplements. Ashwagandha is a popular herbal supplement deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, and widely used for its vast range of benefits — from reduced stress, balanced energy levels, improved sleep, and curbed cravings. The right Ashwagandha dosage at the right time of day can make a big impact on your mind and body. However, determining the best time to take Ashwagandha may not feel so clear cut.

In this article, we’ll explore the best times to take Ashwagandha, so you can begin incorporating it into your routine with confidence and start experiencing the benefits of this powerhouse herb. 

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is the potent flowering shrub that is commonly used in Ayurveda to harmonize mind, body, and spirit. This mineral dense herb has been studied for decades and

Ashwaganda has been clinically shown to help lower the stress response in the body and regulate cortisol levels, enhance focus and mental stamina, reduce irritability and stress-related cravings.

Because of Ashwagandha’s proven ability to fight stress, it is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogenic supplements are a class of stress-busting herbs and mushrooms that encourage the body to find balance amidst daily stressors. For an herb to be adaptogenic, it must be:

• Nontoxic at normal doses
• Able to support the whole body's ability to cope with stress
• Able to bring the body back to homeostasis, regardless of the stressor

In addition to being a safe, adaptogenic, and health-promoting herb, Ashwagandha is high in antioxidants, helping to improve immune functioning and overall vitality. 

When is the Best Time to Take Ashwagandha?

Determining the best time to take Ashwagandha simply depends on your individual needs and preferences. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all time, consistency is key if you want to reap the full benefits of Ashwagandha. The best time to take it is when it fits best into your schedule! Find a time that works for you and stick to it. Whether you choose to incorporate Ashwagandha powder into your morning routine (by adding it to your morning coffee or smoothie) to kickstart your day or take it in the evening (by adding it to tea) to unwind and promote restful sleep, strive to make Ashwagandha a daily habit. By taking consistently, you can unlock its full potential and experience the range of benefits this powerful herb offers.

Can You Take Ashwagandha at Night?

Yes, you can certainly take Ashwagandha at night without any issues. It's a versatile herb that adapts to your body and its needs. This means it doesn't induce drowsiness or cause immediate bursts of energy. Instead, it works to balance the systems of your body, promoting overall well-being. In fact, some studies have shown that it can have a positive impact on sleep when taken consistently over a period of time. For instance, in a study where participants took an Ashwagandha supplement daily, it took around 10 weeks for them to experience the full effects on their sleep quality. This is all the more reason to dose consistently so you can experience the nighttime benefits of Ashwagandha.

When to Take Ashwagandha

The beauty of Ashwagandha is that you can take it at any time of the day without losing any of its advantages on your physical or mental health. However, if you have specific goals in mind, you may want to consider taking it at a specific time. Because Ashwagandha offers a wide range of benefits, you can customize your intake to align with the specific outcomes you seek.

In the following sections, we’ll explore 7 opportune times to take Ashwagandha.

When You Want to Unstress

Did you know that you can take Ashwagandha for stress relief? This adaptogenic herb not only helps increase resistance to fatigue but also aids in recovery and promotes a healthy immune system. By incorporating Ashwagandha into your routine and maintaining a consistent dosage, you can stay ahead of your body’s stress response and be better prepared for any stress-inducing situations that may unexpectedly arise. Numerous studies have shown the stress-relieving effects of Ashwagandha, including a significant reduction in anxiety, perceived stress, and morning cortisol. Its ability to modulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a key role in its stress-reducing properties. So, whenever you want to unwind and unstress, turn to the power of Ashwagandha to find calm and balance.

When You Want to Uplift Mood and Energy

When you're seeking to boost both mood and energy, Ashwagandha supplements can be a valuable ally. This versatile herb not only promotes emotional well-being but also provides relief from tension and irritability. Its adaptogenic properties help increase energy and stamina, and brighten mood.

When You Want to Focus

When it comes to enhancing concentration, Ashwagandha can help. By promoting mental stamina, alertness, and clarity, it is a valuable tool for improving focus and sharpening cognitive abilities.

When You Want to Relax

When you're in need of relaxation, take Ashwagandha dietary supplements. Its powerful properties relieve tension and promote deep, tranquil rest. By modulating the HPA axis, Ashwagandha helps bring major systems of the body into balance, allowing them the time and space to rest and recover. If you’re aiming to unwind after a long day, Ashwagandha can get you there faster.

When You Want to Support Sleep

When it comes to supporting a good night's sleep, Ashwagandha can be a beneficial addition to your evening routine. It won't make you sleepy directly, but it will help the body cope with stress, which can interfere with sleep!

A study conducted on patients with insomnia found that Ashwagandha improved sleep quality and reduced the time it took participants to fall asleep.

In another study, participants who took Ashwagandha daily experienced improved sleep and increased morning alertness. Clearly, Ashwagandha has sleep-inducing potential and could be a valuable sleep supplement if you’re looking for greater relaxation.

When You Want to Balance Hormones

When it comes to balancing hormones, Ashwagandha can be immensely helpful. This healing herb supports the balance of the HPA axis and helps regulate cortisol levels, which play a major role in hormonal balance. Ongoing research is exploring the potential of Ashwagandha supplementation in supporting reproductive hormones. By incorporating Ashwagandha into your routine, you can take a proactive approach to promoting hormonal balance.

When You Want to Curb Cravings

When you're looking to curb cravings, Ashwagandha supplementation can help. Chronic stress can lead to changes in eating behavior, and increase tendency to overeat and crave certain foods. Studies have shown Ashwagandha can reduce food cravings by allowing the body to better manage cortisol levels and can even help reduce blood sugar levels and insulin, including in individuals with diabetes. Consistent Ashwagandha dosing can curb cravings and support a healthier relationship with food.

How to Take Ashwagandha

When it comes to taking Ashwagandha, there are a few things to consider for optimal results:

• Form — Ashwagandha can be safely consumed in a variety of ways. Choose from capsules, pure powder, or herbal blends and decide which form may work best with your lifestyle.
• Timing — When taking Ashwagandha alongside other herbs, timing matters. If you consume Ashwagandha in the supplement form of SuperYou, our anti stress supplement, it’s best to take it in the morning to reap the energizing benefits of Rhodiola.
• Consistency is key — How long Ashwagandha takes to work will depend on how often you are taking it. It's recommended to take your Ashwagandha supplement daily to track the manifestation of health benefits. When taken consistently, Ashwagandha can benefit both men and women.
• Purity and potency — Not all Ashwagandha found online or in health food stores are the same, quality matters! Our organic Ashwagandha root powder extract is hand-harvested in India and rigorously tested for purity and potency. It's a concentrated extract, with 600mg of Ashwagandha in every 1/4 teaspoon.
• Dosage — A daily dose of Ashwagandha should consist of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. However, the specific amount of Ashwagandha to take depends on your individual needs. Generally, a dosage of 500 to 600 mg per day has been associated with the benefits of this herb.
• Consume regularly — You don't have to wait until you're already feeling stressed, tired, or out of balance to incorporate it into your routine. By taking Ashwagandha regularly, you can get proactive about your overall well-being and experience its full range of benefits.

Takeaways

Determining the best time to take Ashwagandha may vary, but consistency is key. Whether you incorporate it into your morning routine, afternoon rituals, or before bed, taking Ashwagandha daily unlocks its full potential. It can be taken at any time of the day without losing its benefits, and even at night, it won't cause drowsiness or immediate bursts of energy. Quality matters, so choose a reputable source like our organic Ashwagandha root powder extract. No matter when you take it, Ashwagandha offers a wide range of benefits — from combating stress, and uplifting mood and energy, to enhancing sleep. There are plenty of opportunities to take Ashwagandha and whenever you choose to take it, you’ll be supporting your overall well-being.