The best time to take ashwagandha is a personal decision. Though some people swear by taking it at night, others prefer to take it first thing in the morning. Several factors affect the best timing for taking ashwagandha.
This post was written by Lindsay Delk, RDN. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice or instructions given by your healthcare provider.
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What Is Ashwagandha? What Are the Benefits of Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It is used as part of the Ayurvedic system of traditional medicine. You may know ashwagandha by several other names, including Indian ginseng, winter cherry, and Withania somnifera.
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost the immune system. Ashwagandha root contains various active ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and other beneficial properties.
There are various forms of ashwagandha available on the market today. You can find ashwagandha tinctures, capsules, powder, and tea. So you can take it at different times and in different forms throughout day. This is the ashwagandha supplement I take.
When Is the Best Time to Take Ashwagandha – Morning or Night?
Pros and cons of taking ashwagandha in the morning
Pros:
- Ashwagandha can reduce stress and anxiety, which can be beneficial if you’re starting your day feeling overwhelmed or anxious. So if you are taking ashwagandha for anxiety and stress relief, it may be best to take it in the morning.
Cons:
- Ashwagandha can have sedative effects for some people, which could lead to drowsiness and difficulty focusing during the day.
- Some people experience mild stomach upset when they take ashwagandha on an empty stomach. If you are one of those people, you don’t want to take ashwagandha when you first wake up. You may want to wait until after breakfast or another meal.
- If taken with certain medications, ashwagandha can interfere with their effectiveness. So you need to check with your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha with your morning medicines.
Pros and cons of taking ashwagandha at night
Pros:
- If you experience mild stomach upset when you take ashwagandha, you may find that taking it before bed is the best time for you. You are less likely to notice the stomach upset when you are sleeping.
- If you are taking ashwagandha to help you sleep, it may be best to take it at night. The calming effects of the herb will help you relax and fall asleep.
Cons:
- If taken with certain medications, ashwagandha can interfere with their effectiveness. So you need to check with your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha with your evening medicines.
The Best Time to Take Ashwagandha
It’s okay to take ashwagandha any time of the day. The best time to take ashwagandha is when you’ll be most likely to take it consistently. In much of the research with ashwagandha, individuals took ashwagandha supplements two times per day. So you might want to take one dose in the morning or during the day and another dose at night. Ultimately, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine what works best for you and your particular needs.