Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are considering adding ashwagandha in your diet then you may also be wondering how long it takes to have a significant effect on your body. Just, like you many others are wondering the same thing and this is exactly what we will be talking about in this article.
Ever wondered why natural remedies test our patience? Especially when you eagerly await calmness and stress relief to kick in. You’ll discover not just timelines, but how to make the wait worthwhile and have the best effect for this herb as you possibly can.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb that is used for stress relief, balancing hormones in the body, and it is a great supplement for boosting the immunity, sexual wellness as well as overall brain and body function.
It is a powerful adaptogen, which are known for balancing the body’s stress levels, reduce fatigue, anxiety and help in the overall management of sleep. Adaptogens help bring the body back to a balance, one that may be lost due to excessive stress and fatigue.
It has been used since thousands of years as part of an ayurvedic practice to increase sperm quality, manage stress as well as calm the nerves and strengthen the nervous system.
These days it is being consumed in the form of tablets, capsules or powdered form. Sometimes it is used in the form of a herbal tea. Another common method of consuming ashwagandha is by adding half a teaspoon of the powdered herb in warm milk at night.
How fast does ashwagandha work?
How quickly ashwagandha will act on your body depends on the purpose that you are taking it for. Since this is a natural herbal product, it may take some time to see any noticeable results as compared to traditional medicines.
For Sleep
Ashwagandha is a great stress buster and it reduces the body’s cortisol levels, a hormone that is responsible for increasing stress. Once the stress levels have been regulated and the brain feels calm, sleep patterns fall into place automatically. It promotes relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and experience deeper, more restorative sleep cycles. In some cases it may also increase the body’s ability to create melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep. Its natural sedative properties can reduce symptoms of insomnia so you can wake up fresher each day. Whether consumed as a supplement or incorporated into herbal teas, ashwagandha offers a holistic approach to promoting better sleep quality and overall well-being.
Some studies conducted in 2020 and 2021 suggest that it can take upto 2 months to see results for better sleep but some have seen results even sooner.
For Bodybuilding
High cortisol levels can lead to muscle breakdown and hinder muscle growth, making stress management crucial for bodybuilders. Thankfully, nature has given us ashwagandha, that reduces your body’s cortisol levels. Once the stress hormone levels have been balanced, your body will focus on building muscle rather than the breakdown of muscle mass.
Furthermore, it contains compounds known as withanolides, which have been shown to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance by promoting muscle growth and reducing exercise-induced muscle damage. It also supports the body’s natural production of testosterone, which will enhance muscle production. Since ashwagandha is also used for fertility, it makes sense to use it for bodybuilding as well.
In a study, 57 men were observed while taking the supplement for muscle growth and they saw a significant improvement in muscle mass. In another study conducted in 2012, subjects that took around 1gm of the herb daily saw gains in muscle strength after 30 days.
For Skin diseases
In ayurveda, bitter herbs are used to treat skin conditions and ashwagandha being such a herb is also used for this purpose. Its anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties help purify the blood and get rid of free radicals that cause abnormal skin conditions. It contains compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help combat oxidative stress and protect the skin from damage caused by toxins consumed from food or the environment.
Furthermore, ashwagandha, a strong adaptogenic reduces the body’s cortisol levels which in turn protects the body from skin damage. Higher levels of stress have been known to cause damage to the skin and this herb will help in that regard. It may take from 12 to 24 weeks to see some results for your skin while using this herb.
For Stress
A systematic review conducted in 2021 suggested that individuals who added ashwagandha in their diet saw a significant reduction in their stress and cortisol levels within 6 to 8 weeks of use. Another clinical study conducted in 2022 reported that men and women who took ashwagandha supplements for 30 days saw improvement in their levels of anxiety and stress.
Effects may vary from person to person and you may experience results faster depending on how and when you consume the herb.
Factors Affecting the Time for Effect
- Dosage: The time it takes for Ashwagandha to work may vary depending on the dosage taken, with higher doses potentially leading to faster results.
- Form of Ashwagandha: The form in which Ashwagandha is consumed, whether pill, powder, gummies or extract, can also impact how quickly it takes effect.
- Individual body chemistry: Each person’s body may react differently to Ashwagandha, influencing the onset time of its effects.
- Consistency of intake: Regular and consistent use of Ashwagandha is key to experiencing its full benefits over time.
Maximizing the benefits
- Best times to take Ashwagandha: Taking Ashwagandha in the morning or before bed may optimize its stress-relieving and sleep-enhancing effects.
- Recommended dosages: Consulting with a healthcare provider or following recommended dosages on product labels can ensure safe and effective use of Ashwagandha.
- Combining with other supplements: Ashwagandha can also be combined with other supplements like magnesium or melatonin to enhance its benefits for sleep or relaxation.
Safety and Side Effects
Possible side effects: While Ashwagandha is considered safe for most people, some may experience mild side effects like gastrointestinal upset or drowsiness. Taking the supplement with milk at night may be beneficial if someone is not comfortable with taking the herb empty stomach in the morning. If you experience an upset stomach then you may consider taking it with meals, it depends on what suits your body best. Its better to start with small doses and then observe its effects on the body.
Consulting with a healthcare provider : Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can help determine the appropriate use of Ashwagandha based on individual health needs.
Best time to take ashwagandha?
It can be taken in the morning or evening, on an empty stomach or with meals. It is also combined with warm milk at night for better sleep, if you face an upset stomach then use it with meals.
How long does ashwagandha take to work for anxiety?
To see a reduction in stress levels it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending upon the body type of the person and the form it is taken in, it may produce results faster for some people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ashwagandha is a powerful herb with a range of benefits that can positively impact mental, physical, and emotional well-being. By understanding the factors that influence its onset time and maximizing its effectiveness through proper use, individuals can experience the full potential of this ancient remedy.
Remember, the key to experiencing the benefits of this wonderful herb is patience and consistent use, allowing it to work its magic over time. Happy healing!
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