How And When to Use Ashwagandha?

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.