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For centuries, an Ashwagandha dosage has been one of Ayurveda medicine’s cure-alls.
Harvested from the spindly yellow root of the short Ashwagandha shrub, this natural medicinal plant has been used by traditional Indian cultures as a remedy to enhance immunity, ward off cancer, and boost virility.
It was also known to relieve inflammation-based chronic pain, and help build a hearty immune system.
Today, the typical Ashwagandha extract dose is prized for its powerful cognitive enhancements. Ashwagandha is a potent stress-reliever and anxiolytic which is similar in effect to natural GABA.
Here is a summary or Ashwagandha facts, including a dosage guide to maximize benefits.
Stress
Mood
Sleep- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves concentration, fatigue & sleep
- Protects against oxidative stress
Top Ashwagandha Products* ❯How Does Ashwagandha Work In The Body?
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We call Ashwagandha an adaptogen. This class of medicine is used to block our body’s chemical reactions to stress.
When we encounter stressful situations, our bodies produce hormones which stimulate reactions designed to protect us in the case of emergency, such as elevating the heart rate so we can escape from a predator.
In modern life, these physical reactions to stress are not only overkill, they can be quite harmful. Adaptogens like Ashwagandha control and diminish the release of stress hormones like NADPH diaphosphorase and cortisol.
Meanwhile, withanolide glycosides stop the mental interpretation of stress. Finally, Ashwagandha stimulates both GABAergic and serotonergic neuroreceptors. These effects can help to minimize the physical and mental experience of stress, anxiety and depression.
Health Benefits
Ashwagandha is also known to fight inflammation in tissues, allowing it to ease the symptoms of chronic, painful conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. It exhibits strong anti-microbial properties, which allow it to root out harmful foreign bacteria. Finally, Ashwagandha acts as an antioxidant, destroying oxygen-damaged free radicals before they can cause cell death.
Ashwagandha dosages also have neuroprotective effects, helping to prevent damage to neural structures. Cell damage via oxidation is a key contributor to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. As a leading anti-aging nootropic, this supplement may be able to support overall brain health to minimize some forms of cell damage.
Why Do People Use Ashwagandha?
Today, Ashwagandha is most popular for use as a nootropic supplement. People who suffer from anxiety and depression symptoms stand to gain the most immediate benefits, while everyone can benefit from Ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant abilities.
An Ashwagandha dosage can provide relief for panic attacks or periods of emotional stress. It adds a mood enhancing lift, while allowing users to relax. Furthermore, it is often used as a sleep aid. The hyperactive thoughts that come with anxiety frequently lead to insomnia.
Ashwagandha offers a safe, natural way to let go of these thoughts and get much-needed rest. Ashwagandha may also have benefits for ADHD and ADD patients by promoting states of focus and alleviating hyperactivity.
Ashwagandha is also used as a sexual health supplement, which is thought to help men let go of sexual anxiety, while simultaneously protecting sperm from oxidation. This combination is why Ashwagandha was used as a virility aid in tribal cultures.
Dosage – How Much Ashwagandha Should I Take?
Most people who want Ashwagandha’s anxiolytic power as a part of a daily regimen will take 500 mg per day. This can be broken up into multiple servings through the day if desired, providing all day protection from stress.
For casual use when stress symptoms are very light, an Ashwagandha dosage range as low as 50 – 100 mg is appropriate and will provide a small lift.
For very severe cases of anxiety, or for patients with advanced chronic and degenerative conditions, a large Ashwagandha dose of 6000 mg per day is appropriate. This dose should definitely be divided among multiple servings.
Individuals who are experiencing severe anxiety or depression should consult a doctor before using any supplements.
If using Ashwagandha as a sleeping aid, dosages of 100 mg are recommended 30 minutes before bedtime.
What Are Common Ashwagandha Risks?
In general, lower doses do not present any significant side effects. As dosage increases, you may be subject to Ashwagandha’s main side effect – excessive drowsiness and sedation.
Obviously this is not a problem if you are taking Ashwagandha to help you sleep. However, take note of your body’s reaction to different doses and time them around your activities appropriately. It should not be taken with prescription sedatives like Ambien or Klonopin.
If you currently have a stomach ulcer, avoid Ashwagandha as it may increase irritation in the GI. Ashwagandha can also exacerbate liver conditions, auto-immune disorders like lupus, and conflict with blood pressure medication. Do not use this supplement if these conditions apply.
For centuries, doctors have prescribed Ashwagandha dosages safely for a wide variety of conditions. Now we understand how the supplement works to cut the chemical causes of stress and anxiety.
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Article last updated on: March 29th, 2018 by Nootriment
10 Comments
I am suffering from ulcerative colitus. Can I take Ashav gandha
Hi Rakesh,
Thanks for your comment! It’s recommended to speak to your doctor to determine if this supplement is appropriate for you. There are possible interactions with some drugs and other supplements. While a specific contraindication is not noted for ulcerative colitis, it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor before using it!
I have some Ashwagandha root, can I simply make this into a tea by steeping it? Also, how would I measure the dosage?
Thank you.
Yes, if your depression/anxiety is very severe,consult a Doctor. Within 5 minutes they will prescribe Paroxetine and within 5 months your life will be in tatters and you will commit suicide or go on a suicidal shooting spree. Good idea. Doc knows best.
Well said John, Stay away from Drs or you’ll be in hell of SSRIs
is it a cure for premature ejaculation?
My son is 13 and has been dx’d with depression and anxiety. He is very low energy. Would ashwaganda work for him if he only took it at night? I am afraid he would fall asleep at school if he took it in the morning. Any advice welcomed. Thanks!
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for your question :). We can’t provide medical advice since we’re not doctors, so it would be best to check with a doctor about whether this supplement is appropriate for your son. Some people do experience insomnia when taking Ashwagandha at night and find it to be stimulating. Others say that it helps them sleep more restfully. It seems that different people respond differently to this herb.
Here’s what the Natural Medicines Database says about using this supplement for anxiety:
“In a preliminary clinical trial, ashwagandha root 300 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduced anxiety scores compared to a control group. In another preliminary clinical trial, taking ashwagandha root powder granules 4 grams three times daily for 60 days moderately improved anxious mood in 58% of patients compared to none in the placebo group; however, mild improvement occurred in 82% of the placebo group compared to just 40% of the ashwagandha group.”
How many capsules can be taken per day at the age of 42 years
Hi Gobardhan,
While we can provide general dosage guidelines that have been used in research studies, if you are looking for the best dosage for your specific needs, it is important to consult with a doctor.