We are more aware of diet, nutrition and their effects on our health than perhaps ever before, and finding the right dietary balance has become an industry in itself. However, at the same time, we are also much more open to alternative dietary additions, herbs, and supplements that provide natural, healthy benefits.
Ashwagandha is one such natural herb, in fact, it is one of the most used herbal remedies worldwide, as it brings a multitude of health benefits. In fact, it has been in use as a medicinal aid of one form or another for thousands of years, making Ashwagandha one of the oldest and most important herbal remedies available today.
The reason for that longevity of use is simple, Ashwagandha is proven to bring health benefits in so many areas, it really is a superfood. The benefits are wide ranging, but many take Ashwagandha, for stress and anxiety reduction, where Ashwagandha is proven in clinical trials to be as effective as prescription drugs. Ashwagandha can also help with alleviating depression, improving concentration, and combat exhaustion and fatigue.
If that wasn’t enough Ashwagandha can also help lower cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar levels, protect the immune system, improve memory and reduce brain cell degeneration, something scientists are studying as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s and other degenerative conditions.
Ashwagandha also has anti-inflammatory properties, can combat malaria and acts to enhance sexual potency in both men and women. With so many benefits it is not difficult to see why it is so popular, but if you are just starting your journey with this amazing superfood, then what you really want to know is how to use Ashwagandha to get the best out of it.
How to Use Ashwagandha
The herb comes in several forms, knowing how to use each one can be beneficial, and we will take a look at each in turn.
However, we believe Ashwagandha powder is the easiest and simplest form of the herb to incorporate as part of your diet.
Whichever form of the herb you decide on, when you start taking Ashwagandha for the first time, begin with a small dose and build up.
Take your supplement with meals as this can alleviate any possible gastrointestinal upset that can be a side effect. Keep a diary of how you feel and note and changes, you can up the dosage every few weeks as you go along.
Powder – Our Recommended Form of Ashwagandha
This is the most common and traditional way of obtaining your Ashwagandha and is more economical than the liquid extract. There are some advantages to the powder form that many people really love, but we will start out with the basics of how to use powdered Ashwagandha.
Warm a glass of milk or water, whichever you prefer, and before it cools add in a quarter to a half teaspoon of the powder. Mix it well and drink, and that is it. You can have one or two glasses per day depending on the dosage you are looking to reach.
Ashwagandha powder is also great for cooking, you can create any number of recipes using the powder as a way of taking your daily dose, from smoothies to all-natural chocolate, the traditional Ghee recipe, and many others.
The powder is by far the most versatile of the variants you can buy.
Liquid Extract
This is a relatively new way of obtaining Ashwagandha. Simply add 20 to 30 drops to a glass of water or juice and drink. You can take between one and three glasses per day, depending on the dosage you are looking to reach.
Capsules
For anyone who takes supplements, this will be the most familiar of the options available, and knowing how to use Ashwagandha Capsules is all about the dosage.
For most people, 2 capsules taken with a meal twice a day would be recommended, but for starting out, you can reduce that to one capsule and build from there.
Potential Side Effects
Ashwagandha is a very safe, natural product that many people take without a problem. However, some people do suffer from gastrointestinal discomfort. This can manifest as both stomach pains and diarrhea. Starting out with lower doses and always taking Ashwagandha with a meal can reduce the chances of this for anyone new to the herb.
With the amazing benefits of the herb and just how easy Ashwagandha is to incorporate into your diet.
Now is the perfect time to start out on your journey to a healthier, better you.
