What is Best Way to Take Ashwagandha Capsules? And Why Should You Care?

Ashwagandha is an herbal plant used for medicinal purposes in India and other South Asian for a long time. It is also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry, etc. and is found as a small yellow flowering shrub with red fruits. It is consumed in various forms such as tablets, leaf powder, dried leaves, etc. Ancient studies with modern validation have suggested that Ashwagandha, also known as a miracle herb has a lot of healing properties. Its wide range of applications includes treatment for anxiety, stress, depression, loss of stamina, lack of sex drive, fertility problems, muscle mass loss, arthritis, asthma, liver problems to name a few. Though it has been used traditionally for a really long time in some cultures, its uses and benefits are getting documented for some recent years leading to increased usage and popularity across the globe. Due to its increased popularity in recent times, a lot of indie herbal and ayurvedic companies have started to manufacture Ashwagandha tablets available for easy use for the public. This is now available as an over-the-counter drug in most pharmacies. Dosage Like any other medication, Ashwagandha is most effective while taken in the proper dosage at the right intervals in relation to the issue. To determine the right dosage of Ashwagandha, we need to consider a lot of factors. Factors such as age, health, pre-existing conditions, and severity and type of the disease play a very vital role in determining the dosage. Let us take a look at some of the universally agreed dosages for common ailments. Kindly note, that these are not accurate to each individual. Precautions regarding allergies and any other reactions need to be taken in consultation with a medical practitioner. 1. Stress-Related Issues Ashwagandha is considered to be an adaptogen, i.e., it helps our body to handle stress and other stress-related issues such as anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, etc. It is recommended to take 500-600mg a day or two tablespoons a day twice with breakfast and post-dinner to lower the effects of these diseases. 2. High Blood sugar levels Ashwagandha is found to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The dosages have to be started as small as 250mg per day spread across three times and gradually increased over time for optimum results. 3. Fertility Ashwagandha is found to be very effective for the balance of hormone secretion in our body and is used to treat fertility and other testosterone levels related to ailments in men. The dosage that is found to be optimum for this is 5000mg/day but would have to be consulted by a certified physician before usage. 4. Joint Problems This herbal medicine is found to be extremely effective as a general muscle and joint strength booster and traditionally Ashwagandha leaves were used to treat sores, joint paints, etc. Hence it also finds good use in treating arthritis-related symptoms at a dosage of 250-500 mg/ day. Why is the Dosage important? We have already mentioned that Ashwagandha has a variety of applications for our body ailments. Also, it is a naturally occurring substance hence its interaction with various other processes in our body, if not monitored can cause a lot of problems. For example, we have covered that Ashwagandha helps reduce blood sugar levels. In that case, if a person with low blood sugar levels consumed high dosages of Ashwagandha for treating any other ailment, it might lead to severe sugar level drop and other serious issues. Method of Intake and importance Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been consumed in the form of dried leaves, root extract powder, and leaf powder. The dosages have been thus, calibrated accordingly. It is also recommended to take Ashwagandha with a warm liquid while starting this medication to help get absorbed in our body and bloodstreams easily without any side effects. If one is consuming Ashwagandha tablets, it is very important to note the part of the Ashwagandha plant is present in it along with its concentration to arrive at the optimum dosage and intake method. Taking Ashwagandha with breakfast and post-dinner with a warm beverage will help our body understand it better and faster. Summary As modern science progresses, we are slowly also trying to realize the importance of not losing touch with our roots. More and more ayurvedic and herbal medicines are finding validation by renowned medical practitioners. However, it is important to note that with the growing popularity of these medicines there is always a risk of wrong and over usage of these medicines. We have to be cautious to take them under supervised care at the right dosage with the right set of instructions. Herbal medicines though generally devoid of side effects may have some unknown reaction with other elements and processes in our body. Ashwagandha especially has no documented side effect however it is extremely important to take it at the right dosage and the right time for good results.