Ashwagandha is everywhere right now. In smoothies, in supplements, and even on your social feeds.
Though it might be new to your wellness routine, ashwagandha has been around for, quite literally, centuries - so why the sudden hype?
Our guess? As more of us start to favour and seek out holistic wellness techniques with a proven track record, this time-tested herb has rightfully taken up its moment in the spotlight.
Since it’s trending so hard just about everywhere we look right now, we’re guessing that, like us, you want to know what it’s all about. What does ashwagandha do, and how can it help you on your wellness journey? Stay tuned, we have the answers to all of your questions…
What Does Ashwagandha Do?
First things first, let’s go over what ashwagandha is and what it does.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen: an organic substance widely recognised and utilised as a natural stress reliever.
In the correct dosage, it can aid our ability to adjust to adverse conditions and situations. It may also improve your energy levels, balance your hormones, and aid physical recovery by reducing inflammation in the body.
How does it do all this?
Most commonly used in powder form, taken straight or mixed into drinks, Ashwagandha interacts with your hormones (particularly by reducing cortisol, your key stress hormone), and helps to bring them back into balance. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant properties, which can facilitate better sleep and help you to feel more relaxed in times of high stress. It’s especially useful when you’re feeling overwhelmed or your energy levels are depleted.People who introduce ashwagandha into their diets often report feeling calmer and more grounded. That’s also what makes it a great pre-bedtime supplement.
Speaking of which, there’s nothing worse than restless nights spent staring at the ceiling, willing yourself to fall asleep. That’s why we developed Diso Snooze strips. They’re jam-packed with sleep-supporting ingredients like chamomile and vitamin B6, which help produce melatonin , sleep neurotransmitters, and serotonin.
How Long Does Ashwagandha Take to Work?
If you’re looking for a quick, short-term ‘fix’ , ashwagandha might not be the answer. Most report it requires regular use over a two to four week period for this medicinal herb to take noticeable effect. That said, as with most natural remedies, the effects and the time it takes to feel them will differ from person to person. Some may observe a change in as little as a week, others may need six to eight weeks to feel the benefits. It’s important to take note of how you feel throughout the process so you can adjust your doses accordingly and find what works best for you.
What’s The Best Time to Take Ashwagandha?
When you should take ashwagandha all depends on your reasons for taking it. If you’re hoping it’ll help improve your sleep quality and bring you into a more restful state, take it in the hour before heading to bed.
If, however, you’re looking to ashwagandha to calm your mind and help you feel more awake and centred for the day ahead, introduce it into your morning routine. Some time in the hour before you leave the house. Like we always say, there are many more exciting things in life than getting back in bed. It’s why we developed our high-absorption, dissolvable supplement strips to offer a daily pick-me-up. They’re packed with essential vitamins and 50mg of caffeine to help convert your meals into the energy you really need.
Other Reported Benefits Ashwagandha Has To Offer
Alongside better sleep, an improved general mood, and lower stress levels, ashwagandha has been linked to better mental clarity and enhanced focus. Great for those days when the mental load at work or at home (or both!) feels overwhelming.
Additionally, since it has antioxidant properties, aka: the ability to reduce exercise-induced muscle inflammation, it may also aid your body and mind with endurance and recovery on challenging workout days.
How Much Ashwagandha Per Day?
Ashwagandha comes in many different forms. Capsules, powders, teas, gummies, and more. The options for how you take it are seemingly endless, but how much ashwagandha should you take each day? That’s a tricky one.
Whilst some say you should start on low doses of 120mg per day, others recommend daily doses of 220-400mg or 600mg are essential to notice any change. The truth? If you plan on introducing ashwagandha into your diet, you’ll likely need to do your own research, a trial run of sorts. Starting on a lower dose, which you can increase as or when needed.
It’s also important to note that, whilst ashwagandha is widely used and its benefits praised by many, the long term use of this medicinal herb isn’t well documented. It’s also not currently approved by the UK Food Standards Agency, meaning there are no safe levels or set limits currently established for its use in food, drinks, or supplements.
It’s therefore always important, as is true when you introduce any new supplement or medication into your system, to monitor your reactions and discontinue use if you notice any adverse effects on your physical or mental wellbeing.
Introduce Ashwagandha To Your Routine With Diso
So, what’s the conclusion? If you’re looking for a natural, time-tested way to introduce a herbal supplement for mental health, one that promotes calm, clarity, and can possibly improve your sleep, your stress levels, and your physical fitness recovery, ashwagandha could be for you!
Oh, and if you’re after more expert-led info or want to discover even more supplements that’ll suit your exact wellness needs, our wellness blog has tons of useful information and is just a click away!