The Ayurveda Experience Blog
According to Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, it’s best to take ashwagandha with milk. Why?
In Ayurveda, an anupana (vehicle) is a way that herbal medicine is administered. It is a vehicle that assists the action of the herb. It forms an integral part of Ayurvedic treatment or chikitsa.
The herb (oushadha) becomes more potent when given with a suitable vehicle by considering the stage and strength of the patient and the disease.1
In this article, we’ll cover all the reasons to take ashwagandha with milk. Here’s a breakdown of the article.
- The Healing Properties Of Milk
- Therapeutic Use Of Milk
- What Is Ashwagandha?
- Why Ashwagandha With Milk
- Research On Ashwagandha
- The Medicinal Benefits Of Ashwagandha
- Traditional Ayurvedic Remedies
- Ashwagandha Milk Recipe
The Healing Properties Of Milk
According to the ancient Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, milk is beneficial to the mind and body. Milk is sweet in taste (madhu), cool (sita), soft (mridu) and pleasant (prasanna).
It has a cool potency (sita-virya) and a sweet post-digestive effect (vipaka).2 Its overall characteristic effect (prabhava) is pleasing to the mind (manaskar).3
Ayurveda considers milk to be the best vehicle (anupana) for the body’s seven tissue systems. In Ayurveda, these are called dhatus.
Milk is especially good for the blood (rakta), bone (asthi), plasma (rasa), reproductive system (shukra) and rasa dhatu which includes the plasma, or the noncellular portion of the blood, the lymph and interstitial fluids.4
Milk brings Vata and Pitta into equilibrium.
Ayurveda says that milk enhances the essence of all the tissues (ojas) as both of them possess similar properties.5 It’s also beneficial for the bodily tissues (dhatus).
It brings Vata and Pitta to equilibrium. It can be useful for uterovaginal disorders (yoni roga), diseases of the semen (shukra dosha) and is an aphrodisiac (vrishya).6
Milk can be ideal for people who are debilitated due to chronic diseases and excessive activity. This includes those who walk for long distances, speak for long hours and indulge in sexual activities regularly.
It also includes those who have fasted for a long time, exposed themselves to the sun for a long period of time and indulge in tiresome activities. Milk is an ideal drink for the aged and for children.7,8
If you’d like to learn more about Ayurveda and nutrition, check out Todd Caldecott’s course on Holistic Nutrition below.
Ayurvedic Use Of Milk According To Time And Age
According to Ayurveda, milk taken in the morning increases power (bala), body mass and appetite (brimhana).
Milk taken in the afternoon increases appetite and may even help in reducing the size of renal stones (Kricha Ashmari Chedana). Milk taken at night alleviates various doshas.
In Ayurveda, it is said that when taken during childhood, it increases appetite, prevents deprivation, and increases strength (bala). In old age, milk is taken to increase semen (reta).9
Milk if taken before noon (purvahna) ignites agni – the digestive fire. It increases aphrodisiac power (vrishya) and body mass (brimhana).
The effect of milk taken between noon and evening (madhyana) is energetic (balya) and useful in renal disorders (mutrakrichhahar).10
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also known as Indian Ginseng and Indian Winter Cherry. It is an important ancient plant.
The roots and leaves of ashwagandha are used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered to be both a tonic and a sedative herb due to its adaptogenic properties.
Ashwagandha is bitter and astringent in taste, has light and unctuous properties, is hot in potency and has a sweet post digestive effect. It reduces Kapha and Vata dosha (vatakaphahara).11
Don’t know your Ayurvedic Body Type? Take the FREE Dosha Quiz!
Ayurvedic Properties Of Ashwagandha
According to the ancient classical medical texts of Ayurveda, ashwagandha has the following medicinal benefits.
- It can increase sexual desire (vajikara)13, rejuvenates the body (rasayani) and increases strength (balya). It can be useful in treating emaciation and under nutritive conditions (kshayapaha).
- It is useful in the management of white discoloration of the skin (shwitrapaha), edema (shothahara) and helps to clear improperly digested food (ama) from the various channels of the body.
- It pacifies Vata and Kapha dosha and acts as a rasayana (rejuvenative), balya (provider of strength) and vajikarana (promotes sexual wellness).14,15,16
- Ashwagandha can also have an anabolic-like effect on men and may improve the quality and quantity of semen (atishukrala).17
- Ashwagandha is useful in male sexual dysfunctions and loss of libido (klaibya), female infertility (vandhyatva), nodular swelling (granthi), and induces sleep (nidrajanan).12
Here are many more ashwagandha benefits and uses.
Why Ashwagandha With Milk
According to Ayurveda, milk is considered the best vehicle (anupana) for taking an herb. The combination of herbs and milk increases the absorption of the herbs in the body, thereby promoting the effectiveness and potency of that herb.
Ashwagandha With Milk In Ayurveda
An important Ayurvedic principle implies that ashwagandha should be taken with milk. In the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic medical text, it’s stated that there is a cause and effect relationship, ‘Karya Karana siddhanta’.
This means an increase in the quality and quantity of a substance or activity in the body is dependent upon the use of similar substances or activities.18 By similar we mean, having the same properties.
Ashwagandha and milk have similar properties. Both are considered rejuvenators (rasayanas). Both ashwagandha and milk nourish the ojas (life essence).
Both bestow one with the energy to live. This is referred to as jivaniya. Their combined synergistic effect increases their potency. The combination pacifies all three doshas.
Following this logic, ashwagandha is best taken with milk, and this is documented in the following references.
- Taking ashwagandha with milk can give better results in cases of emaciation and tuberculosis.19
- Ashwagandha treated milk can be beneficial in gaining muscular strength in emaciation.20 Ashwagandha helps with weight management, especially when taken with milk.
- The Ayurvedic scholar Sushruta indicated ashwagandha prepared with milk as a medicated enema (basti) in Vata disorders21 and anorectal bleeding.22
Research On Ashwagandha
This herb has been studied as adaptogenic, antioxidant, anticancer, anxiolytic, antidepressant and cardioprotective.
It is shown to have thyroid modulating, immunomodulating, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cognitive enhancing and hematopoietic effects.23
In a recent research study on milk, it was found that it contains phospholipids and glycosphingolipids.24 These have functional roles in a number of reactions.
They help in binding cations, stabilizing emulsions and affecting enzymes on the globule surface.
They promote cell-to-cell interactions, differentiation, proliferation, immune recognition, transmembrane signaling and act as receptors for certain hormones and growth factors.
Gangliosides, one of the components found in milk, are also present in nerve tissues.25,26 Due to the presence of these components in milk, it promotes the absorption of herbs more significantly than others do.
So, milk is the best vehicle for Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha. Milk synergistically enhances its action on the nervous tissue and brain, boosts immunity and encourages growth.
READ MORE: Will Ashwagandha Help You Sleep?
Time-Tested Ashwagandha With Milk Remedies + Traditional Ayurvedic Remedies
Please note that milk, when taken warm, is easily digestible and helps to destroy Kapha and Vata dosha.
If you wish to take ashwagandha with milk, consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s right for you. For best results, enjoy it warm, in milk that has been boiled.
For Male And Female Infertility
Two grams of ashwagandha powder twice daily with a little rock candy (misri) and warm milk.
For Physical Weakness/Fatigue</b>
Two grams of ashwagandha powder with 125 mg of trikatu powder.
Trikatu contains three pungent herbs: dried ginger (shunthi), black pepper (marich) and long pepper (pippali). This combination is traditionally taken twice a day with milk.
Ashwagandha can help with fatigue, its benefits are compounded when taken with milk.
For Osteoporosis
Two grams of ashwagandha powder along with one gram arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and one gram of veldt grape (hadjod, or Cissus quadrangularis) twice daily with milk.
For Osteoarthritis
Two grams ashwagandha powder, one gram licorice (mulethi, Glycyrrhiza glabra), and one gram Puncture Vine (Gokshur, Tribulus terrestris) twice daily with milk.
For Nutritional Deficiency In Children
Ashwagandha Milk Tea: To make a tea of ashwagandha powder and milk, take half a glass of water and half a glass of milk in a pan.
Add one gram of ashwagandha powder and bring to a boil. When it’s reduced to half, allow it to cool, add sugar and enjoy.
To Reduce High Blood Pressure
For bringing high blood pressure to a normal level, 2 grams ashwagandha powder with 125 mg of moti pisti (a traditional ground pearls preparation) is taken twice daily.27
General Restorative
Ashwagandha powder with milk can also be taken as a general tonic to restore vitality. Two grams with one cup of warm milk, twice daily.
See the difference yourself. Pick up a cup of milk and try it with ashwagandha.
NOTE: These are classical Ayurvedic remedies for health conditions. It’s best to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying any of these remedies.
Delicious And Healthy Ashwagandha With Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 10 grams ashwagandha powder
- 1 tsp sugar
Method Of Preparation
- Add 4 cups milk and 10 grams of ashwagandha powder to a pan.
- Simmer the mixture until its appearance turns to a thick paste similar to condensed milk. Then remove it from the heat.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. Add 1 tsp of sugar. Serve, and enjoy!
This ashwagandha milk recipe can be beneficial if taken on an empty stomach. An empty stomach condition provides better absorption of the active substances of the ashwagandha.
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using ashwagandha with milk or even by itself.
References
1 Shetty Madhan Suresh Babu, Yogaratnakara, Vol I, Edn1, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit Bharati 2005, 116
2 Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana chapter 27, verse 217
3 Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana chapter 1, verse 10
4 KAA 106: Ayurvedic Herbology Dravya Guna Karma Shastra 2015 Kerala Ayurveda Academy
5 Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana chapter.27, verse 217
6 Same as reference 5, 1, verse 109
7 Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthana chapter 5, verse 22
8 Same as reference 5 27, verse 322
9 Yogratnakar, with Vidyotini Commentary, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, by Bhisagratna Brahma Shankar Sastri Chapter- Kwathit-dudgha-guna, verse no 5; 1983 p 99
10 Rajnighantu, Chaukhamba Prakash by Indradev Tripathi 3rd edition, Kshiragi-Varga, verse no 23;200
11 The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India Part- I Volume 1, Page 15
12 Dr. J.L.N.Sastry, Dravyaguna Vijnana, Study of essential Medicinal Plants in Ayurveda Vol 2, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi
13 Bhavprakash Nighantu, Sharma PV, Priya Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, ChaukHambha Surabharati Prakashana, Varanasi, 2004; 27-28
14 API 2001: The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Volume I, 1st edition.
15 Khare CP. Indian Herbal Remedies: Rational Western Therapy, Ayurvedic and Other Traditional Usage, Botany. New York (NY): Springer; (2004)
16 (India): Komal Prakashan; (1999)
17 Medicinal Plants used in Ayurveda and Siddha by Prof. GS Lavekar, Central Council of Research in Ayurveda, New Delhi, Reprint 2008, Vol. 3 p 88.
18 Charaka Samhita.Sutrasthana chapter 1 verse 44
19 Sushruta Samhita Uttartantra.chapter 41 verse 42. Bhaskar Govind Ghanekar
20 Sushruta Samhita Uttartantra chapter 41 verse 42. Bhaskar Govind Ghanekar
21 Sushruta Samhita Chikitsa sthana chapter 37 verse 20
22 Sushruta Samhita Uttartantra.chapter 45 verse 40
23 K. Chandrasekhar A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults, Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
24 Jensen RG, Newburg DS. Bovine milk lipids. In: Jensen RG, editor. Handbook of milk composition.Academic Press, USA; 1995. pp. 543–575.)
25 Keenan TW, Patton S. The structure of milk. In: Jensen RG, editor. Handbook of milk composition. Academic Press, USA; 1995. pp. 5–50.).
26 Pan XL, Izumi T. Variation of the ganglioside compositions of human milk. Cow’s milk and infant formulas. Early Hum Dev. 2000;57:25–31. doi:10.1016/S0378-3782(99)00051- 1,PubMed
27 Ojha SK, Arya DS 2009. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A promising remedy for cardiovascular diseases. World J Med Sci, 4(2):Page 156-158
hii.. i m having problem with cold feet legs and discoloration which is not due to any underlying disesase…may be it is the poor circulation of blood.. Also i ise to have lowerr back pain .. Digestion problems .. I think it is due to increased vata dosha in my body..can taking ashwgandha on regular basis would help me to pacify vata and to cure my problems
Hi Bandhana,
It would be best for you to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for assistance with your condition.
Kind regards,
Jennifer
can we take ashwagandha with medications to lower testostrone ( allopathic)
Dear SCU, We suggest you to talk to your doctor before taking any herb and go as per the advice.
A very sincere thanks to you Mallika Verma. Your post is very informative and I would like to add a few points for those people who are lactose intolerant. I would like to highlight that Ayurveda says that nobody is lactose intolerant if they are not the same from birth. Rather this state in body is acquired and developed during his lifetime in which his lifestyle and diet plays an important role. This state is totally reversible and one can again enjoy having milk if he or she follows few steps while consuming milk .Following steps are very useful in such cases.
Always add little cardamom and ginger to the boiling milk and let the milk simmer at low flame after it is boiled. This will help in proper digestion of the milk.
Let the milk become lukewarm start consuming milk in small quantities at adequate intervals of 15-20 minutes for few days and then increase the intake when you observe that the body is digesting the milk well without any problems.
3.Avoid consuming milk 30 minutes before or after taking any meal. As we know milk is itself a whole meal and hence taking two meals at the same time will surely develop problems of indigestion over time.
In case if the problem persist please visit an Ayurveda practitioner immediately.
Hope this was helpful. Please do verify and suggest any changes that has to be made
Hi there can you combine ashwagandha powder and triphala powder to combat issues with weight loss and strength?
hi my name is amit and i am taking ashwagandha capsule since 12 days…i didnt cansult any one can u please suggest that is it right to take capsule without consultant..i dnt have any problem
Hi Amit, Ashwagandha is pretty safe supplement and can be taken for long intervals. But we suggest to always consult a practitioner before taking any supplement
Hi, kindly suggest a good brand for ashwagandha powder available in India. And does it help in reversing and preventing premature greying of hair?
What is the best time to take Ashwagandha tablet for Weight gain & Muscles Growth? Before food or after food? Plz Tell me…
I have a query. I am extremely lactose intolerant to hot milk, but I can consume cold milk and some cheese. I need to take ashwganda, shilajit, safed musli and kauch ke beej powder as recommended by Baba Ramdev for some sexual problem, 1-1 spoon in morning and evening. I just wanted to update that my body has more pitt, I also have some acidity problem. So, would you advise me to take this medicine with warm water, will it still be effective?
Also, I can only consumer 1 quarter of a spoon of this medicine as it causes some itching in the body (even with this less quantity) when I consume it. I am bit confused, I would appreciate your advise. Also I would like to know when to eat this medicine, before meals or after meals or empty stomach?
Hi Sahil, generally milk is considered the best carrier to digest these herbs. If one is having difficulty in consuming hot milk then cold milk, honey or ghee can be taken otherwise plain water is always an option. However, please consult an expert Ayurvedic practitioner who will determine the best carrier (anupan) and quantity of these herbs according to your body type, digestive power, present dosha status etc.
Hi
Could you possibly tell me if taking Ashwagandha and Amla powder together in milk or freshly squeezed juice is ok too please?
Can I take ashwagandha with warm water at night before sleep time?
Hi Mayur,
Please check with your health care provider to determine whether Ashwagandha is right for you or not.
Jennifer
ashwagandha build muscles
Yes Jay, it helps in increasing muscle mass and strength.
Hi, is Ashwagandha good for women with low libido?
Hi Kylie, yes it is beneficial for women with low libido.
Is Ashwagandha good for a female with low libido?
Yes it is!
I have had a hysterectomy because of ovarian cancer,it is good now,at the moment I have thyroid nodules with symptoms of anxiety,will Ashwagandha help me?
How to take aswaganda nd satavri combo… For increase weight nd muscle… Plz tell me in detail… Time nd dose
How to take aswaganda nd satavri combo for… Weight gain. Nd increses.. Plz tell me in dtail.. Time,dose,
Hi Ashok, both these herbs can be taken with milk for weight gain but their quantity etc varies from person to person which depends on various factors. I will advise you to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who will determine the best quantity, time of consumption etc of these herbs for you after observing your body type, digestive power, present doshas status, etc.
Can I use Buffalo milk?
Hi Monica, cow’s milk is best, however you can use buffalo milk also.
I have hypothyroid but I’m slim and my BP sometimes is low and sometimes normal, so can I take ashwandha and shatavari both together and add in milk. Please suggest me
Yes, although both these herbs can be taken together with lukewarm milk, it is better for you to consult an expert Ayurvedic Practitioner who will decide the best treatment for you after determining your body type, digestive power, present doshas status and other factors which serves a great importance in Ayurvedic management.
I want to take ashwagandha for gaining muscles.But confused about how
should i take this in powder form or capsules form and what brand should i choose?
Hi Ganpat, Ashwagandha can be taken in both powder and capsule form with luke warm milk.
Hi, I am Christina from Malaysia & 48 years old & PMS & hormone not balance cause anxiety, stress, hot flash, sweating alot, headache, insomnia & lot more, I need ur advice, can I take evening primrose, ashwaganda & bharmin for this condition, I m gaining weight due to this symthoms, I do not want to put on weight after taking any herbal consumptions, please advice me on this problem, *can this herbs make over weight after taking it * thanks you
Hi Christina, effect on weight of these herbs may vary from person to person. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who will help you out in this situation after determining your body type, digestive power, present doshas status etc.
What brand of Ashwagandha would you recommend? There are so many available in the market and it is hard to tell the potency or purity looking at the labels?
Hi Neeraj,
You can take Maharishi Ayurveda brand. They are good quality.
https://bit.ly/2ksGahA
Jennifer
Should I take Ashwagandha capsules 2hrs before or after dinner?
Should I take Ashwaganda 2hrs before dinner of after dinner?
Hi Wilma,
It’s best to consult with a qualified practitioner when taking herbs. A proper assessment is needed to determine the right herbs and amounts for you.
Hope that is helpful.
Jennifer
Hi can I take Ashwagandha with cold smoothie made by milk, fruits, dates and nuts in the morning
Can I boil ashwagandha and mix with honey
Hi Edwin,
You can bring the milk and the Ashwagandha powder to a boil. Add the honey after it’s cooled. Ayurveda recommends that honey should never be heated.
Jennifer
Hi… Am Uma… I have severe pain on my upper back and neck which radiates to arms and fingers. I developed this as a result of long hours working on laptop and travel. Took MRI that stats degenaration of disc…. Please advise if I can come and meet you or advise if ashwagandha could help. Thanks a lot.
Hi Uma,
Sorry to hear this. You should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner near you or your health care provider before taking any supplements.
We wish you the best.
Jennifer
I’m dring in the morning ashwagadha power and evening I taking titan plus capsule for ED problem. Can improve or not Pls tell me..
Hi Suhail, Ashwagandha definitely helps in ED condition, but as you are already taking medicine for that, it will be better for you to consult your doctor before taking both at the same time.
Can we take ashwagadha with titan plus capsule morning ashwagadha in the night titan plus capsule..
Please consult your health care provider or Ayurvedic practitioner near you to determine what supplements you can take together.
Jennifer
How to take ashwagandha and shatavari both with milk to increase weight
Hi Anusha,
Ashwagandha and Shatavari can be taken in the quantity of 2-2 grams mixed in lukewarm milk morning and evening on an empty stomach. However, the exact dose will vary from individual to individual on the basis of one’s body type (prakriti) and present dosha condition, digestive power (agni), etc. To know the dose most suitable for you, please consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. You can also try the tonifyng milk recipe given in another article ‘21 Ways To Take Ashwagandha (Ashwagandha Remedies + Recipes)’ https://www.theayurvedaexperience.com/blog/take-ashwagandha-remedies-ashwagandha-recipes/
Can i take ashwagandha powder before going to bed
Yes you can. That is one of the best times for the intake of Ashwagandha, provided that there is a gap of at least 2 hours between its intake and your last meal of the day.
Hi Jennifer, I’ve also read that it can be had with meals at night because it is very relaxing and had a sleep inducing effect at times.
Thanks for the great article. Can I add tulsi powder to ashwagandha + milk drink ?
Hi Pradeep, Ashwagandha and Tulsi both have several benefits when taken in combination. You can enjoy those benefits in the form of herbal tea, without adding milk. Or you can take tulsi powder and ashwagandha with milk by keeping half an hour gap in between the two. It is better to avoid taking Tulsi with milk. Thanks for liking the article.
HI
I am a 45 yr old woman and Hypothyroid with low blood pressure(78/58).
Should I take Ashwagandha for hypothyoid? Will it further decrease my blood pressure?
Please advise.
Sadhna
Hi Sadhna, Ashwagandha is a known adaptogenic herb and has shown effective results in hypothyroidism and high blood pressure. But as you are having hypothyroidism with low blood pressure, it is best for you to consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and follow their advice on the appropriate treatment for your condition.
Can ashwagandha help for anxiety disorder??
Hi Affan, The dietary supplements like ashwagandha is not meant to treat any health condition like anxiety disorder. Being adaptogenic, it may help you to deal with occasional stress.
Awesome post, I drink milk at nigh on daily basis but never thought of adding ashwagandha, but now after know it is so much beneficial I am gonna add it in my milk daily.
Hi Amol, Thanks for liking the article. Yes go ahead with adding ashwagandha in milk as it goes with the Ayurvedic principles.
1/3 or more of the world is estimated to be allergic to dairy. Your telling people to drink milk without knowing if they are allergic is dangerous. Daily creates tons of phlegm which coats the bodies organs: this blocks vitamins and minerals, etc. I strongly suggest you offer credible
alternatives to followers. The comments shown here show how different people react quite
differently to supplements. Your quest for health and quality of life needs to be balanced with
common sense and respect for GOOD science that, together can produce the results we all hope for.
Hi Dorie,
Thanks very much for your comments. We are not telling everyone that they absolutely should be drinking dairy nor that they should do this daily. You must do what works best for you. According to Ayurveda, everyone is unique and one’s needs change daily, seasonally and even yearly. One’s needs are constantly in flux. We do recommend that, if you do choose to drink dairy based milk, it is taken warm (not cold) and is well spiced. This helps in digesting the milk solids. If you prefer plant milk, for whatever reason, then do that. If you are allergic, then certainly use your common sense and don’t drink it. Some people, in certain conditions, will benefit medicinally with dairy. It is different for everyone. To determine which milk is best for you, consult with a qualified practitioner. We are in no way saying, this is what everyone everywhere should do. What we are saying though is that if you are going to take Ashwagandha, the best delivery system for this particular herb is dairy, but that is not for everyone. Do what’s best for you. Hope that provides some clarification.
Jennifer
1/3 of the world is estimated to be allergic to dairy. Milk products produces phlegm normally.
Imagine the amount of phlegm created in those allergic!!! Phlegm blocks vitamins and minerals. Duh.
Thanks for such a good information!
I want to know whether there are any foods that needed to ne avoided while having aswagandha powder like onion & garlic etc..
Pls let us know..
Thanks in advance!!
if some one having premature ejaculation, how does it help ? How good is in sexual pleasure ? Does it help to increase sex power ? How Good in Sugar control ?
Ashwagandha is a potent herb in improving one’s sex life and it is effective for the management of premature ejaculation (PE). Let’s see how.
1.Stress, anxiety, and depression are the major causes of PE. Ashwagandha is a proven anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antistress adaptogen. Several studies have shown, it is effective in nullifying the negative effects of stress, increases energy, reduces fatigue, improves sleep quality and enhances one’s sense of well-being. It also reduces cortisol levels.
2.It produces gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-like activity. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its function is to decrease neuron activity and inhibit nerve cells from over firing. This action produces a calming effect.
Ashwagandha extracts stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the body, which helps in dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. This is a key factor in maintaining a lasting erection. Ashwagandha allows the blood to flow more freely during sexual arousal by relaxing the body.
Ashwagandha “significantly” increased serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone in men. This is a hormone that stimulates testosterone production and it helps improve sexual desire.
Ashwagandha is highly effective in balancing or lowering blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity. It helps in managing stress and can reduce blood glucose up to 12% as effectively as standard prescription drugs.
I m taking ashwagandha and sheelajeet along with a cup of milk nd 1teespoon1honey but after taking it i starts vomiting nd stomachaches Shud ii stop it
Hi Khiz,
Try Taking ashwagandha and shilajit separately. Do not sweeten milk with honey, rather use some raw sugar or maple syrup.
Does it help to increase the height within gaining weight??
It is known to help in overall growth as per the Ayurvedic texts.
Is this product is really effective for increasing height after 25 age?
No, Ashwagandha cannot influence the height of a person having it.
Is aswagandha powder effective for a 67 year old man who has been problem with erection for past 4 years.did not have any sexual activity during this period.He is otherwise a healthy person not taking any medication except for neck pain.his wt. is 71 kg ht.5 ft 9″.please help
Hi Deva,
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Ashwagandha could be helpful but only when used in the right way and at the right time. A practitioner could assist you with this.
Best of luck,
Jennifer
Is this recipe for one serving? Can I add the ashwagandha to my “golden milk”?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of milk. It will reduce a little as you heat it. I would say it is 2-3 servings. You can certainly add ashwagandha to your ‘golden milk’. Enjoy!
I am suffering from PE and therefore was taking garlic cloves on empty stomach. Can I also take Ashwagandha in evening along with garlic in morning???
Hi Sunil, you can take Ashwagandha in a dose of 2 grams along with Shilajit in a dose of 125-250 mg in milk, twice per day for better results. But during this period please try to avoid taking garlic and heavy diet.
Hello Ma’am, does aswagandha help in premature ejaculation? Iam married 30 year old suffering from PE. If yes how much dosage should be taken and at what times. If not,do you recommend any other herb? I would be grateful for your kind advise
Hi Zain, you can take Ashwagandha powder in a dose of 2 grams along with Shilajit in a dose of 125-250 mg in milk twice per day for better results for 1 month continuously. Avoid taking heavy diet during this period.
Hi, kindly advice how to ingest Ashwagandha powder for mucinous adinocarcinoma without milk.
Hi Annie, you can take 1-2 tbsp Ashwagandha powder mixed with honey morning and evening. Hope this will be helpful to you.
Is aswagandha good for a patient suffering from Nervousness and Depression type Symptoms?
Hi Sampath, Ashwagandha has excellent results on the problem which you are suffering with now a days. Try to take Ashwagandha powder in the dose of 1-2 tsp mixed with lukewarm milk on an empty stomach in the morning and evening or two hours after dinner at bedtime with lukewarm milk daily.You will definitely feel better.
Thanx for the article. I have been suffering from premature ejacuation and have recently started taking raw garlic cloves in morning. Can I also take Ashwagandha powder in evening or it is not recommended to take it while eating raw garlic. Can taking Ashwagandha alone cure premature ejacuation??
I think my body has increased pitta and vata dosha. If I take Ashwagandha will it aggravate pitta dosha ?
Hi Ashwin, you can take Ashwagandha with milk, Ashwagandha is hot in potency but by taking it with milk its hotness is pacified. You can also add 1 tbsp of cow ghee if you are pitta dominant and can enjoy its beneficial effects.
Hi, I’m Suraj, I’m 23 years old.
I’m very weak and thin too.So planning to try Ashwagandha once.Does it work to improve my Weight gain….??
Yes definitely, this wonderful herb is associated with increasing muscle mass and strength significantly without causing obesity. You must give it a try.
what brand do you suggest for muscles gain and what form either capsules or powder. What should be the timing for taking aswangdha in what quantity ?
Hi Ganpat,
It’s best to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the answers to your questions. We wish you luck.
I am diabetic a patient. Also I am taking Allopathic medicines for Thyroid and BP. Is it advisable to take Ashwagandha along with Metformin 500?
Hi Dilip , Ashwagandha has hypoglycaemic activity and is also beneficial for Thyroid problem especially Hypothyroidism. You can take 3-4 grams of Ashwagandha powder with milk morning and evening on an empty stomach keeping a gap of an hour with your Allopathic Medication. But remember to keep a check on your blood sugar closely. Along with Thyroid benefits, it will also help in reducing the dose of your diabetes and blood pressure medication gradually. All the best for your speedy recovery.
Bless you for such a wonderful article.
Have one unorthodox question.
What if I take ashwagandha with coffee.
The reason I ask is practicality, because I am a working person where it is difficult to get hold of warm milk and I want to have it with a relatively empty stomach.
Not early mornings because it is bad practice to have it straight after yoga.
Not night because there isn’t much time after dinner.
So would latte which has good quantity of milk in it outside India suffice?
Hi Anshul, thanks for your valuable comments, the best way to take Ashwagandha is with milk, but if you cannot take it then there are several other ways to take Ashwagandha and enjoy its beneficial effects which I have discussed in another post ‘21 Ways To Take Ashwagandha (Ashwagandha Remedies + Recipes)’. I am sharing the link here
https://www.theayurvedaexperience.com/blog/take-ashwagandha-remedies-ashwagandha-recipes/
Hope this will be helpful.
mam what effect when we add ghee and honey together in different ratio . can we boil or add boil water to ashwagandha to prepare a paste . what heat do to ashwagandha and mechanism and whats best temperature .thanks
Thanks for asking these questions. They may be useful for other readers as well. Honey and ghee should never be taken in equal quantity but when mixed in different ratio are used as a vehicle of administration (anupana) of certain Ayurveda formulations and herbs and have a therapeutic effect. Here’s one effective remedy using this principle. Take honey and ghee in a ratio of 2:1 and mix it with 1 Tbsp of Amla fruit (Indian Goose berry) powder. This paste if taken internally act as a restorative and invigorator, especially in winter. The answer to your next question is Yes, Ashwagandha powder can be taken with hot water as a decoction or as a paste. As discussed in this article, the best way to enjoy benefits of the amazing herb Ashwagandha is with milk (milk of cow/goat/buffalo/almond). But if you do not want to take it with milk then you can opt for Ashwagandha decoction or Ashwagandha paste prepared by mixing honey or hot water. Ashwagandha decoction has the extracts of Ashwagandha herb. For preparation of Ashwagandha decoction , boil Ashwagandha coarse powder and water in the ratio of 1:4. Stir continuously, do not cover with lid, boil it until the total water quantity in the vessel reduces to a quarter (1/4), then filter it. Consume it before 4 to 5 hours. Decoction should always be prepared over a mild flame. You can also have Ashwagandha powder in one more way i.e by adding 1 Tbsp to half a glass of boiling water, turn off the flame and take it after 15 min or when it turns to lukewarm. Hope this will be helpful. ~Mallika Varma, BAMS
what kind of milk are we talking about specifically?
You can use whole cow’s milk if it’s available to you. Goat milk is also suitable. If you prefer something other than dairy you can use almond milk.
Do you get the same benefits if you take the Ashwaganda in a capsule form with milk?
Hi Liz,
It’s best if you can boil the ashwagandha powder into the milk, let cool and then drink. If you only have access to capsules or capsules / tablets are most convenient for you, you can chew them or open the capsule and drink with warm milk.
Hope that helps.
Jennifer