I wasn’t feeling all that great one day, and my mother-in-law—who’s honestly incredible when it comes to natural remedies—stepped in like she always does. She’s rich in culture and wisdom, and she’s known for whipping up organic teas and immune-boosting concoctions (even if they don’t exactly taste amazing… to say the least).
She sent me home with a Ziploc bag full of different teas and herbs. One tea bag stood out to me—it said Ashwagandha. At first glance, I thought it said ayahuasca, which definitely caught my attention. You know, that powerful plant medicine people travel deep into the Amazon to experience spiritual breakthroughs with? Yeah… different vibe entirely. But hey, let’s save that conversation for another post.
That quick double-take led me down a rabbit hole of research—and I was honestly blown away. Ashwagandha isn’t just some trendy herb; it’s been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, with deep roots in India. And the list of potential benefits? Surprisingly long and genuinely impressive.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a root used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s what’s called an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body manage stress and restore balance. Studies suggest it can support everything from energy and focus to hormonal health and sleep.
According to WebMD, ashwagandha has been “used in India for thousands of years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.”
Is Ashwagandha Safe?
For most people, yes. It’s generally well-tolerated when taken as directed. Some may experience mild side effects like stomach upset or drowsiness at higher doses. Rare liver issues have been reported, but these are extremely uncommon. As always, check with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Key Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Reduces stress and anxiety (lowers cortisol)
- Supports focus and mental clarity
- Promotes restful sleep
- Helps with hormone balance and energy
- Can support immune health
Whether you’re looking to feel more grounded, sleep better, or ditch the caffeine, ashwagandha might be what your body’s been missing.
Capsules or Tea?
Ashwagandha comes in many forms, but capsules and tea are two of the most convenient.
Capsules (KSM-66)
- Most effective and consistent
- Standardized dose (300–600 mg/day)
- Backed by clinical studies
- Great for energy, hormone support, and focus
KSM-66 capsules I recommend on Amazon
Ashwagandha Tea
- Gentler, great for relaxation and winding down
- A healthy, caffeine-free alternative to soda
- Good for long-term use with fewer side effects
Here’s the Ashwagandha tea I personally drink
Many people use both: capsules in the morning for clarity and energy, and tea at night to unwind.
How Long and How Often Should You Take It?
- KSM-66 capsules: 300–600 mg/day, 8–12 weeks is typical in studies
- Tea: 1–2 cups daily, safe for longer-term use
- Consider taking a 1–2 week break after every 3 months of daily use
Always listen to your body and start slow.
Ashwagandha FAQs
Can I take ashwagandha every day?
Yes, most people can take it daily. It’s best to take occasional breaks—like a week or two off after three months of daily use.
Will it make me sleepy?
Not necessarily. It’s not a sedative, but it can have a calming effect, which makes it great at night for some people.
Is it safe for women?
Yes! While some studies highlight testosterone support in men, ashwagandha helps both men and women by supporting overall hormone balance, stress relief, and energy.
Can I take tea and capsules together?
Absolutely. Just keep total daily intake around 600–1000 mg, and space them out (e.g., capsules in the morning, tea in the evening).
Research-Backed
Clinical studies have shown that ashwagandha may help:
- Reduce cortisol and stress levels
- Support testosterone and hormonal balance
- Improve cognitive function and memory
- Enhance sleep quality
- Boost strength and endurance when combined with training
Many of these studies used KSM-66, the most researched and standardized form of ashwagandha available today.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a well-researched plant with deep traditional roots and powerful modern benefits. Whether you’re trying to lower stress, sleep better, or cut back on caffeine and sugar, this herb can be a gentle, effective addition to your daily life.
I personally use both the KSM-66 capsules and organic tea. They’ve helped me stay focused and relaxed without the crash or fog.
Try it for yourself:
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Sources & References
- WebMD – Ashwagandha: Uses, Side Effects, and More
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-953/ashwagandha - Chandrasekhar, K., et al. – Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine
A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/ - Ziegenfuss, T. N., et al. – Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera
https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-014-0048-4
Thank you for your kind words Devin! I am so glad the tea inspired you to do more research! Congratulations on your website! I am excited to support it and watch you grow as you follow your inspired path to seek truth and wellness and ultimately share your findings with the world! Blessings always! I am inspired!