One of the many great things about Ashwagandha is its versatility. This remarkable medicinal herb can be taken as a pill, capsule, tincture or powder, but is most popularly taken as a capsule.
Ashwagandha in powder form is often considered a superfood due to the numerous health benefits it offers and can be added to meals and smoothies as a punchy addition to a healthy diet.
In this article we will discuss Ashwagandha, the numerous health benefits it offers, as well as how best to take it for optimal results!
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is the king of the Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) herbs and has been used for centuries as a health tonic to treat various ailments and boost overall health and wellbeing.
Ashwagandha, sometimes known as Indian Ginseng, is continuing to grow in popularity as a superfood and nutritional supplement, while research on the many health benefits continues to develop and expand.
Let’s take a look at the health benefits that have been discovered so far!
Ashwagandha: Top Health Benefits
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Adaptogenic
An adaptogenic herb is one that helps our bodies cope better with the physical effects of stress.
Several studies have shown that ashwagandha contains adaptogenic properties, indicating that this herb may help interfere with our body’s natural response to stress.
This means you can physically cope better when facing stressful situations, particularly if you are chronically stressed.
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Anxiolytic
Following on from the above, evidence suggests that ashwagandha has anxiolytic properties in the context of chronic stress and situations where you may find yourself feeling socially anxious.
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Reduces Cortisol Levels
Studies have shown that upon supplementing ashwagandha, cortisol levels were significantly reduced, specifically in chronically stressed individuals.
For context, cortisol is the hormone that is released in response to stress, hence why it’s known as the stress hormone. When high cortisol levels are present in our body, it can have health implications if it goes unaddressed.
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Boosts Testosterone
Considering ashwagandha has numerous health benefits relating to reducing stress and anxiety, it’s actually more commonly known as an effective testosterone booster.
Studies have found that ashwagandha increased testosterone in men, as well as improved seminal quality, particularly men who are undergoing a strength program.
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Improves power output
Following on nicely to another performance benefit, ashwagandha has been shown to improve power output, sprint velocity, and VO2 max in trained and untrained individuals.
This suggests ashwagandha is not only an anti-stress herb, but also potentially an effective performance booster for men!
How to Take Ashwagandha
You can find ashwagandha in many forms, including tinctures, tablets, capsules, powders, and tea.
The most effective part of the ashwagandha plant is the root, which is often what you will find in supplements as it's shown to possess the best health benefits.
How someone supplements ashwagandha is down to personal preference, though we highly recommend supplementing KSM-66, which is the most effective type.
KSM-66 is a key ingredient in Testo Lab Pro, alongside other nutrients to boost your overall health, performance, and recovery.
Evidence shows that to get the most out of the benefits of ashwagandha, you should supplement daily and consistently. Further improvements in continued, long-term use have also been noted.
You can learn more about “When to Take Ashwagandha” here!
Optimal Dosage of Ashwagandha
The most effective dose of ashwagandha appears to be 600mg, which is the dose contained in Testo Lab Pro in the form of KSM-66. This is a high-grade, full-spectrum ingredient that will provide the most effective benefits.
Higher doses do not always yield greater results, so it’s important to stick to the recommended daily dose or aim for the most effective amount, in order to avoid potential adverse effects.
Side Effects of Ashwagandha
It’s important for the user of any supplement to follow dosage instructions and to consult a doctor if you’re new to taking it.
However, ashwagandha has no reported side effects and appears to be safe, even in long-term use.
Take-Home Message
There is no best way to take ashwagandha, as it depends on the individual, their health goal, and personal preferences.
As ashwagandha is available in so many forms, there is something suitable for everyone, whether powder, capsule, or tea.
However, the best-known form of Ashwagandha appears to be KSM-66, the most effective and cleanest form, and a key ingredient in Testo Lab Pro.