It’s no secret that it’s vital to stay active and work toward a healthy lifestyle, and getting enough sleep is just one way to help do that. You’ve probably also heard of a number of different wellness trends that claim to be the magic pill, and adaptogens are probably on that list as well. As the name gives away, these herbs and mushrooms can help your body deal with the environmental stresses that we deal with every day. If you’re keen to maintain homeostasis as you navigate life’s stresses, adaptogens could help.
While there’s a lot to explore here, consider starting with one of the more popular adaptogenic herbs: ashwagandha. It already has a global market size of more than $42 million, and experts predict it will see a compound annual growth rate of more than 11% between now and 2029. You can attribute this growth to the many health benefits of ashwagandha supplements.
What is ashwagandha?
Before we dig into ashwagandha’s benefits, let’s briefly introduce this plant.
We get ashwagandha supplements from Withania somnifera, an evergreen shrub that grows in dry regions in Asia and Africa. Also called winter cherry, this plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since 6000 B.C.
Specifically, ancient Ayurvedic practitioners and people today use the root and leaves of the plant for their medicinal benefits. You can find an ashwagandha supplement in powder or pill form to take orally or spot it in other products like teas. Because it’s so popular, you can now find ashwagandha in most pharmacies, big-box grocers and health stores. You can also get it online.
Dosage
Ashwagandha, just like other dietary supplements, isn’t regulated by the FDA.
Still, you don’t have to guess how much to take. Studies have examined incorporating doses ranging widely but generally between 125 and 1,000mg. Many study dosages lie somewhere in the middle, with participants taking 500 or 600mg of ashwagandha daily, often divided into morning and evening doses.
The amount you need to see benefits depends on the health goal you’re trying to accomplish. Do some research based on the specific supplement you plan to take and what you want to achieve. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new dietary supplements.
5 benefits of ashwagandha
