how much ashwagandha powder per day - #41331
I am really struggling with my stress levels lately. Been feeling super anxious and just overwhelmed with everything. A friend mentioned ashwagandha and I’ve read that it can help, but I seriously have no idea. Like, how much ashwagandha powder per day should I actually take? I thought about just trying a teaspoon, but what if that’s too little or even too much? I’ve seen people saying different things, some say 1g, and others maybe highlight 5g or more?? It's all pretty confusing! I tried some supplements before but they never seemed to do anything for me. Also, I’ve got some digestive issues on top of my anxiety, like sometimes my stomach just acts up for no reason. I just feel like I need to get this right. If I take ashwagandha, will it mess with my digestion too? I really want to give this a shot but I don’t want to end up worse off ya know? So, please, how much ashwagandha powder per day do you recommend? Also, if I start feeling better, how do I know if I should keep taking it or adjust my dose? Thanks a ton in advance for any help.
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Doctors' responses
When considering how much ashwagandha powder to take per day, you should start by aligning with Ayurvedic principles and your unique situation. Ashwagandha is indeed revered in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic properties, helping manage stress and anxiety. For dosing, begin with a smaller quantity of about 1 to 2 grams daily. This would roughly be about half to one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder. It’s generally advisable to mix it with warm milk or water to help with its assimilation and avoid any direct strain on digestion.
Your digestive concerns should also be taken into account. Ashwagandha is warm (ushna) in nature, which might aggravate pitta if consumed in excess, potentially upsetting your stomach. Therefore, starting slowly allows you to monitor your body’s response. Pay close attention to any changes or symptoms, and adjust accordingly. If there’s no discomfort, you could gradually increase towards 3 to 5 grams as needed, though staying at 2 grams can still offer a good balance of benefits.
The timing can also matter. Evening consumption might help more with calming the mind for better sleep. For digestion, taking it after meals can also assist in preventing any discomfort. If you begin to notice improvements, you can continue on the same dose. However, if stress persists, it might be necessary to reassess, possibly consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice.
It’s crucial to listen to your body. If you notice a significant uplift and balance, maintaining the daily amount is key unless any adverse reactions arise. Continuous self-monitoring over a few weeks will help determine if adjustments are necessary. Remember that stress is multifactorial, so supporting your routine with exercise, nutrition, or other calming practices will enhance the efficacy of ashwagandha. Keep an eye on cumulative benefits rather than expecting immediate changes. Should any adverse reactions occur, like more digestive issues, it’s best to pause and consult with healthcare professionals.
For addressing stress and anxiety with ashwagandha, you might start with around 1 to 2 grams of ashwagandha powder per day, taken with warm milk or water for better absorption. From the Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps balance the vata dosha, which is often associated with feelings of anxiety and stress. The root cause might be an imbalance in your doshas, especially if digestion is also an ongoing concern. Monitor your body’s response carefully once you start.
When it comes to your digestive issues, good news: ashwagandha is typically gentle on the stomach, and might even help with digestion. However, because every individual has a unique prakriti (constitution), it’s advisable to listen to your body and observe any changes — both positive and negative.
If you notice any digestive discomfort or changes, it may be beneficial to adjust the dosage. Also, taking ashwagandha with a bit of honey or aniseeds can help soothe the digestive tract while enhancing the herb’s properties. Remember, the goal is to support your body’s natural balance rather than overpower it.
Consider tracking your stress and digestive symptoms in a journal. If your symptoms notably improve, and the anxiety lessens, you may remain on the 1 to 2 grams daily dose. However, if progress seems stagnant or symptoms worsen, consulting with a Siddha-Ayurvedic physician for a more individualized approach would be useful. Remember, maintaining a consistent routine with this herb and combining it with lifestyle practices such as yoga or pranayama could greatly enhance it’s effects on anxiety.

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