All You Need To Know About Ashwagandha Tea: What Is It And How To Use It

All You Need To Know About Ashwagandha Root Tea: What Is It And How To Use It

Ashwagandha Tea is a natural herbal tea that can help you relax and sleep better. It’s an Indian ginseng that belongs to the nightshade family. The roots of this plant are considered to be the most valuable part. The ashwagandha plant, native to India and parts of Africa, is recognized for its traditional significance in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been valued for its natural healing properties.

Ashwagandha root tea contains many antioxidants and nutrients, including amino acids such as tryptophan and tyrosine, alkaloids like Withanolides, minerals, and vitamins. Both root and leaf extract from the ashwagandha plant are used in supplements and research, with studies examining their safety and efficacy.

On top of that, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potent remedy for various conditions. How do I use it? Add one teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder in two cups of water and steep for 10 minutes before drinking three times per day.

Ashwagandha is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition of medicine. It also plays a significant role in alternative medicine as an adaptogen, supporting the body's resilience to stress and promoting overall well-being. Traditionally, it has been used to improve stamina and energy, help with sleep problems, relieve stress, balance hormones and moods, promote fertility, and so much more. Research has shown that healthy adults may experience improvements in physical performance, such as increased strength and endurance, when supplementing with ashwagandha. Ashwagandha tea can be a healthy addition to your diet if you are looking for ways to stay calm and relaxed or give you a boost of energy. In addition to mood and energy benefits, ashwagandha may support cognitive function and mental clarity, helping to enhance focus and reduce cognitive fog. It may also support restful sleep and improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety that can interfere with sleep. Ashwagandha is known for its role in anxiety reduction and may help alleviate anxiety symptoms and lower perceived stress. Systematic reviews and placebo-controlled studies support ashwagandha's effects on perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep quality. Here are some things you should know about Ashwagandha tea.

What is Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)?

Ashwagandha is a commonly used medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It belongs to the nightshade family and is native to India, It is also known as Withania Somnifera. The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers and red berries, traditionally valued for its roots and leaves in Ayurvedic medicine for their adaptogenic and restorative properties. It is often used as a natural remedy and a traditional Indian medicine for various health conditions and sleep aid. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potent treatment for many diseases. It is most commonly found in India, where it has been used for centuries as an adaptogenic herb to help with sleep problems and improve stamina and energy, among other things.

Ayurveda—a form of Indian medicine—defines Ashwagandha as a Rasayana, or rejuvenative. In an Indian journal of pharmacology, it was found that Ashwagandha in the form of tea had a significant effect on reducing anxiety and improving mood. This is said to be due to the presence of Withanolides, which are compounds that promote relaxation and help balance your mood. Ashwagandha tea can also help with sleep problems, give you energy, and reduce stress. Systematic reviews and randomized, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ashwagandha in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving sleep quality. Organizations in the field of biological psychiatry, such as the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry, have reviewed the evidence and considered ashwagandha as a potential option for managing anxiety and sleep disorders.

How Does it work? Modulating Stress Hormones

The first thing you should know about Ashwagandha is that it is caffeine free. This makes it an ideal option for those who are sensitive to caffeine or just need a break from the stimulant. However, if you need a boost of energy and choose to drink it, you will still get the overall benefits without any side effects from the caffeine.

Ashwagandha tea is said to alleviate stress by calming your nervous system. It also helps you feel more relaxed by lowering cortisol levels (cortisol is the “stress hormone”). In addition to stress relief, ashwagandha has been shown to reduce perceived stress, contribute to anxiety reduction, and help alleviate anxiety symptoms. These effects have been demonstrated in placebo-controlled studies.

Drinking Ashwagandha tea regularly may also help you sleep better at night by reducing insomnia or improving your sleep quality. Ashwagandha may support restful sleep and improve sleep quality, making it beneficial for those struggling with sleep issues.

Ashwagandha is also known for its mental benefits, including improvements in mental alertness, cognitive function, and mental clarity.

Precautions and Interactions

When considering adding ashwagandha root tea or ashwagandha root extract to your wellness routine, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions and potential interactions. While ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is celebrated in ayurvedic medicine for its health benefits—such as reducing stress hormones, supporting cognitive functions, and improving sleep quality—it may not be suitable for everyone.

If you have a thyroid disorder or are taking thyroid hormone medications, be cautious with ashwagandha supplements. Research suggests that ashwagandha can influence thyroid hormone levels, which may not be ideal for those with existing thyroid conditions. Similarly, individuals with diabetes mellitus should monitor their blood sugar closely, as ashwagandha root extract may lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medications.

There have been rare reports of ashwagandha induced liver injury, especially in those with pre-existing liver issues or when using high doses for extended periods. If you have a history of liver problems, consult your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha root tea or any herbal supplement ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha may also interact with blood pressure medications, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low. If you are on medication for high blood pressure, it’s best to discuss ashwagandha use with your healthcare provider. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid ashwagandha, as there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm its safety during these times, and it may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Men with prostate cancer should be aware that ashwagandha can raise testosterone levels, which may not be advisable in certain cases. Additionally, ashwagandha can enhance the effects of sedatives, so combining it with sleep aids or anti-anxiety treatments could lead to excessive drowsiness.

For those with psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, ashwagandha’s effects on mood and anxiety treatments should be carefully considered. The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments recommends using only standardized ashwagandha root extract in clinical settings to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting ashwagandha, especially if you are managing mental health conditions or taking other medications.

To minimize risks and maximize the health benefits, start with a low dose of a novel standardized ashwagandha product and increase gradually, watching for any adverse reactions. Choose high-quality ashwagandha preparations from reputable sources to ensure consistency and safety.

In summary, while ashwagandha root tea and ashwagandha extract offer promising benefits for reducing stress, supporting restful sleep, and enhancing cognitive health, it’s essential to be mindful of potential interactions and side effects. By consulting with a healthcare provider and choosing standardized ashwagandha products, you can safely enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of this traditional ayurvedic drug.