Health Benefits of Ashwagandha Tea to Start Your Day Right

Explores the potential physical health benefits of incorporating ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) tea into a morning routine to promote well-being. As an adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha is primarily known for its ability to help the body manage stress and anxiety by regulating cortisol levels. Starting the day with this tea may support a calmer mood and improved resilience to daily stressors. Beyond stress management, the beverage offers additional advantages, including the potential to enhance cognitive function, boost energy and stamina without the jitters associated with caffeine, and support the immune system due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This simple morning ritual presents a natural approach to improving overall vitality and setting a positive tone for the day.

What is Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal shrub native to India, the Middle East, and Africa, highly valued in traditional medicine for its adaptogenic properties. Its botanical name, meaning “sleep-inducing” in Latin, reflects one of its primary uses, while its Sanskrit name, translating to “smell of horse,” references both its distinct aroma and the traditional belief that it can impart strength and vitality. This herb is primarily used to promote sleep and enhance overall well-being.

Ashwagandha contains chemicals called withanolides, which have numerous healing effects:

• Stimulate the immune system
• Lower blood sugar and insulin levels
• Possess anti-cancer properties
• Reduce inflammation
• Boost brain function and memory

Consuming ashwagandha regularly can have wide-ranging benefits for your physical and mental health.

Ashwagandha Tea Benefits

Drinking ashwagandha tea allows you to take advantage of the many science-backed benefits of this medicinal herb.

Promotes Calm and Reduces Stress:

Ashwagandha is widely known for its stress-reducing and anti-anxiety effects, supported by human studies. These benefits are attributed to the herb’s ability to help regulate cortisol levels and reduce inflammation. Consuming ashwagandha, for example as a tea, can help manage elevated cortisol, reduce mental activity, and promote calmness in individuals with anxiety or high-stress lifestyles. Additional information can be found on Quick Help.

Boosts Energy, Endurance and Fitness:

In Ayurvedic health, ashwagandha is renowned for it’s ability to boost strength and vitality. Science confirms that ashwagandha can reduce fatigue and increase energy levels.

Several studies demonstrate ashwagandha’s benefits for physical performance, and recovery. Research shows the herb can:

• Increase cardio and respiratory endurance
• Reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness
• Speed muscle strength gains when combined with resistance training

So whether you’re an athlete looking to up your game or just want more energy for daily life, drinking ashwagandha tea can help.

Enhances Brain Function:

Some of the most exciting ashwagandha benefits pertain to the brain. Ashwagandha contains powerful antioxidants that nurture brain health and fight degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Plus, research shows the herb boosts concentration, memory and cognitive performance. Ashwagandha may also help regenerate axons and reconstruct synapses, making it a promising therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.

If you want to ashwagandha’s full brain-boosting potential, combine your tea with exercises like crossword puzzles, learning a new skill or memory games.

Supports Heart Health:

High blood pressure and cholesterol put you at risk for serious cardiovascular conditions. Preliminary research suggests ashwagandha promotes heart health through multiple mechanisms:

• Reduces blood pressure in those with hypertension
• Lowers LDL and total cholesterol levels
• Decreases triglycerides
• Prevents plaque buildup in arteries

These effects may lower your risk for heart attacks and strokes. More studies are still needed, but current evidence indicates drinking ashwagandha tea supports cardiovascular function and health.

Fights Inflammation and Boosts Immunity:

Chronic inflammation drives numerous diseases and causes immense suffering when unchecked. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in ashwagandha tea reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Ashwagandha also boosts immunity by increasing natural killer cells – disease-fighting white blood cells that detect and destroy pathogens and cancer cells. Between it’s anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating capacities, ashwagandha strengthens your body’s defenses.

Bolstering your immune system with ashwagandha tea is wise, especially during cold and flu season.

Balances Hormones and Fertility:

From regulating menstrual cycles to improving male fertility, research shows ashwagandha benefits reproductive health in both men and women.

For women, studies demonstrate ashwagandha can:

• Reduce symptoms of PMS like pain and mood swings
• Boost fertility and sexual health
• Reduce menopause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety and fatigue

In men, ashwagandha can:

• Increase testosterone and improve male fertility
• Enhance muscle growth and vitality
• Reduce symptoms of male hypogonadism

So if you’re trying to conceive or want to enhance intimate health, drinking ashwagandha tea is smart for both ladies and gents.

Protects Against Cancer:

Emerging research reveals ashwagandha’s promising anti cancer abilities. So far, studies demonstrate that ashwagandha may:

• Cause cancer cell death and inhibit tumor growth
• Synergize with and cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
• Reduce side effects of conventional cancer therapies

Though more research is still needed, these preliminary findings suggest ashwagandha may help prevent and fight several types of cancer.

How to Make Ashwagandha Tea

The earthy, peppery taste of ashwagandha makes for a pleasant, warming tea. You can buy premade ashwagandha tea bags, use loose powder or make your own ashwagandha root tea from scratch.

To brew a basic cup, follow this simple ashwagandha tea recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1⁄2 tsp ashwagandha powder
• Milk, honey, lemon etc. to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil water in a small pot and remove from heat.
2. Add ashwagandha powder and stir thoroughly. Let steep 5-10 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into your cup using a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer.
4. Add any desired sweeteners or extras like milk, honey, lemon etc.
5. Sip slowly and enjoy!

Feel free to tweak this recipe and customize your ashwagandha tea to your preferences. Many people find adding a touch of honey, rice milk or almond milk complements the flavor.

You can also simmer sliced ashwagandha root in water to extract the maximum medicinal compounds. Just note that root tea may taste more bitter.

Ashwagandha Tea Side Effects and Precautions

For most people ashwagandha tea is very safe, especially when consuming the typical dosage of up to 1-2 cups per day. However, some precautions are warranted:

• Pregnancy – Avoid ashwagandha when pregnant as it may cause early delivery.
• Surgery – Stop taking ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before surgery as it may interfere with anesthesia.
• Autoimmune Diseases – Ashwagandha could exacerbate symptoms in some autoimmune conditions. Use caution and consult your doctor first.
• Hyperthyroidism – Ashwagandha might worsen an overactive thyroid. Don’t use if you have a thyroid condition without medical approval.
• Medication Interactions – Possible interactions include sedative medications, blood pressure medications, blood thinners and stomach acid reducers. Speak with your doctor.

When in doubt, talk to your healthcare practitioner before consuming ashwagandha tea, especially if taking any medications or if pregnant.

Is Ashwagandha Tea Safe? What You Should Know

For most people, enjoying ashwagandha tea in moderation is considered safe and well-tolerated. However, as with many herbal supplements, some individuals may experience unwanted side effects or interactions.

Possible Side Effects:

• Digestive discomfort: Some people may experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, or nausea, especially when drinking ashwagandha tea on an empty stomach. Taking it with food or after meals may help ease these symptoms.
• Drowsiness or fatigue: Because ashwagandha has natural calming and sleep-inducing properties, high doses may cause excess sleepiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after drinking large amounts.
• Thyroid concerns: In rare cases, ashwagandha may worsen hypothyroidism or affect thyroid hormone levels. Individuals with thyroid conditions should avoid ashwagandha unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Pregnancy precautions: Pregnant individuals should not consume ashwagandha tea, as it may increase the risk of preterm labor or other complications.
• Potential drug interactions: Ashwagandha can interact with certain medications, including sedatives, blood pressure drugs, thyroid medication, blood thinners, stomach acid reducers, and immunosuppressants. Always check with your doctor before combining herbal teas with prescription medicines.

Some Alternative Herbs and Teas

Tea/Herb	Key Benefits	Side Effects	Precautions and Latest Updates
Ashwagandha	Reduces stress and anxiety, boosts energy, enhances brain function, balances hormones.	Upset stomach, drowsiness, diarrhea, vomiting. Rarely, liver problems have been reported.	Avoid if pregnant, nursing, or have thyroid conditions. Consult a doctor if you have pre-existing liver issues. Some countries (e.g., Denmark in 2023) have banned it due to heightened safety concerns.
Chamomile	Aids sleep, relieves anxiety, soothes upset stomach.	Rare allergic reactions (especially in people allergic to daisies or marigolds).	Avoid large doses if taking blood thinners like warfarin. Generally considered safe for mild insomnia.
Green Tea	Provides antioxidants, boosts metabolism and heart health, supports brain function.	Caffeine-related effects (headache, insomnia, irritability). Supplements may cause nausea, constipation, or liver injury in rare cases.	Limit caffeine if pregnant or sensitive to stimulants. High doses can reduce the effectiveness of some medications, including certain blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., atorvastatin, nadolol).
Ginseng	Increases energy and athletic performance, benefits immunity and memory.	Insomnia, headaches, digestive issues.	Avoid if pregnant, nursing, have anxiety disorders, or are on blood thinners. Use with caution if you have high blood pressure.
Ginger	Relieves nausea/vomiting (especially in pregnancy and post-surgery), reduces inflammation, supports digestion and immunity.	Heartburn, stomachache, mouth irritation. May increase bleeding risk in higher doses.	Avoid large doses if pregnant or taking blood thinners. People with acid reflux (GERD) should be cautious with supplements.
Turmeric	Powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anti-cancer properties.	Upset stomach, dizziness. Risks with high doses or certain medications.	Avoid if you have gallstones or a bleeding disorder. High doses, especially in extract form, have been linked to potential liver damage in rare cases.

The End

Ashwagandha tea seems like a great addition to a morning routine, offering benefits like stress management, energy boost, and improved cognitive function. It’s adaptogenic properties help regulate cortisol levels, promoting a calmer mood and resilience to daily stressors. Plus, it’s packed with anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supporting immune system and overall vitality