Ashwagandha in the morning or evening: how to take it

Morning or evening? It’s the first question we’re asked about ashwagandha, often even before which brand to choose. And the answer is surprising: there’s no single schedule, and manufacturers themselves don’t all say the same thing. What really matters is the form chosen, the dose on the label, taking it with a meal, and consistency. Let’s go through it with the products on our ashwagandha in Paris page.

Ashwagandha, a root from Indian tradition

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub in the nightshade family, like tomato or aubergine. It is the root that is used. It’s one of the best-known plants in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, where it has been consumed for a very long time, traditionally as a powder mixed into warm milk.

Like all plants, it has no approved medical claim in Europe. So we’ll talk to you about forms, dosages and how to take it, not promises.

Powder or standardised extract: two ways to take it

Root powder is the traditional form. Ayur-vana’s organic ashwagandha powder is 100% ground root, certified organic, taken as one teaspoon of 5 g per day. Its taste is earthy and slightly bitter: a hot drink or milk rounds it off noticeably, whereas in cold water it remains hard to drink.

Standardised extract is concentrated, and its withanolide content, the compounds characteristic of the root, is guaranteed. In our range, the capsules are based on KSM-66®, a root extract standardised to 5% withanolides:

• Dynveo’s organic KSM-66 ashwagandha: 1,200 mg of extract per 2 capsules, including 60 mg of withanolides, water extraction, no excipients;
• Novoma’s organic KSM-66® ashwagandha: 500 mg of extract per capsule, Ecocert certified, no additives;
• Nutripure’s organic KSM-66® ashwagandha: 600 mg of extract per capsule, available in our shop only, for collection in store.

Powder is a ritual, almost a habit in itself. The capsule is a precise dose, swallowed in three seconds.

Morning or evening: what the labels say

Here, brand by brand, is what our product pages state.

Nutripure is the most precise: the label states a preference for taking it in the morning, with a meal, with a glass of water. Start with 1 capsule a day, then move to 2 if well tolerated.

Dynveo recommends 2 capsules a day with a meal, and leaves the choice open between morning, midday or end of day depending on your routine. The brand also suggests a single capsule for the first few days.

Novoma states 2 capsules a day and likewise leaves the timing open: morning, evening around 30 minutes before bed, or one capsule morning and evening.

Ayur-vana, for the powder, follows tradition: one spoonful in a hot drink, preferably in the evening.

Our take at the counter: if your label specifies a time, follow it. Otherwise, choose the meal you never skip. A regular intake, always at the same time, is worth more than a “perfect” schedule you forget every other day.

How long, and with what breaks?

Ashwagandha is taken as a course, with breaks. Nutripure states a duration of one month, i.e. one pill box, with possible use over three to six months, taking a one-week break between each month. Dynveo mentions 4 to 8 weeks, renewable after a few days’ break. Novoma recommends a course of 1 to 2 months, then 10 days off. For the powder, Ayur-vana mentions a course of 4 to 12 weeks.

If you’re torn between it and another plant often kept nearby, our article on rhodiola or ashwagandha compares the two, and our Ayurvedic plants range presents its neighbours.

Precautions not to skip

Ashwagandha is not a harmless plant, and the product pages are clear about it. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and is reserved for adults. People with a thyroid condition, or who are on thyroid, sedative or immune-system medication, should ask their doctor’s advice before starting. Nutripure also advises against it in cases of liver or heart conditions, or before driving or operating machinery. Finally, since it belongs to the nightshade family, people sensitive to this family should be cautious. If undergoing treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently asked questions

Should it be taken on an empty stomach?

No: both Nutripure and Dynveo recommend taking it with a meal.

Can the powder be mixed into a smoothie?

Yes, even though tradition favours warm milk. Ayur-vana’s product page suggests a smoothie with banana, raw cacao and almond milk, or porridge with oat flakes.

What does “standardised to 5% withanolides” mean?

That the extract contains at least 5% withanolides. In 1,200 mg of Dynveo’s extract, the label accordingly states 60 mg of withanolides.

Can two ashwagandha products be taken at the same time?

Better to avoid it. Some complexes already contain it: read the labels so as not to exceed the stated dose.

If you’d like to smell the powder or compare the capsules before choosing, the door of our Paris 12th shop is open Tuesday to Saturday, and we’ll take all the time you need.