Soothe Away Stress with Ashwagandha Tea's Calming Properties

Soothe Away Stress with Ashwagandha Tea

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious and burned out? You're not alone. Chronic stress has become an epidemic in the modern world. While some degree of stress will always be part of life, too much can seriously impact your health and quality of life.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years to treat stress, increase vitality and promote overall wellbeing. Brewing up a hot cup of ashwagandha tea is a soothing, rejuvenating way to relax and de-stress!

The Benefits of Ashwagandha for Stress Relief

Ashwagandha contains a range of healing compounds like withanolides, alkaloids, fatty acids, amino acids and choline. These bioactive substances provide a wide array of benefits:

• Lowers cortisol levels
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Improves focus and concentration
• Boosts energy and endurance
• Supports restful sleep
• Eases muscle tension
• Enhances libido and fertility
• Regulates blood sugar levels
• Protects brain health

The potent stress-relieving properties of ashwagandha make it an excellent addition to tea blends. Just one cup can induce a sense of calm to soothe your mind and body.

Ashwagandha Tea Ingredients and Preparation

There are a few different ways to prepare ashwagandha tea. The basic recipe calls for:

• 1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
• 1 cup hot water
• Honey, lemon, ginger or milk to taste (optional)

To make the tea:

1. Boil water and let cool slightly so that it is hot but not scalding (around 160F is ideal).
2. Place the ashwagandha powder in a tea filter, tea ball or infuser.
3. Pour the hot water over the ashwagandha powder and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Remove the powder and add any optional ingredients like honey, lemon, ginger or milk to taste.
5. Enjoy the ashwagandha tea while warm!

You can adjust the amount of ashwagandha powder to suit your taste preferences. It has an earthy, somewhat bitter flavor. Many enjoy complementing it with sweeter ingredients like milk and honey.

Ashwagandha Tea Recipes

Once you get the basic ashwagandha tea preparation down, you can start to get creative with your own stress-busting tea blends! Here are a few tasty ashwagandha tea recipes to try:

Sleepytime Ashwagandha Tea

• 12 tsp ashwagandha powder
• 12 tsp chamomile flowers
• 12 tsp passionflower
• 1 cup hot water
• Raw honey to taste

Pumpkin Spice Ashwagandha Latte

• 1 tsp ashwagandha powder
• 1 cup hot almond milk
• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Sweetener to taste

Turmeric Ginger Ashwagandha Tea

• 1 tsp ashwagandha powder
• 12 tsp turmeric powder
• 14 tsp ginger powder
• 1 cup hot coconut milk
• Raw honey to taste

Mix and match your favorite ingredients to invent your own stress-busting ashwagandha tea blends. Get creative and have fun with it!

When to Drink Ashwagandha Tea

One of the great things about ashwagandha tea is that you can enjoy it any time of day. Here are some suggested times to incorporate an ashwagandha tea break:

• Morning - Start your day feeling calm and focused.
• Afternoon - Recharge mentally and physically after lunch.
• Evening - Unwind and relax before bedtime.
• Bedtime - Have a cup to promote deep, restful sleep.
• Stressful moments - Sip tea to relieve anxiety or frustration throughout the day.

Think of ashwagandha tea as an instant anxiety antidote you can drink whenever you need a zen moment! Keep bags or powder on hand at home and work.

Ashwagandha Tea Side Effects

Ashwagandha tea is considered very safe for most people. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:

• Drowsiness - Due to its relaxing effect, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after drinking large amounts.
• Digestive issues - Excess consumption may cause diarrhea, nausea or stomach pain in sensitive people.
• Hypothyroidism - Ashwagandha could worsen thyroid problems so avoid drinking daily if you have low thyroid function.
• Pregnancy - Only drink occasionally as a tea if pregnant since safety is unknown.
• Medication interactions - Ashwagandha may interact with sedative, blood pressure, and diabetes medications.

When brewed as a tea, ashwagandha is generally very safe in small to moderate amounts, especially when used short term. But be cautious if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications.

Other Ashwagandha Supplements for Stress

In addition to drinking ashwagandha as a tea, there are other ways to harness this adaptogenic herb to combat daily stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is commonly found in capsules, powders, tinctures and extracts.

Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules provide a concentrated dose in convenient pill form. The root powder is encapsulated along with fillers or binders. Typical dosing is 450-500mg once or twice daily. Look for capsules containing at least 5% withanolides.

Ashwagandha Powder

Ashwagandha root powder provides the most natural supplement form. You can add it to foods and smoothies or brew it into tea. Start with 14-12 tsp once or twice daily. It has an earthy, bitter taste that takes some getting used to.

Ashwagandha Tincture

Ashwagandha tinctures feature the herbs extracted into alcohol or glycerine. A tincture may enhance absorption compared to powders. Dose is usually 30-60 drops, 1-2 times per day. Tinctures can be added to tea or taken directly under the tongue.

Ashwagandha Extract

Standardized ashwagandha extracts provide concentrated doses optimized for maximum withanolide content. They often contain 5% or more withanolides. Look for standardized root extract for anti-anxiety and stress-fighting benefits.

No matter which ashwagandha supplement form you choose, start with the lowest recommended dose and work your way up to assess your tolerance and response.

Other Stress-Busting Herbs and Supplements</

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.