Every evening like clockwork, I’d find myself standing in front of the fridge — not because I was hungry, but because I was overwhelmed. Work pressure, sleepless nights, mood swings... it all added up. My weight kept creeping up, and no matter how “clean” I ate or how often I worked out, nothing seemed to change.
One evening, a friend casually mentioned Ashwagandha. “It helps with stress,” she said. Stress? That’s half my problem. Skeptical but curious, I decided to try it. Within weeks, something shifted — I was calmer, my cravings weren’t as intense, and for the first time in months, the scale started moving towards the left.
Sounds too good to be true? That’s what I thought too. But it turns out, this ancient herb might be doing more than we ever imagined. Here’s how to use Ashwagandha for weight loss — the right way.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Whithania Somnifera) or the Indian Ginseng or Winter cherry is a natural adaptogen native to India, a certain parts of Africa, and Middle East. Ashwagandha is powerful herb that is used from centuries in different medicinal practices including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, and African medicine.
This popular herb is useful for curing numerous health issues such as anxiety and stress, insomnia, arthritis, depression, neurodegenerative disorders etc. Although Ashwagandha can fix many issues but the real question is will it be beneficial for weight loss?
Let’s find out…
Can we use Ashwagandha for Weight Loss?
Yes, Ashwagandha extracts can be incredibly helpful for women aiming to shed excess weight. Rich in antioxidants, Ashwagandha supports fat metabolism and helps reduce stress-induced cravings. It also balances hormones and boosts energy levels, allowing the body to focus on burning fat more efficiently.
Many women also turn to natural aids like lemon water or honey to complement their journey. But how exactly does Ashwagandha for weight loss work? Let’s break it down step by step.
What are Ashwagandha Benefits for Weight Loss?
Ashwagandha may not directly impact weight loss but that does not change the fact that it helps with managing obesity by losing weight. Here are some common ashwagandha benefits for women and men that support weight management:
Ashwagandha Enhances Metabolism
Ashwagandha’s high antioxidant content helps boost metabolism by supporting thyroid function and balancing cortisol levels. A healthier metabolism means your body burns calories more efficiently, making it easier for weight management. It also reduces fatigue, helping you stay active and energized.
Ashwagandha As An Energy Booster
Ashwagandha is a natural way to get more energy because it lowers stress and tiredness. This helps you stay busy all day. It gives you more energy and helps your body work better, which is important for losing weight.
Ashwagandha Boosts Immunity
Immunity and losing weight are more linked than you think. Your body can handle stress, inflammation, and healing better when your immune system is strong. All of these things help you keep your weight in check. That is where Ashwagandha really shines! It naturally makes your immune system stronger, giving you more energy and making you feel calmer. This will help you stay on track with your weight loss journey.
Ashwagandha As A Stress Buster
Stress can make it harder to lose weight by making you eat when you're upset and slowing down your metabolism. That's where Ashwagandha comes in as a strong stress reliever. It lowers cortisol levels, which is the hormone that makes you gain belly fat. This keeps your mind calm and your cravings in check. A body that is calm burns fat much more effectively!
Precautions and Side Effects of Ashwagandha
While Ashwagandha is generally safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions and possible side effects:
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Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Ashwagandha unless advised by a doctor.
- It may cause drowsiness, upset stomach, or diarrhea in some individuals, especially in high doses.
- If you have thyroid, autoimmune, or hormonal conditions, consult your healthcare provider before use.
- Avoid mixing with sedatives or anxiety medications without medical guidance.
Always start with a low dose and monitor your body’s response.
How to take Ashwagandha for weight loss?
To get the best weight loss benefits from Ashwagandha, it’s important to take it the right way:
Ashwagandha Dosage and Best Time to Take It
1. Ashwagandha Powder (Churna): Mix 1/2 teaspoon with warm water or milk and drink it once or twice daily — preferably in the morning or before bed.
2. Ashwagandha Capsules/Tablets: Take 300–600 mg daily, usually after meals. Follow the dosage mentioned on the product or as advised by your doctor.
3. Ashwagandha Tea: Brew dried Ashwagandha root in hot water for 10 minutes. Sip it once daily to reduce stress and improve metabolism.
Best Time to Take:
Morning (for energy and focus) or bedtime (for better sleep and cortisol control). Be consistent for at least 6–8 weeks for noticeable results.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a healthy diet and exercise for faster, more sustainable weight loss!
FAQs
Q1. Can Ashwagandha help with weight loss?
Ans: Yes, Ashwagandha can aid weight loss by lowering cortisol levels, boosting metabolism, and reducing stress-related cravings. It supports hormonal balance and helps the body burn fat more efficiently.
Q2. How to Use Ashwagandha Powder for Fat Loss?
Ans: Mix ½ teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder in warm water or milk and consume it once or twice daily. For best results, take it consistently and combine it with a healthy diet and exercise.
Q3. Can I take Ashwagandha at night?
Ans: Yes, taking Ashwagandha at night can help calm the mind, reduce cortisol, and improve sleep quality — all of which support weight loss and hormonal balance.
Q4. Is Ashwagandha good for losing belly fat?
Ans: Ashwagandha helps target belly fat by controlling stress hormones and improving metabolism. It may not directly burn fat, but it creates the right conditions for sustainable fat loss, especially around the midsection.
Q5. How much Ashwagandha should I take to lose weight?
Ans: A daily dose of 300–600 mg of Ashwagandha extract or ½ to 1 teaspoon of the powder is generally recommended. Start small and increase gradually under expert guidance
Q6. How much Ashwagandha to take for weight management?
Ans: For weight loss, 600 mg of standardized extract or 1 teaspoon of powder daily is considered effective. Always consult your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
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