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June 28, 2022 By David Tomen 399 Comments

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been shown to repair and reverse damage to the brain caused by chronic anxiety and stress.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing.  One of the main benefits of Ashwagandha is its remarkable stress-relieving properties. And stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the most potent drugs used to treat depression and anxiety.

In Sanskrit, Ashwagandha means “smell of horse”. Meaning this herb imparts the strength and vigor of a stallion.

Ashwagandha is native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. And is now being grown in other regions including the United States.

Ashwagandha helps protect your central nervous system. And is a promising alternative treatment for a variety of degenerative brain diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

As an antioxidant, Ashwagandha seeks out and destroys free radicals. Free radicals have been implicated in many age-related diseases. There’s even some emerging evidence that Ashwagandha offers anti-cancer benefits.

Here we’re going to explore how Ashwagandha benefits your brain.

Ashwagandha helps:

  • Reduce Stress: Ashwagandha helps reduce anxiety and depression. It reduces the stress hormone cortisol, lowers blood sugar levels, and improves lipid profiles.[i]
  • Neuronal Regeneration: Ashwagandha helps regenerate axons and dendrites of brain nerve cells. And helps reconstruct synapses, the junctions where nerve cells communicate with other cells.[ii] Boosting memory and restoring neural networks affected by neurodegenerative disease.
  • Neurotransmitters: Ashwagandha extract inhibits acetylcholinesterase. The enzyme responsible for breaking down the key neurotransmitter acetylcholine.[iii] Boosting memory, learning and cognition.

Table of Contents

  • Overview
  • How does Ashwagandha Work in the Brain?
  • How things go bad
  • Ashwagandha benefits
  • How does Ashwagandha feel?
  • Ashwagandha Clinical Research
    • Ashwagandha as a nootropic
    • Ashwagandha as an antidepressant
  • Ashwagandha Dosage
  • Ashwagandha Side Effects
  • Where to buy Ashwagandha
  • Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Overview

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing.  This ancient herbal remedy has remarkable anti-depressant qualities. And has been shown to be as good as many prescription pharmaceuticals in treating depression and anxiety.

Ashwagandha is often referred to as “Indian ginseng” because of its rejuvenating properties. But botanically, Ashwagandha and ginseng are unrelated.

Native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Ashwagandha is now being grown in other regions including the United States.

Ashwagandha is in the same family as the tomato. It’s a small woody shrub with oval leaves, and five-petal yellow flowers. The fruit is red and the size of a raisin. The plant is also known as the “Winter Cherry”.

Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen. Which means it helps your body adapt to stress, both mental and physical.

The Indian Materia Medica lists Ashwagandha for:

  • general debility
  • impotence
  • general aphrodisiac purposes
  • brain fatigue
  • low sperm count
  • nervous exhaustion
  • where general vigor must be restored.

Ashwagandha extract has been shown to be an effective antioxidant in the brain. Clearing the cellular waste implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease.[iv]

Is also boosts memory and cognition. By reducing stress and increasing acetylcholine. And regeneration of nerve networks in the brain.

Ashwagandha repairs neural networks

How does Ashwagandha Work in the Brain?

Ashwagandha boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

  1. Ashwagandha enhances GABA receptors and regulates serotonin in the brain. It appears to work on neuron receptors, enabling GABA to connect easier. This inhibits the signals present under a stress response in the brain. Anxiety is reduced.

A study was conducted at The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine with 75 volunteers with moderate to severe anxiety. Ashwagandha produced a significant decrease in anxiety levels over the control group.[v]

  1. Ashwagandha improves cognitive and psychomotor performance in a healthy brain.

Researchers at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad, India worked with 20 healthy male volunteers. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial participants were given 250 mg capsules of standardized Ashwagandha extract for 14 days.Ashwagandha improves reaction time

Significant improvements in reaction time were reported at the end of the trial. The study suggests that Ashwagandha extract improves cognitive and psychomotor (physical reaction) performance even when you’re in the best of health.[vi]

How things go bad

Chronic stress and cortisol can damage your brain. Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley found that chronic stress triggers long-term changes in brain structure and function.[vii]

Chronic stress changes neural networks. Cortisol creates a domino effect that hard-wires pathways between the hippocampus and amygdala. (The amygdala (lizard brain) is the area responsible for your fight-or-flight response).

This hard-wiring caused by stress is not the way the brain was designed. But chronic, ongoing stress tricks the brain into rebuilding circuits and hunkering down for the long haul.

This re-wiring appears to be permanent. Unless you intervene with something like Ashwagandha.

Brain changes caused by chronic stressChronic stress seems to ‘flip a switch’ in stem cells in the brain. And turns them into a type of cell that prevents connections to the prefrontal cortex. Preventing improved learning and memory.

And laying down the scaffolding linked to anxiety, depression and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

↓ Chronic stress coats neurons in myelin

↓ Chronic stress reduces the number of neurons

↓ Gray matter decreases and white matter increases.

Under conditions of chronic stress and excess cortisol, your brain’s neurons are coated (or sheathed) in myelin.

Under healthy conditions this “sheathing” is a protective measure. But this excessive sheathing is likely an evolutionary measure made to reinforce the connection between the hippocampus and amygdala. Improving the fight-or-flight response during extended periods of threat or attack.

In the modern world, chronic stress hijacks your fight-or-flight response system. It backfires in daily life in which you are not in physical danger.

Ashwagandha benefits

Ashwagandha undoes damage to the brain caused by chronic stress. And helps keep it healthy.

Ashwagandha benefits cognitive function. Glycowithanolides, one of the many compounds found in Ashwagandha, reduces cortisol. And overall energy levels are enhanced through optimizing mitochondrial function.

It also has GABA-mimicking effects in the brain. Comparable to the effects of prescription benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan).

Ashwagandha can also help prevent and repair damage caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. Through its antioxidant and inflammation-reducing mechanisms.

Ashwagandha even provides protection and regeneration of neurons during opiate and heroin withdrawal. And eases withdrawal symptoms.

Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic Medicine heals the brainIn Ayurvedic medicine, Rasayana herbs are used to promote a youthful state of physical and mental health. The ancients considered Medhya Rasayana herbs to be working with higher brain function. These are mind-rejuvenating herbs.

Of the 8 or 9 most cherished herbal remedies, Ashwagandha is the highest or most prominent of Ayurvedic Rasayana herbs. Acting as an adaptogen, rejuvenating the nervous system, and boosting the body’s resilience to stress.

How does Ashwagandha feel?

Ashwagandha users report:

    • Ashwagandha as a stress-reliever. If you are experiencing severe fatigue and brain fog, it’s likely stress. Chronic or severe stress can disguise itself in many ways. Including feeling abnormally fatigued. You find that you are not sleeping well. Or don’t feel rested and refreshed when waking up in the morning. Even after taking a sleeping pill. Many report a rapid change in energy and motivation as soon as they take Ashwagandha. Others won’t feel the effects for a couple of weeks before relief sets in. You’ll know Ashwagandha is working when you wake up in the morning feeling refreshed. And eagerly looking forward to starting your day.
    • Ashwagandha as an anti-anxiety aid. As an anti-anxiety aid users say they feel their self-confidence has been restored. Your speech will feel more fluid and easier, especially in public settings. No more panic attacks.

ashwagandha removes fear of public speaking

  • Ashwagandha as an antidepressant. Depression, even if it’s not professionally diagnosed, can destroy your life. Ashwagandha users say it is the best antidepressant they’ve ever used. Their energy is restored, motivation is back, and they’re able to focus.

Ashwagandha works on many levels in the brain. Cortisol levels are stabilized. And the damage to your brain begins to correct itself. Acetylcholine levels rise so you’re able to think clearly again.

Neurons get repaired, and cognition and memory return to levels you experienced when you were younger. And GABA receptors are re-activated producing a calming effect.

Ashwagandha Clinical Research

Researchers at Asha Hospital in Hyderabad, India did a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 64 subjects who had a history of chronic stress. The study group took a 300 mg capsule of full-spectrum Ashwagandha root twice a day for 60 days.

Follow up calls to participants were done on the 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th day of the trial. Researchers reported serum cortisol levels were substantially reduced.

Ashwagandha improves quality of lifeThe report concluded “that a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life”.[viii]

Ashwagandha as a nootropic

One study done in a lab in India subjected laboratory mice to electroconvulsive shock treatment. Or were given scopolamine to induce amnesia (memory loss).

Both sets of mice were given Ashwagandha extract daily after the shock or chemical treatments. Ashwagandha extract restored their memory and motor skills.[ix]

Ashwagandha as an antidepressant

Scientists did a study on rats to compare Ashwagandha with the popular benzodiazepine antidepressant lorazepam (Ativan). And the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (Tofranil).

Researchers gave the rats either Ashwagandha, lorazepam or imipramine. 30 minutes later they put the rats through a maze, had them interacting socially, and even forced them to swim.

They concluded that as a mood stabilizer, Ashwagandha worked on depression and anxiety as well as either of the two antidepressants.[x]

Ashwagandha Dosage

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends 3 – 6 grams daily of standard ground Ashwagandha powder.

  • For arthritis: 250 – 500 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
  • For antioxidant protection: 100 – 200 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
  • For immunity: 100 – 200 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
  • For relaxation: 250 – 500 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
  • For stress: 250 – 500 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)
  • For sexual performance: 250 – 500 mg of extract (4-5% withanolides)

For higher Ashwagandha doses like 500 mg, take 250 mg in the morning and another 250 mg early afternoon. And note the distinction between standard ground Ashwagandha powder and an extract. The extract is much more concentrated.

Ashwagandha Side Effects

Note: Ashwagandha stimulates your thyroid. So if you are hypothyroid, use Ashwagandha with caution. And check with your endocrinologist to be safe.

Ashwagandha is non-toxic at moderate doses. If you are pregnant do not use Ashwagandha as it could cause a miscarriage. This herb is an adaptogen with powerful hormonal effects.

Ashwagandha can enhance the effects of sedatives, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, including St. John’s wort.

It can also interact and possibly amplify the effects of immunosuppressants, blood pressure medication, and drugs used to control blood glucose levels.

Ashwagandha can boost the effects of alcohol. And do not use Ashwagandha if you have bleeding issues, or before surgery.

Other possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, drowsiness and slowed pulse.

Where to buy Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is available as a powder, capsules, tincture and tea. The root and berry of the plant are used. The ground root of the herb is used as the base of an Ashwagandha supplement.

Active ingredients of Ashwagandha include alkaloids, saponins, and withanolides. Look for the percentage of active ingredients listed on the bottle or package. Typically, you’ll see something like “standardized to 4-5% of withanolides”.

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

A good choice of Ashwagandha extract is KSM66® which is a full spectrum root extract made by Ixoreal, a division of the Baldwa group of companies in India. This extract contains 5% withanolides and less than 0.1 Withaferin A (which is toxic).

You can buy it here: Pure Nootropics – Ashwagandha (KSM-66®)

Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Ashwagandha Extract 250 – 500 mg per day

Nootropics Expert Tested and ApprovedI recommend using Ashwagandha as a nootropic supplement.

Your body does not make Ashwagandha on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.

Ashwagandha is especially helpful for those suffering from anxiety and stress. Studies show it helps stop and reverse the devastating effects of stress on your brain, and body. This nootropic helps repair the damage to neurons and synapses caused by chronic stress.

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen. Which means it helps increase the effect of certain hormones when activity is low. And will block excess stimulation when activity is too high.

The benefits of Ashwagandha as an adaptogen helps balance cortisol in the body caused by chronic stress. Chronically elevated cortisol levels suppress immunity, create fat deposits on the belly, face and neck, reduces libido, causes bone loss, causes insulin resistance, and brain fog.

Balancing cortisol levels with Ashwagandha improves your sleep quality, immunity, stress response, organ function, reduces fatigue, and brain fog.

Ashwagandha is also helpful for those suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. A study published in Phytomedicine showed the calming effect of this herb was equal to the drug Ativan (lorazepam). Without the side effects.

You can safely take up to 750 mg of Ashwagandha extract daily if needed. Most get all the benefit they need with 500 mg. Dosed 250 mg in the morning, and another 250 mg early afternoon.

You can buy it here: Pure Nootropics – Ashwagandha (KSM-66®)

 

REFERENCES

[i] Bhattacharya S.K., Bhattacharya A., Sairam K., Ghosal S. “Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study.” Phytomedicine 2000 Dec;7(6):463-9. (source)

[ii] Kuboyama T., Tohda C., Komatsu K. “Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A.” British Journal of Pharmacology 005 Apr;144(7):961-71. (source)

[iii] Choudhary M.I., Yousuf S., Nawaz S.A., Ahmed S., Atta-ur-Rahman. “Cholinesterase inhibiting withanolides from Withania somnifera.” Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Tokyo) 2004 Nov;52(11):1358-61. (source)

[iv] Kurapati K.R. , Atluri V.S., Samikkannu T., “Nair M. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Reverses β-Amyloid1-42 Induced Toxicity in Human Neuronal Cells: Implications in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders” PLOS One journals.plos.org October 16, 2013 (source)

[v] Cooley K., Szczurko O., Perri D., Mills E.J., Bernhardt B., Zhou Q., Seely D. “Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974.” PLoS One. 2009 Aug 31;4(8):e6628. (source)

[vi] Pingali U., Pilli R., Fatima N. “Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants” Pharmacognosy Res. 2014 Jan-Mar; 6(1): 12–18. (source)

[vii] “New evidence that chronic stress predisposes brain to mental illness” University of California, Berkeley Feb. 11, 2014, Retrieved Mar. 24, 2016 (source)

[viii] Chandrasekhar K., Kapoor J., Anishetty S. “A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.” Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62. (source)

[ix] Dhuley J.N. “Nootropic-like effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) in mice.” Phytotherapy Research 2001 Sep;15(6):524-8. (source)

[x] Bhattacharya S.K., Bhattacharya A., Sairam K., “Ghosal S. Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study.” Phytomedicine 2000 Dec;7(6):463-9. (source)

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About David Tomen

David has been researching nootropics and brain optimization for over 10 years. When he's not writing about nootropics, he's travelling the world (45 countries so far), sailing, diving, studying neuroscience or sitting under an umbrella on Miami Beach. More...

Comments

  1. David Harris says

    March 9, 2022 at 8:13 am

    Ashwagandha seems to have caused raging insomnia in my case. Is this a known possibility? First time taking (650 mg single capsule of a well-regarded brand). I wonder if it interacts (much) with the L-Tryptophan I’ve been taking nightly, or possibly Turmeric which I take daily for its various benefits. How long would Ashwagandha typically remain in one’s system?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      March 10, 2022 at 12:21 pm

      David, the half-life of some of the compounds found in Ashwagandha is only a couple of hours. So it clears from your system quickly.

      But probably half the US population cannot use Ashwagandha because it affects thyroid hormones. And a lot of people are hypothyroid and don’t know it.

      If you reacted to Ashwagandha like that drop it as a supplement. Because it is not for you. Don’t overthink it.

      Reply
  2. Juck says

    February 25, 2022 at 7:39 am

    Hi David! Which is more preferable, Ashwagandha Sensoril of Aswagandha KSM-66? Thanks.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      February 25, 2022 at 2:15 pm

      Juck, it depends on why you are using Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha Sensoril seems to be preferred by some for anxiety management and better sleep.

      Reply
      • Juck says

        February 26, 2022 at 2:15 am

        Thank you, David. Yes, luckily, I am using Ashwagandha Sensoril for anxiety management. Thank you for your advice. It gives me confidence that I am using the right supplement. And it does work!

        Reply
  3. Mary Vogenberger says

    January 5, 2022 at 6:25 pm

    I have hashimoto’s and Ashwagandha was still suggested to me by 3 doctors. I was told not to take if hyperthyroid. I just have all my thyroid levels checked about every 3 months (TSH, T3, T4, FT3, FT4 RT3 and sometimes antibodies). This is a wonderful antianxiety drug for me and is working very well even though I am hypothyroid.

    Have you read anything about ashwagandha as a cancer preventive?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 6, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      Mary, if Ashwagandha works for you that’s great! I does affect thyroid hormone so some like me cannot use it. It depends on the person and how each responds to this herb.

      There have been some animal studies showing promise that Ashwagandha may be anti-tumor. But no human studies supporting this and there is still a LOT of work to be done before we can make this determination. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4899165/

      Reply
  4. Jason says

    December 29, 2021 at 4:22 am

    I took ashwagandha for like one month, the 1st week was ok, but then my anxiety just get worst. Now Im shaking and my muscles are so tense especially behind my neck and shoulders. I wouldn’t recommend it.

    David would L Theinine a better option for anxiety?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      December 29, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      Jason, it depends on the cause of your anxiety.

      Ashwagandha is one of those supplements that works for some and not for others. For example, I cannot use Ashwagandha because I am hypothyroid for which it is contraindicated.

      L-Theanine is one good option for anxiety and may work for you. I suggest taking a read through my anxiety article on how to test neurotransmitters one-by-one to see if you can figure out what is causing your anxiety. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-anxiety/

      Reply
      • Jason says

        December 30, 2021 at 12:30 am

        Thanks David, your page on Anxiety is really informative and helpful. I think I will go back to taking Bacopa, I had good result with it.

        Reply
      • Jason says

        December 31, 2021 at 4:59 am

        Hi David, regarding my hypothyroid issue, does L Carnitine really helps?

        Reply
        • David Tomen says

          December 31, 2021 at 3:58 pm

          Negative, it is an inhibitor of T4 and T3. But it is helpful for those who are hyperthyroid. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15591013/

          Reply
          • Jason says

            December 31, 2021 at 10:05 pm

            Sorry I meant to say hyperthyroid, no wonder I always have good result with L carnitine but not ALCAR.

  5. Brian Briggs says

    November 15, 2021 at 2:09 am

    Ashwagandha gave me amazing sleep for 2 nights. After that, it started to affect my heart rate/blood pressure even with a low dose. Do you know why I reacted to it like this (with two different brands)? Is there an alternative remedy that works as well as Ashwagandha?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      November 18, 2021 at 4:54 pm

      Brian, Ashwagandha stimulates your thyroid. So if you have thyroid problems you should not be using Ashwagandha. And many people have thyroid problems are not even aware of it.

      If you were using Ashwagandha for sleep the best alternative is GABA.

      Reply
  6. Mohaa says

    November 13, 2021 at 2:26 am

    Hallow David I was asking whether one can use ashwagandha in the long term… thanks

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      November 16, 2021 at 10:25 am

      Mohaa, you should be able to use this supplement long-term. There is no data indicating that long-term use can cause any harm particularly if you follow dosage recommendations and do not go any higher.

      Reply
      • Mohaa says

        November 17, 2021 at 8:26 am

        Thanks David . My friend is using vitmin B6 and it is working for him , can it be used in the long term dosage around 50 to 100mg also can he use alongside shoulder to shoulder with rhodiola thanks David for being human congrats

        Reply
        • David Tomen says

          November 18, 2021 at 5:22 pm

          Mohaa, you can use up to 100 mg Vitamin B6 per day without a problem. But no more than that.

          Reply
  7. Justin Rinehart says

    November 8, 2021 at 1:58 am

    Hello David,
    And the Nootropics forum. I just bought Ashwaganda, First time / But Long time Follower of the channel. I just Hoped Someone could chime in If I got a decent one I tried to follow the YouTube percentages But it is confusing (massive amounts like 3 grams VS. ms of extracts and so on, wow!) “natural” KSM-66 5% withanoloids less than 0.1 withaferinA
    Black pepper extract 20 Mg To 700 Mg Ashwaganda-

    Other Herbs were a disaster such as St Jons wort, 5HTP as they cause sexual dysfunction and all loss of motivation to do anything.
    I really Hope this is different. The product is 700 MG/3 caps, but everything I read says a dog of a 900 MG – should I take 4 caps or 1 cap at different times of the day? Unsure is this is the best form /concentration or even great again, I tried to follow the YouTube video.
    Thank You for the great videos.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      November 8, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      Justin, KSM66® is a patented extract of Ashwagandha and the recommended daily dose of this is supplement is 500 mg per day.

      Reply
  8. Graham Wilkins says

    November 2, 2021 at 9:52 am

    Hi David….just a quick question….I am on effexor 75mg venlfaxine….can I take ashwaganda and Gotu Kola together?
    Thanks
    Graham

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      November 2, 2021 at 3:54 pm

      Graham, there is no contraindication between Ashwagandha and Gotu Kola.

      Reply
  9. MALIK says

    October 15, 2021 at 7:20 am

    Hello David! I was reading a blog, which says ashwaganda can cause anhedonia , emotional numbness , depression . He added user review in his blog . What is your thought about this . Thanks

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      October 15, 2021 at 2:37 pm

      Malik, you’ve been around here long enough to know what I’ll say. Those are not known side effects for Ashwagandha or I would have included them in this review.

      Please do not put your faith into some random blogger unless her work is backed up by peer-reviewed clinical studies published by major medical journals.

      If someone experiences those side effects then clearly Ashwagandha is the wrong supplement for them.

      Reply
  10. Sofia says

    October 14, 2021 at 9:24 pm

    Hello David,
    Is this brand a good choice for Ashwagandha?
    Thank you,
    Sofia

    Bulk Supplements – Ashwagandha Extract

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      October 15, 2021 at 2:18 pm

      Sofia, normally I like the supplements sold by Bulk Supplements. But in this case you are better off getting a patented extract called KSM-66 like this one: https://amzn.to/3j65qcl

      Reply
  11. Chris Green says

    October 3, 2021 at 7:40 am

    I have just bought Ashwagandha KSM-66 capsules (300mg) and Synapsa Bacopa Monnieri capsules (320mg) and plan to take these daily with a dose in the morning. I currently take caffeine (100mg), l-theanine (200mg) and l-tyrosine (500mg) pre-workout around an hour after waking up. Would it be fine to take all of this at the same time or would it be better to save ashwagandha and bacopa am dose for post-workout?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      October 3, 2021 at 11:34 am

      Chris, there is no problem taking them at the same time. But it depends on how you react to Ashwagandha and/or Bacopa Monnieri and if either of them have too much of an anxiolytic effect for you pre-workout.

      Reply
  12. Simon K wambugu says

    October 2, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    Hello Mr Tomen,
    I just bought some Ashwagandha supplement from Daily nutra KSM-66 Ashwagandha. The serving recommended is 600mg per day. I just wanted your opinion on whether this is enough. Do you think one capsule contains the whole 600mg or there could be some fillers. Thanks

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      October 2, 2021 at 5:33 pm

      Simon, scroll up to the section “Ashwagandha Dosage”. Max. recommended dosage is 500 mg so one capsule of this supplement is enough. And KSM-66 is the preferred patented form of this supplement. Good find.

      Reply
  13. David Archibald says

    September 21, 2021 at 9:21 pm

    With respect to the Nootropics Shoden product at 35% withanolides, do you know how much withaferin A is in it and perhaps the percentages of the other withanolides? I am a medical researcher and a 35% product is very promising.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      September 22, 2021 at 1:54 pm

      David, I am not familiar with that company. I suggest you contact them with your questions.

      Reply
  14. richard says

    September 8, 2021 at 8:45 am

    I have been using kratom for almost three years and find that without it, I can barely function now. I will stay I bed all day and it is a lot like real opioid withdrawal. Can this help me when I try to go cold turkey again tonight? I never meant to use kratom forever. I just wanted to use it to get off opioids and it worked but now I am on that. Advice?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      September 8, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      Richard, like opiates it is not a good idea to stop Kratom cold turkey. Better to titrate off it slowly over 2 – 3 weeks.

      Ashwagandha, St. John’s wort, or Black Seed Oil help with opiate withdrawal. Not sure if any of them would help with Kratom withdrawal.

      Reply
  15. James says

    September 2, 2021 at 7:43 pm

    Hello David I have some questions for you that would be very helpful if you could review please

    -According to what you mention that some nootropics should be consumed with fat, if we eat something with fat (for example meat) Would we be covered within at least half an hour if we take the soluble fat nootropic within that period of time? Or should we consume fat like coconut oil every time we consume a fat soluble nootropic no matter what we eat minutes before? (because half an hour is not enough to digest most foods)

    -What nootropics do you recommend for headaches? (Ibuprofen works for me but I look for healthy alternatives)

    -I was wondering if you have ever heard about this form of Lions Mane that I attached below
    They offer a cheaper price and it does not have other ingredients
    Wondering if it’s just as effective as the ones you recommend

    BulkSupplements Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      September 5, 2021 at 11:18 am

      James, for fat-soluble nootropics taking them with a meal containing fat within a half hour of each other will work just fine. I like using a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil with my stack because I don’t want the complication of trying to time my supplements with a meal.

      What kind of headaches? Whenever I get a headache I get rid of it by taking a capsule of Alpha GPC and it’s gone within 10 minutes. But that will only work with certain types of headache. If you’re talking about migraines that’s a different story altogether.

      Bulk Supplements Lion’s Mane looks like a good product because it is standardized from the fruiting body of the mushroom. And they have a robust testing program in place to ensure quality. I’ve never tried this particular product but it looks good.

      Reply
      • James says

        September 25, 2021 at 2:36 pm

        Hello David, thanks for responding and sorry for my delay

        I meant a headaches caused by migraines,
        which nootropics would you recommend?

        – Also, Why don’t you use Valerian in your stack to sleep? (You don’t find it as effective as other nootropics according to your experience?)

        – Ketamine is considered safe to treat depression?

        Reply
        • David Tomen says

          September 26, 2021 at 5:09 pm

          James, use the search function top right of the top menu above and search for the keyword “migraines”. You’ll get several idea to try.

          I do not use Valerian because it is a very potent supplement and it would be too much for my sleep stack.

          And yes, Ketamine is a safe and proven way to treat depression as long as your insurance covers it or you can afford it if you need to pay out-of-pocket for this therapy.

          Reply
          • James says

            September 27, 2021 at 7:24 pm

            Thanks David, i just forget to ask, according to your experience, is it safe to combine Magnolia Bark and Valerian to sleep or do you recommend consuming them separately?

            And Finally, could you give me a link to where to buy Ketamine? And the dose you recommend?

          • David Tomen says

            September 28, 2021 at 5:14 pm

            James, you can use both Magnolia Bark and Valerian but you would need to use reduced doses of each. I avoid both because I consider them too potent for what I need for sleep. But I can see why some prefer one or the other or both.

            And unless you are a licensed anesthesiologist you cannot “buy Ketamine”. Not unless you are willing to pay a clinic $7,000 for Ketamine therapy.

  16. Chris says

    September 2, 2021 at 5:47 pm

    Nature Made has 10% WG. So I guess 125mg would be enough? BTW Nature Made is one of the most highly rated supplement brands, to my surprise.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      September 2, 2021 at 6:35 pm

      Chris, it’s is because of their testing program and guarantee or quality. Only thing I do not approve of is using toxic “other ingredients” like magnesium stearate or silicon dioxide.

      Dosage of Ashwagandha extract depends on what your are treating. Check Ashwagandha Dosage.

      Reply
  17. Gehad says

    August 29, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    Hi, Mr David,

    When you said that:
    Ashwagandha enhances GABA receptors and (( serotonin )) in the brain. does this mean that Ashwagandha has effects on the receptors only.

    Best regards
    thanks

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      August 30, 2021 at 3:04 pm

      Gehad, Ashwagandha supports the effectiveness of several GABA sub-receptors and regulates serotonin. I edited that statement to clarify the role Ashwagandha plays on serotonin. Because some studies show it suppresses serotonin release which helps reduce pain.

      Reply
  18. Marcio says

    August 28, 2021 at 4:56 pm

    Hello David, Good day. After reading your research on Ginseng, I started making a stack with Ginseng to Reduce Anxiety, Improve Cognition (concentration/memory/learning) and have More Energy.

    As I have bought all the 3 Ginseng types (American/PANAX, SIBERIAN, Indian/ASHWAGANDHA (withania-somnifera)), I thought on combine them.

    May I combine and use all 3 for synergy and have more even more benefits on Anxiety, Cognition, and Energy? I think one complements another, but not sure and if would be a good stack.

    Thank you and Regards,
    Marcio

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      August 29, 2021 at 3:18 pm

      Marcio, there are only two true types of Ginseng and they are American Ginseng and Panax Ginseng and both contain the compound ginsenosides.

      Siberian Ginseng is another herb entirely and not related to the ginseng family nor is Ashwagandha. I have not done the research on Siberian Ginseng so can’t comment on how it works in the human body and brain. And Ashwagandha is more of an anxiolytic and not used for energy.

      I suggest you do some research on Siberian Ginseng and find out what benefits it offers. For Ashwagandha just read the article above. Then decide if you think combining them into a stack makes sense. Combining American Ginseng and Panax Ginseng will be like doubling the dose of one or the other.

      Reply
  19. Sara says

    August 24, 2021 at 12:57 pm

    Hello David
    Love the information on your website. It’s brilliant!
    I have chronic insomnia (can’t fall to sleep) for which I take Zopiclone/Imovane.
    But I want a more natural solution so I started taking ashwagandha from a reputable company. From the first tablet I could fall to sleep easily and stay asleep (how is that even possible?). Slowly started feeling calmer with an amazing sense of wellbeing. It was like a miracle.
    But after 26 days it completely stopped working. Why might this happen? And what can I do to get back the amazing benefits from ashwagandha?
    I stopped taking the supplement for two weeks. Then started with another brand to see if a different strain might work. I cycled my dosage – four days on & three days off. The new brand gave me reduced effects (helped sleep but no calmness or wellbeing) for two weeks. Then stopped working for sleep. Are there any supplements you would recommend for people who can’t fall to sleep? (I have good sleep hygiene etc)
    Many thanks, Sara

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      August 27, 2021 at 3:23 pm

      Sara, Ashwagandha is not known for being a sleep supplement. So I’m happy that you got some benefit from it. It does mimic GABA in your brain and seems to reactivate GABA receptors. It also helps repair dendrites, axons and reconstructs synapses. Not sure why it stopped working for you except maybe the benefits you were feeling were due to its brain repair benefits and in a month your brain was repaired and back to ‘normal’.

      But that is just a guess. I’ve found these to be good for sleep and each providing a separate benefit contributing to quality sleep: PharmaGABA, L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine, magnesium (chelated), and CBD Oil gummies.

      Reply
  20. Ginny Larsen says

    August 13, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    I’ve been taking lithium orotate. Can I combine ashwaganda with this?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      August 13, 2021 at 4:17 pm

      Yes

      Reply
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