With cold and flu season in full swing, many people are looking for ways to boost their immunity and ward off illness. One potential remedy that has been gaining popularity recently is ashwagandha tea.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Steeping the ashwagandha root or powder in hot water helps release its active compounds and provides a host of potential health benefits, including how ashwagandha tea boosts immunity.
Ashwagandha tea is valued for its robust, slightly spicy flavor. But beyond being a comforting and tasty beverage, proponents suggest that drinking ashwagandha tea may help strengthen the immune system, relieve anxiety and fatigue, improve focus, and more – making it the perfect cold-weather ally. Keep reading to learn more about the ashwagandha tea benefits, along with tips for preparing your ashwagandha tea recipe at home.
7 Marvelous Ashwagandha Tea Health Benefits
▶ Immunity Boosting Properties
One of the major purported benefits of ashwagandha tea is improving resistance to illness and infections, showing how ashwagandha tea boosts immunity. Some research indicates that certain compounds in ashwagandha like alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins have antimicrobial effects that may guard against bacteria and viruses.
Regularly consuming ashwagandha tea may also help stimulate the production of more white blood cells within the body – our main line of cellular defense. So sipping this herbal infusion could be an effective and soothing preventative health strategy.
▶ Stress and Anxiety Relief
As an adaptogen, ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to help the body cope with stressors, one of the ashwagandha tea benefits. Compounds in the herb influence cortisol levels and other biological factors involved in our stress response.
Human trials suggest ashwagandha helps significantly decrease feelings of anxiety and related symptoms. By battling back against stress and related oxidation, ashwagandha tea could support better daily functioning and long-term wellness.
▶ Increased Stamina and Endurance
Research also demonstrates that supplementing with ashwagandha can boost cardiovascular endurance and energy levels in healthy adults as well as those fighting certain illnesses. So enjoying a steaming mug full of ashwagandha tea may be just the thing when you are looking to power through a workout or busy day. The herb’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also promote faster recovery from muscle soreness and tissue damage.
▶ Improved Focus and Cognitive Function
Some exciting preliminary studies indicate that ashwagandha has neuroprotective properties that safeguard brain health. Certain components may stimulate the growth of neuron networks in areas tied to memory and attention. Regularly drinking ashwagandha tea could serve as a worthwhile nootropic strategy, improving concentration skills and information retention. More research is still needed, but the initial findings are promising.
One important note about ashwagandha tea side effects – while considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation, ashwagandha may interact with certain medications or aggravate autoimmune conditions in some cases. Consulting your doctor before adding ashwagandha tea to your routine is recommended, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
▶ Benefits Of Ashwagandha For Women
Ashwagandha offers numerous benefits for women. It may help balance hormones, reduce stress and anxiety, improve fertility, and enhance mood. Additionally, it supports overall well-being by boosting energy levels and promoting better sleep. Incorporate Ashwagandha into your routine for a holistic approach to women’s health.
▶ Boost Testosterone
Ashwagandha tea has been studied for its potential to boost testosterone levels. Research suggests that it may increase testosterone production, enhance sperm quality, and improve reproductive health in men. However, individual responses may vary, and consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended before using it for this purpose.
▶ Weight Management
Ashwagandha may aid in weight management by reducing stress-related cortisol levels, curbing emotional eating, and boosting metabolism. Its adaptogenic properties can contribute to a balanced hormonal system, promoting overall well-being and potentially supporting healthy weight loss efforts when combined with a balanced diet and exercise.
ashwagandha tea recipe
Luckily, making homemade ashwagandha tea is a quick and simple process, following this ashwagandha tea recipe. All you need is:
- 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon dried ashwagandha powder or root
- 8 ounces hot (not boiling) water
- Honey, lemon, or milk to taste (optional)
To start, add your desired amount of ashwagandha powder or 2-3 thin slices of ashwagandha root to a tea infuser, metal strainer, or tea bag and set aside. Next, bring your water to just about a simmer and pour into your favorite mug. Let the water sit for 1-2 minutes so the temperature drops slightly before steeping your ashwagandha mixture for about 10 minutes. This will allow the medicinal compounds in ashwagandha to infuse properly without being degraded by overly hot water.
Stir and press the powder or roots well as you steep to dissolve thoroughly. After 10 minutes strain your finished ashwagandha tea into your mug using a fine mesh sieve. Discard the powder residue or root slices. Add a teaspoon of honey, lemon wedge, or splash of milk at this point if you want to mellow and sweeten the earthy, bitter taste. Then sip your steaming ashwagandha tea slowly and mindfully to reap all the soothing, restorative benefits this ancient Ayurvedic elixir has to offer!
Final Note
With its abundant antioxidants and inflammation-busting properties, ashwagandha tea has a lot to offer for supporting better immunity and overall wellness. And preparing a batch of this wholesome herbal brew is simple, following the ashwagandha tea recipe. Just steep some powdered or fresh ashwagandha root in hot water for 10 minutes or so.
Then savor its unique woodsy flavor slowly. You can adjust the honey, lemon, or milk to balance out any residual bitterness. While more research is still needed, regularly enjoying ashwagandha tea during stressful times or the cold winter season may help give your health an additional boost in a pleasant, soothing way.
So why not add this ancient adaptogenic infusion to your self-care toolkit? Ashwagandha tea delivers a nice dose of vital nutrients that can help strengthen your body against illness and the effects of anxiety or fatigue. Its hearty flavor is quite comforting. And the ritual of sitting down with a steaming mug full can promote relaxation as well. As you cope with challenging days ahead or simply want to feel your best, a cup or two of ashwagandha tea may be just what the doctor ordered!
What Ayurvedic-inspired health remedies or herbs intrigue you? Have you experimented with ashwagandha yourself yet? Let me know your healing tea recommendations in the comments!
References
- Cheah KL, et al. (2021). Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30466985/
- Durg S, et al. (2018). Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975514/
