Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and milk have been used together for centuries in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that the combination of ashwagandha and milk can provide numerous health benefits, including improving sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting immunity, and promoting overall wellness.1,2
It is an adaptogenic herb that is believed to help the body cope with stress and improve overall physical and mental health. Milk, on the other hand, is a nutrient-rich beverage that is known for its ability to provide strength and nourishment to the body.
Together, ashwagandha and milk create a powerful combination that can help support various aspects of health and wellness. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of ashwagandha and milk, as well as how to prepare and consume this potent elixir to promote optimal health.
According to Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, it’s best to take ashwagandha with milk. Why?
Before diving into the question, a little context!
In Ayurveda, an
anupana is a way that herbal medicine is administered (usually referred to as an after drink which is taken after a meal or medicine for nourishment). It is a means that assists the action of the herb. It forms an integral part of Ayurvedic treatment or
chikitsa.
The herb (oushadha) becomes more potent when given with a suitable vehicle by considering the stage and strength of the patient and the disease. In this context, milk acts as an anupana when taken along with ashwagandha.
In this article, we’ll cover all the reasons to take ashwagandha with milk and its benefits! Here’s a breakdown of the article:
Milk is often celebrated as a comprehensive source of nutrition, with cow's milk standing out as one of the most frequently chosen options among the various varieties accessible.
According to the ancient Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, cow milk is beneficial to the mind and body. It is sweet (madhu), cool, soft, and pleasant in taste.
It has a cool potency and a sweet post-digestive effect (vipaka). Its overall characteristic effect is pleasing to the mind.
Ayurveda considers milk to be the 'after drink’ (anupana) for rejuvenating the body’s seven tissue systems. In Ayurveda, these are called dhatus.
Milk is especially good for the blood (rakta), bone (asthi), plasma (rasa), reproductive system, and rasa dhatu which includes the plasma, or the noncellular portion of the blood, the lymph, and interstitial fluids. Milk brings Vata and Pitta into equilibrium.
Ayurveda says that milk enhances the essence of all the tissues (ojas) as both of them possess similar properties. It’s also beneficial for the bodily tissues (dhatus). Milk is an ideal drink for the aged and for children.
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According to Ayurveda, consumption of milk helps increase power, body mass, and appetite.4 Milk taken at night induces sound sleep.6
In Ayurveda, it is said that when taken during childhood, it increases appetite, prevents deprivation, and increases strength. In old age, milk is taken to increase semen (shukra dhatu).6 Milk can also ignite agni – the digestive fire. It increases aphrodisiac power and body mass.
The effect of milk taken between noon and evening is energetic and useful in renal disorders. Ashwagandha taken in a cup of hot milk twice a day may also help prevent brittle nails.6
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also known as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry. The roots and leaves of ashwagandha are used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered to be both a tonic and a sedative herb due to its adaptogenic properties.
Ashwagandha is bitter and astringent in taste, has light and unctuous properties, is hot in potency, and has a sweet post-digestive effect. It reduces Kapha and Vata dosha (vatakaphahara).
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According to the ancient classical medical texts of Ayurveda, ashwagandha has the following medicinal benefits.
An important Ayurvedic principle implies that ashwagandha should be taken with milk. Ayurveda says that milk intensifies and complements the tonic and nutritive effects of ashwagandha.
Both ashwagandha and milk have similar properties. Both are considered rejuvenators (rasayanas). Both ashwagandha and milk nourish the ojas (life essence). Both bestow one with the energy to live. This is referred to as jivaniya. Their combined synergistic effect increases their potency.
Having such similar properties makes them the right combination when it comes to the health benefits. The combination may even pacify all three doshas.
Following this logic, ashwagandha is best taken with milk, and this is documented in the following references.
This herb has been studied as an adaptogenic, antioxidant, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and cardioprotective.
It is shown to have thyroid modulating, immunomodulating, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cognitive enhancing, and hematopoietic effects9.
Gangliosides, one of the components found in milk, are also present in nerve tissues10. Due to the presence of these components in milk, it promotes the absorption of herbs more significantly than others do.
So, milk is the best vehicle for Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha.
Please note that milk, when taken warmly, is easily digestible and helps to destroy Kapha and Vata dosha.
If you wish to take ashwagandha with milk, consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s right for you. For the best results, enjoy it warm, in milk that has been boiled.
For male6 and female infertility
Two grams of ashwagandha powder twice daily with a little rock candy and warm milk.
For physical weakness/fatigue6
Two grams of ashwagandha powder with 125 mg of trikatu powder. Drinking a cup of ashwagandha tea once or twice a day helps with fatigue.
Trikatu contains three pungent herbs: dried ginger (soonth), black pepper (marich), and long pepper (pippali). This combination is traditionally taken twice a day with milk. Ashwagandha can help with fatigue, its benefits are compounded when taken with milk.
Allergic rhinitis1
Equal quantity of turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha powders are mixed well and is consumed twice daily with milk before food.
Insomnia1
Mix 5gms of ashwagandha root powder in a cup of milk. You can add sugar if you like and drink before going to bed every day.
For osteoarthritis1
Two grams ashwagandha powder, kapikacchu and black sesame seeds in 5 gms warm milk.
For nutritional deficiency in children
Ashwagandha Milk Tea: To make a tea of ashwagandha powder and milk, take half a glass of water and half a glass of milk in a pan.
Add one gram of ashwagandha powder and bring to a boil. When it’s reduced to half, allow it to cool, add sugar and enjoy.
General restorative
Ashwagandha powder with milk can also be taken as a general tonic to restore vitality. Two grams with one cup of warm milk, twice daily.
NOTE: These are classical Ayurvedic remedies for health conditions. It’s best to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying any of these remedies.
Recipe 1:
Ingredients
Method of preparation
Recipe 2:
Ingredients
READ MORE: How Ashwagandha Can Help Treat PCOS? | Ayurvedic Benefits Of Ashwagandha For Your Skin And Body
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using ashwagandha with milk or any other suggestions mentioned in the blog.
References
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The Ayurveda Experience
November 24, 2023
Hi @Darlene! Thanks for reaching out. Sure, you may use both oat and almond milk!