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What should you not mix ashwagandha with?

They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid supplements, drugs that suppress the immune system, and drugs for anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Ashwagandha might also interact with supplements that cause sleepiness, like St. John's wort, kava, valerian, and others.

webmd.com - Ashwagandha: Herbal Information From WebMD

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The root and berry of the ashwagandha plant are a traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. Ashwagandha is used as a tonic (it is sometimes referred to as the “Indian ginseng”) to improve physical and mental health and to treat a number of specific conditions. Why do people take ashwagandha? There's some early evidence that ashwagandha affects the immune system and helps reduce swelling, from both arthritis and fluid retention. However, the practical benefits and risks for people aren't clear yet. One study found that a compound containing ashwagandha helped relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. It's not clear which of the ingredients had the benefit since ashwaganda is traditionally used in combination with other herbs. Ashwagandha might help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and lower high cholesterol. Since ashwagandha has sedative effects, it could help ease anxiety and stress -- in fact, human studies have indicated as much. There is some preliminary research that it may help with epilepsy and memory loss, but these results are too early to say for sure if it could benefit humans. Some lab tests of cancer cells have found that ashwagandha might slow down their growth. Animal studies have found that ashwagandha could boost the effects of radiation therapy. However, these are early results. It isn't known if ashwagandha will help people with cancer. People use ashwagandha for other health conditions, including anemia. It is high in iron and has been shown to help increase hemoglobin levels. For many of the other purported uses, there isn't evidence to support ashwaganda’s benefits. How much ashwagandha should you take? There is no standard dose of ashwagandha. Some people use between 1 to 6 grams of the whole herb daily. Others mix 3 grams of ashwagandha powder in warm milk. There are also standardized extracts available. Ask your doctor for advice about forms of ashwagandha and doses. Can you get ashwagandha naturally from foods? In some parts of the world, people eat ashwagandha shoots, seeds, and fruit.

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What does 1000 mg of turmeric do?

There's no standard turmeric dosage, but in one study, 1,000 mg relieved arthritis symptoms, while 1.4 grams of turmeric extract helped lower triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. Talk with your healthcare team to find the right dosage for you.

everydayhealth.com - What Is Turmeric (Curcumin)? A Detailed Scientific Guide

There are several ways to try turmeric.

As a Root

Find this in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle at many grocery and specialty stores, as well as online. You may also find dried turmeric root in your local specialty store. Turmeric root looks squiggly, similar to ginger. Scrape off the peel with a spoon before using. Fresh turmeric should be refrigerated in an airtight container, and will keep up to a week.

As a Tea

You can make what’s called “golden milk” by whisking together about 1 tsp of turmeric with other spices (such as cinnamon and black pepper) into warmed milk and your sweetener of choice. You can also buy turmeric tea in tea bag form, available from brands like The Republic of Tea and Swanson Organic.

As a Spice

Look for turmeric as a ground spice in your spice aisle at the grocery store. Turmeric is also the main component of curry powder. Keep spice jars in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage. Most companies include the “best by” dates; you should aim to use it before then. Buy large containers of turmeric only when you know you’re going to use all of it by the listed date. Look for it in the bulk section of a co-op or specialty store, so you can buy just as much as you’re going to use.

As a Supplement

For more potency, you may opt for a turmeric or curcumin supplement, available at health food stores, grocery stores, and online. These are available in formulations like soft gels and capsules.

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