Ashwagandha Recipes for Every Stage of Motherhood

Ashwagandha should be a staple in every woman’s pantry. This Ayurvedic herb is well known for its adaptogenic properties. It helps the body adapt to and fight the negative effects of stress.  

Ashwagandha root is great for reducing stress, improving sleep, boosting strength and vitality, and supporting your immune and reproductive systems, a byproduct of these benefits is healthy lactation support. This herb can be used as a supplement throughout motherhood, from preconception to postpartum and beyond. 

Below you will find some of our favorite recipes for each stage of your motherhood journey.

This purple yam soup is comforting and supportive of conception. Spices that are known for their antioxidants, like cumin, offer health benefits while ovulation-inducing yams are excellent for your reproductive system. 

Recipe courtesy of Food by Maria 

• 3 cups purple yam, cubed, boiled till tender
• 1 cup white boiling potatoes, cubed, boiled till tender
• 2–3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large white sweet onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. thyme
• 1 tsp cumin spice
• 1 tsp red curry paste
• 1 tsp curry powder season to taste
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 4 –5 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1/2 tsp – 1 tsp ashwagandha powder
• cilantro, optional garnish
• plus any additional garnishes you would like to add

In a large pot add your potatoes to boiling water. Cook till tender, strain, and drain then set aside. 

In a medium-sized pot heat olive oil gently for 30 seconds. Add your onions and cook on medium heat till translucent. Add your garlic, cooking for 3 more minutes, while stirring often.  

To this mixture add your thyme, cumin spice, curry paste, curry powder, and seasoning. Cooking for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Once your potatoes are ready add them to the pot and increase heat to high. Add your vegetable stock and simmer for around 5-7 minutes. Turn down the heat, add your coconut cream and ashwagandha. 

Transfer mixture to a blender and blend till smooth. Top with cilantro and other choices of toppings!

Trying to conceive can be stressful, improve your mood and your fertility with this indulgent chocolatey drink. The antioxidants found in cocoa combined with the adaptogen properties of ashwagandha offer you an all-around health boost! 

Recipe courtesy of Nina’s Empire 

• 2 cups nut or seed milk
• 1 tbsp raw cocoa powder
• 2 tsp ashwagandha powder
• 1 tbsp coconut oil optional
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional 
• pinch salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste
• 1 tsp honey, or to taste 

Warm-up milk in a small saucepan on low heat. Don't boil it.

Add the rest of the ingredients & whisk until everything is combined.

Pour it in mugs, garnish with your favorite toppings, like cinnamon, cacao nibs, or nuts.

Enjoy!

This latte is rich in ingredients that will help nourish the postpartum mother's womb, rejuvenate her body, provide energy without the use of caffeine, and rebalance her reproductive system. In addition to ashwagandha, it also features potent herbs like Shatavari and Maca. 

Recipe courtesy of Local Milk Blog

• 2 cups walnut milk, or other nut milk 
• 2 teaspoons Shatavari powder
• 1 tablespoon Red Maca powder
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder
• 2 teaspoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Dash of cinnamon

In a heavy-bottomed pot, warm the milk over gentle heat. Whisk in the herbs until fully incorporated. Then whisk in the tahini and honey. Blend for ten seconds in a high-speed blender for maximum froth. and enjoy!

Busy moms need simple snacks that are nourishing and effortless to eat while caring for little ones. These no-bake energy balls are excellent for the nursing mother as they contain lactation boosting herbs like ashwagandha and maca and they can be eaten with one hand!

Recipe courtesy of Traditional Cooking School

For the energy balls:

• 3/4 cup walnuts soaked and dehydrated
• 3/4 cup almonds soaked and dehydrated
• 8 dates pitted
• 1/8 cup chia seeds
• 1-1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• 1-1/2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons maca powder
• 2 teaspoons ashwagandha powder
• 2 tablespoons cacao nibs optional

For rolling the energy balls in : 

• berry powder made by grinding freeze-dried berries
• unsweetened shredded coconut
• cacao powder

Soak dates in warm water for approximately 10 minutes to soften them. 

While dates are soaking, grind almonds and walnuts in a food processor.

Strain water from the dates and add them to the food processor. Pulse until a “dough-like” consistency forms. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until well combined.  

Form balls. Roll in berry powder, shredded coconut, or cacao powder if desired. Store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Ashwagandha isn’t just for new or would-be moms. Its amazing properties are beneficial for women throughout their lives. Here are a few more delicious and healthy recipes in which you can use this potent Ayurvedic herb.

Hormone Balancing Latte

A few simple ingredients result in a flavorful, hormone balancing latte that can help relieve stress and prepare you for sleep.  

Hot Chocolate

This recipe only takes five minutes but is chock full of superstar adaptogens including ashwagandha. It is creamy, chocolatey, and very comforting. 

Moon Milk

This gorgeous milk is a wonderful going-to-bed treat. Warming spices, adaptogens, and gently heated milk are excellent for calming the nervous system and inducing sleep.

Ayurvedic Supplements for Fertility and Postpartum with Ashwagandha