When is the best time to take herbs?

We love talking about herbs and herbalism, and we especially love answering your questions about those topics. That's why we brought in our team of herbal experts to respond to some of the most common questions and concerns we hear.

Our herbalists have decades of combined experience working with herbs — and the people who take them. They answer your most pressing questions, in our regular column “Ask an Herbalist.”

When is the best time to take herbs?

Nearly all herbal products are taken on an empty stomach, any time from 2 hours after eating until 30 minutes before eating. This allows better absorption of the extract since it does not have to compete with food in your gut. Taking herbs 2 or more times per day (as instructed) helps to keep them in your system longer. Some herbal products have specific timing instructions, such as a serving first thing in the morning, 15 minutes before eating or at bedtime.