Dr. David Orman

Yes, aligning herbal supplementation with your circadian rhythm can significantly improve both absorption and effectiveness. The human body follows a 24-hour internal clock that governs hormone release, digestion, detoxification, and immune responses. Many of these biological processes fluctuate throughout the day, and taking herbs when the body is most receptive can enhance their impact. For example, cortisol levels naturally rise in the early morning, so adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola may work better during this window to support stress response and energy.

Digestive function is another key factor. Enzyme production and gut motility tend to be strongest earlier in the day, meaning that herbs requiring digestion or assimilation—such as turmeric for inflammation or schizandra for liver support—may be better absorbed when taken with breakfast or lunch. Conversely, calming herbs like valerian, passionflower, or magnesium-rich formulas may be more effective when taken in the evening, aligning with the body’s natural wind-down process and melatonin production.

This rhythm-based approach mirrors principles found in traditional systems like Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, which have long emphasized time-of-day in prescribing herbal protocols. While modern science is still catching up, preliminary research supports the idea that synchronizing herbal intake with your body’s natural cycles may amplify therapeutic effects, reduce side effects, and optimize healing. In natural medicine, timing can be just as crucial as the remedy itself.