Supporters of Ashwagandha compare the herb to Matrix Neo’s famed bullet dogging ability, claiming that if you take an extract of this root, you can fight against practically anything that harms your health, including sleeplessness, memory loss, anxiety, depression, and exhaustion.
But we can’t use a plant based on online gimmicks; does Ashwagandha’s clinical study back up the hype? Here’s a look at some of the most prevalent Ashwagandha for Stress & Anxiety claims, as well as what the study has revealed so far.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry, Indian ginseng, and Withania somnifera, is a shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The plant, including its roots and berries, has been used in Ayurveda, India’s system of traditional medicine, for thousands of years, but its popularity in western countries has recently risen due to various benefits.
Why People Use Ashwagandha?
Within Ayurvedic medical practices, ashwagandha is a prominent participant. Ashwagandha can be classified as a Rasayana within Ayurvedic medicine. This means that it assists in the physical and mental preservation of youth and is the best way to relieve stress.
The herb may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities, according to some data. Inflammation is the root of many health problems, and decreasing inflammation can help protect the body from a number of illnesses., it is used to treat the following conditions:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Skin Conditions
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
Various plant parts, such as leaves, seeds, and fruit, are used in various treatments.
Stress & Anxiety
At some point in their life, the majority of people will experience stress and worry. Stress is defined as any demand placed on your brain or physical body. When a person is subjected to multiple competing demands, they may become emotionally stressed. An event that makes you feel irritated or worried can make you feel stressed. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or discomfort. It could be a stress response or a symptom of those who are unable to notice substantial life challenges.
Anxiety and stress aren’t necessarily harmful to one’s health. They can help you overcome a struggle or a potentially dangerous situation in the near future. If stress and anxiety begin to interfere with your daily life, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. If you’re avoiding situations because of illogical worries, continuously worried, or suffering from extreme anxiety weeks after a terrible experience, it’s time to take some supplements to help with stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha for Stress & Anxiety
Cortisol is recognised as a stress hormone because it is released by the adrenal glands in reaction to stress and when blood sugar levels fall too low. Unfortunately, cortisol levels can become persistently excessive in some people, leading to high blood sugar and increased abdominal fat storage. Ashwagandha has been shown in several trials to help lower cortisol levels. Chronically stressed people who supplemented with ashwagandha had considerably lower cortisol levels than those in the control group, according to a study published in 2019. On average, those who received a considerable dose saw a 30% reduction.
Ashwagandha is primarily known for its stress-relieving properties. Ashwagandha has been found to inhibit the stress pathway in the brains of rats via regulating neurotransmission in the central nervous system, according to research. In addition, ashwagandha has been shown in multiple published clinical studies to considerably improve symptoms in persons suffering from stress and anxiety disorders.
In a 60-day double-blind study of 64 patients with chronic stress, those who took ashwagandha supplements saw a 69 percent reduction in anxiety and insomnia on average, compared to 11% in the placebo group, a Natural sleeping remedies.
Though it hasn’t been properly researched, ashwagandha has been shown in a few studies to benefit depression. In a 60-day study of 64 stressed people, those who took 600 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha extract per day experienced a 79 percent reduction in severe depression, compared to a 10% increase in the placebo group. One of the participants in the study was depressed in the past. This means that the significance of the findings is disputed. A different study of six weeks found that 88 percent who took ashwagandha had less anxiety, as compared to 50 percent who took a placebo.
Consider These Before Buying
Although the long-term effects of ashwagandha in humans are mostly unclear, it is regarded as a highly safe supplement for most people. However, there are some restrictions for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have an autoimmune disorder, you should avoid ashwagandha unless you have a prescription from a doctor.
People with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes fall into this category. Additionally, persons using thyroid medication should exercise caution when taking ashwagandha, as it has been shown to boost thyroid hormone levels in some people.
If you’re considering taking ashwagandha, keep in mind that it lowers blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so your prescription concentration may need to be adjusted. The amount of ashwagandha that should be taken varies on the supplement. Extracts are more effective than the raw root or leaf powder of ashwagandha.
Standardized root extract is generally taken once or twice daily in 450–500 mg capsules. It’s sold by a number of supplement companies and can be found in a variety of places, including health food stores and vitamin stores. Online, there’s also a large assortment of high-quality supplements.
Summary
Though ashwagandha is safe for everyone, certain people should avoid it, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those with autoimmune diseases, unless their healthcare physician has given them permission. Root extract is generally used in 450-500mg capsules once or twice per day for best results.
Last but not least
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb from India that has a number of health benefits. Ashwagandha has been shown in research to lower anxiety and stress, aid in the treatment of depression, and even improve brain function. Regular ashwagandha consumption could be a simple and effective way to improve your general health and quality of life.