Ashwagandha For Anxiety

December 09, 2021

Ashwagandha For Anxiety

Ashwagandha For Anxiety 

Ashwagandha is an essential herb in ayurvedic medicine—a traditional type of Indian medicine. Research shows that ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormone in individuals with chronic stress. It can also lower self-reported levels of anxiety and depression. In this 3-minute article we discuss the use of ashwagandha for anxiety, the correct amount to supplement with, and how ashwagandha benefits those with anxiety. 

Stress and Anxiety 

Unfortunately, stress and anxiety aren't new and in fact, are actually quite common. Studies suggests that anxiety disorders affect up to 20% of adults in the U.S. each year. Kids aren't spared either as over 13% of kids under age 18 suffer from anxiety. 

How Does Ashwagandha Help Anxiety? 

Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, which is a group of plants that help your body better deal with external stressors. Research is now beginning to reveal some of ashwagandha's tremendous potential health benefits. One of these is its supposed ability to lower cortisol levels which can reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. 

For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of participants who were experiencing considerable levels of stress found significant relief while supplementing with ashwagandha. On a perceived stress scale (PSS) graded from 0 (no stress) to 40 (too much stress), all participants in the study reported at least a 14 point reduction in levels of stress and anxiety. 

Ashwagandha For Anxiety Research 

Along the way in the study described above, researchers had participants fill out depression anxiety stress scale (DASS) questionnaires. This means that researchers were able to see how many people experienced depression, anxiety, and stress before, during, and after treatment with this ancient herb. 

The results displayed that ashwaganha really is worthy of the "hype." By 60 days there was a significant reduction in depression (77%), stress (64%), and anxiety (over 75%). 

Why Use Ashwagandha For Anxiety? 

There are a number of reasons to supplement with an adaptogen—such as ashwagandha to combat anxiety. 

  • All-natural
  • Lowers cortisol levels
  • Increases the body's resilience to stress and anxiety
  • Has many other additional benefits  
  • Can improve sleep quality and duration

In one separate 6-week study, 88% of people who took ashwagandha reported a reduction in anxiety, compared to less than 50% of those who took a placebo.   

  Ashwagandha For Anxiety

How Much Ashwagandha For Anxiety? 

The typical dosage of ashwagandha varies depending on the condition you wish to treat. For example, for hair loss the doses range from 500 mg to 1,500 mg once daily whereas for anxiety the recommended dose is 250 mg to 750 mg taken once in the morning with your breakfast, coffee, or tea. 

Ashwagandha For Anxiety Reviews

Does it work for anxiety? Will it help? The overall general consensus is yes. Ashwagandha for anxiety is very effective and does work. It may take up to 8 weeks for the full effects to be fully felt, however. 

Are There Side Effects? 

One thing is clear; ashwagandha has very little side effects. The most common reported negative side effects of ashwagandha are: 

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea 
  • Headache

Overall, ashwagandha is safe, however, there are certain individuals who should not take it. This includes: 

  • Pregnant women
  • Those on thyroid medication 
  • Prostate cancer patients 

For more information on the safety of ashwagandha click here

Other Benefits of Ashwagandha 

From reducing anxiety to boosting testosterone and fertility levels in men to increasing muscle mass and strength; ashwagandha has many health benefits. 

  • Boost cognitive function
  • Increase fertility levels
  • Decrease bodily inflammation 
  • May help lower cholesterol levels 

Summary 

Ashwagandha is an essential herb in ayurvedic medicine—a traditional type of Indian medicine that has shown to be effective in reducing levels of anxiety. The typical dosage of ashwagandha varies depending on the condition you wish to treat. For anxiety research suggests that 250 mg to 750 mg is most effective. 

There are very few side effects of this ancient herb, however, there are certain individuals who should avoid ashwagandha altogether. 




Also in Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha Testosterone: Does It Boost Levels?
Ashwagandha Testosterone: Does It Boost Levels?

December 13, 2021

Discover the use of ashwagandha for low levels of testosterone and the science behind the link. We also discuss how much ashwagandha per day for testosterone, when to take, ashwagandha testosterone booster, and ashwagandha testosterone.

Read More

Ashwagandha For Sleep
Ashwagandha For Sleep

December 10, 2021

Discover the use of ashwagandha for sleep and the ashwagandha sleep benefits. In this article, we also discuss when to take ashwagandha for sleep and ashwagandha sleep aid.

Read More

Ashwagandha Hair Loss | Ashwagandha Hair Growth
Ashwagandha Hair Loss & Hair Growth

December 09, 2021

In this article we discuss ashwagandha hair loss and ashwagandha hair growth. Discover the benefits of ashwagandha for hair here and the proper ashwagandha hair loss dosage.

Read More