Looking for a herbal remedy for anxiety? Ashwagandha is one herbal ingredient that has been getting a lot of attention recently with several celebrities like Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow reportedly being avid fans. It is believed to have many health benefits, however anxiety and stress relief is one of the main reasons people try it. But just how effective is it? And are there any side effects? This post explores the effects of this herb in more detail.
What is ashwagandha?
Sometimes known as ‘Indian Ginseng’ or ‘winter cherry’, ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that is often harvested for its roots. The roots of ashwagandha have been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. They are typically crushed into a powder, but can also be drunk as a tea or consumed as an extract within a pill or tablet.
What effect does ashwagandha have on the body?
Ashwagandha is often referred to as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances believed to help adapt the body to physical and mental stress. Studies have shown that it can help normalize cortisol levels - the hormone that makes us stressed.
Anxiety is essentially an intense form of stress. Therefore it makes sense that ashwagandha could help to ease anxiety. Studies have found positive results to support this.
Ashwagandha could have other benefits too. Because of its ability to reduce stress, it is often used to help improve sleep quality. Some research has also found that it can boost sex hormones and lower blood sugar. There is also evidence to suggest that it has anti-inflammatory properties, however it’s not recommended as a pain reliever - herbal ingredients like CBD can be a better option for alleviating pain.
Does ashwagandha have side effects?
Although not common, there are a few reported side effects of ashwagandha usage. Some people report feeling drowsy after taking ashwagandha - this is ideal if you’re trying to beat insomnia, but could be a problem in situations where you need to stay alert. Ashwagandha can also cause an upset stomach in some people and it is not recommended that pregnant women take it. Some studies have also reported harm to the liver, however further research is needed to understand the extent of this danger.
How should I take ashwagandha?
The most common way to take ashwagandha is as a herbal supplement in tablet or pill form. There are many supplements that you can buy online or from a local herbal pharmacy. Ashwagandha pills can be taken in the morning to relieve anxiety, or in the evening to help with sleep.
Ashwagandha can also be taken as a raw powder than can be drunk with water. Roots can also be added to hot water to create a herbal tea (there are tea leaves and teabags you can buy containing the extract). Just be wary that in its raw form ashwagandha does not smell very appealing - in fact, ashwagandha literally translates from sanskrit as ‘smell of the horse’.