Ashwagandha: The Miracle Herb for Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Stress and anxiety have become very common in people’s lives today. So, people are constantly searching for ways to manage their mental health. While there are various medicines to counter the impact, Ayurveda can positively treat mental health without causing major damage. 

Ashwagandha is a magical herb that has been used for centuries to fight different diseases. While there are other medicines to treat the condition, many people may observe the side effects. 

However, when Ashwagandha is consumed within limits, there won’t be any side effects. Over the years, this magical herb has become popular for its ability to lower stress and promote well-being. 

What are The Doshas Causing Stress and Anxiety?

According to Ayurveda, there are three types of dosha- Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. Vata dosha refers to the functional energy that manages our physiology and psychology. It is made of space and air and is strongly associated with creativity, movement, and community. The proper functioning of Vata ensures that all the body’s functions are healthy. 

When the Vata dosha becomes imbalanced, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. This is mainly because excess Vata dosha leads to emotional and physical imbalance. Keeping the Vata dosha in check can help to overcome these problems. 

Can Ayurveda Treat Anxiety, Stress, and Depression?

If you’ve been suffering from anxiety, stress, or depression, Ayurveda can be your go-to remedy. Since this treatment method doesn’t cause major side effects, most people prefer it. Ayurveda aims at doshas and treats them to restore balance in the body. 

You can consume Ayurvedic supplements. Furthermore, you can make lifestyle changes and manage your diet for Ayurvedic treatment of the doshas. Ayurveda also suggests yoga and massage for treating stress, depression, and anxiety. Some popular Ayurvedic ingredients that can help with stress, anxiety, and depression are Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi. 

Ayurveda directly addresses the root cause of imbalance. This eventually plays a vital role in promoting health and healing imbalances. As a result, Ayurveda contributes to a natural and holistic way of treating the condition. 

Why is Ashwagandha the Miracle Herb?

For a good reason, Ashwagandha is known as the “miracle herb”. It is one of the most effective herbs that can cater to your needs. When it comes to promoting relaxation and treating anxiety and stress, Ashwagandha can indeed be one of the best Ayurvedic herbs. Some of the common reasons why Ashwagandha is known as the miracle herb include the following:

1. Relieves Stress

The world we live in is fast-paced, from our personal to professional lives. Keeping up with these can often be challenging and may have an impact on our health. Including Ashwagandha in your diet can help calm your nerves. 

Ashwagandha helps suppress the production of the stress hormone cortisol in our body. As a result, consuming Ashwagandha and making it a part of the diet can help treat stress levels. Since the cortisol release level is low, it will help to get over the negative impact effectively. 

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2. Fight Depression

If you are suffering from depression, then you may feel like there is something wrong with you. Well, you should not let these negative thoughts affect you. Fighting depression is no small thing, but with some help, you can efficiently treat the condition. 

Ashwagandha helps to lower stress levels, which can help treat depression in a significant way. You don’t have to take any pharmaceutical medicines in mild cases. You can eventually treat the condition with Ashwagandha without a negative impact, though consultation with your Ayurveda doctor is ust to adjust the right dosage form and dosages.  ²

3. Improve Sleep Quality

A lack of sleep can often make you worry or annoyed. The constant feeling of agitation is also a major reason for stress and worry. The sleep cycle can become disturbed due to stress. Ashwagandha helps lower the stress hormone in the body, as discussed above. 

With less stress, you will be able to sleep properly. Furthermore, Ashwagandha is rich in a component that combats insomnia. So, even if you’re suffering from insomnia, Ashwagandha can help treat the condition significantly. ³

4. Promote Wellness

Both physical and mental wellness are crucial for the proper functioning of the body. When you’re well, you are less likely to suffer from any mental problems. Therefore, using Ashwagandha can help promote wellness. 

Ashwagandha consumption allows you to stay calm and happy. When you are physically healthy and happy, you will be happy mentally as well. This will help in getting rid of anxiety and stress. 

5. Treat Anxiety

If you constantly feel anxious, you must get it checked. This is because if you don’t, the symptoms may increase, and you may start feeling nauseous. The feeling of anxiety will eventually make you physically sick. 

You must start using Ashwagandha to promote overall mental wellness. Being a proven adaptogenic herb, Ashwagandha is a relatively safe method for reducing anxiety. If you feel pressured too often, you should opt for Ashwagandha.  ⁴

6. Improves Brain Functioning

If you want to improve your cognitive functioning, you must use Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha consumption can help in treating conditions like schizophrenia or some mild cognitive problems. It helps boost attention and treat attention.

With the improvement in executive functioning, cognitive function will improve. As a result, it can help people to observe a balance in their day-to-day life. ⁵

Ashwagandha is Relatively Safe and Used Worldwide

In recent times, Ashwagandha has become the talk of the town because of its ability to treat stress and anxiety. Not only that, it is said that if Ashwagandha is consumed in the right quantities, it can help treat depression as well. Furthermore, it also boosts physical performance and improves immunity. 

Comparatively, Ashwagandha is pretty safe and is now being used around the world for treating different conditions. People in any part of the world include Ashwagandha in their daily routines. Well, people have observed great results too. 

Ashwagandha has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3,000 years and does not have any major side effects. As it is safe to use, you can consume Ashwagandha regularly for a prolonged period of time, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. So, if you are in search of a natural way to treat anxiety, stress, and depression, you might as well depend on Ashwagandha. 

Which Part of Ashwagandha is Used for Treating Anxiety and Depression?

The root of Ashwagandha is one of the essential parts of the plant. Ashwagandha root is used in a wide range of formulations, especially for treating different conditions. Ashwagandha root has constituents working as adaptogenic, anti anxiety, diuretics, anti-depressants, anti-helminthics, aphrodisiacs, and various antioxidants. As a result, it plays a vital role in treating mental problems. 

The antioxidants in Ashwagandha fight free radical damage and prevent any major health risks. Hence, the Ashwagandha root is significantly used for treating anxiety and depression. Ashwagandha root is usually available on the market in different formulations. In ancient times, the Ayurvedic healers themselves used to prepare these formulations. 

Recommended Dosage by Ashwagandha 

Ashwagandha dosage would significantly depend on the method through which you’re consuming Ashwagandha. There are three forms in which you can consume Ashwagandha. These include:

• Tablet: One tablet twice a day. 
• Churna: ¼ to ½ teaspoon daily two times. 
• Capsule: Consume one capsule twice daily. 

It is advisable to consult your doctor before starting the Ashwagandha dosage. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor can recommend the best dosage amount. 

Best Time to Consume Ashwagandha

The best time to consume Ashwagandha will significantly depend on the form you’re taking. You can consume Ashwagandha early in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also consume Ashwagandha just before going to bed. This will, however, significantly depend on the condition. 

1. Taking Ashwagandha in Morning

In the morning, you can consume Ashwagandha tea or churna balls. However, if you don’t want much hassle, you might as well include Ashwagandha tablets in your plan. However, it is advisable that you consume the tablets depending on the dosage recommended by the doctor. 

2. Taking Ashwagandha in Night

You can take Ashwagandha powder with milk the night before going to bed. You can also make an Ashwagandha dessert and enjoy it after your dinner. 

If you want to opt for tablets, you can also have Ashwagandha tablets at night. One of the best benefits of taking Ashwagandha at night is that it will function optimally while your body is resting. 

Unlock the Full Potential of Ashwagandha: Expert Tips for Optimal Use

You can easily include Ashwagandha in your daily diet. You can either consume it as tea or as a tablet. Since Ashwagandha is available in the market in different formulations, including it in a diet will never be a problem. 

However, it is advisable to use Ashwagandha in moderation to prevent any major negative impact. 

Below are some of the prominent ways to use Ashwagandha and make it a part of your daily routine. 

1. Ashwagandha Tea

Ashwagandha tea is one of the most popular beverages among people. If you drink a cup of Ashwagandha tea every day, you will get a peaceful sleep at night. It will allow your body to rest. You don’t need to get any ingredients from the market as long as you have Ashwagandha roots with you. You can just boil the root in water to infuse and drink warm Ashwagandha tea. It will help boost your immunity. 

2. Ashwagandha Tablet

One of the most common ways to include Ashwagandha in your diet is to just consume tablets or syrups. The tablets are very convenient and extremely hassle-free. Women must prefer consuming two tablets of Ashwagandha a day to boost their immunity. It will also help in promoting their overall well-being. 

3. Ashwagandha powder with Water

If you are vegan, you don’t have to worry because you can also consume Ashwagandha. While you may be wondering how to include it in your diet, the simplest thing to do is to mix it in water. 

You can purchase Ashwagandha powder from the market and mix it with water. If you don’t want to drink Ashwagandha with water, you can replace it with almond milk. You can mix a few spoons of Ashwagandha powder in your almond milk or water, depending on the recommendation. You can now enjoy your own Ashwagandha doodh as a vegan without any milk. 

4. Ashwagandha Chocolate

Isn’t it surprising to know that Ashwagandha chocolates are available in the market? Well, even if it isn’t, you can always make your own Ashwagandha chocolate. You can infuse Ashwagandha into the dark chocolate and prepare it. Ashwagandha chocolate is a natural aphrodisiac that will help boost libido. 

5. Ashwagandha Churna balls

Ashwagandha churna balls are very popular, and they are made from different herbs. Therefore, with Ashwagandha churna balls, you will get the best of Ashwagandha and other ayurvedic herbs. 

Some popular Ayurvedic herbs available in the churna balls include safed musli, shilajit, and gokshura. The combination of these herbs with Ashwagandha plays an important role in treating skin, immunity, and hair. 

6. Ashwagandha Oil

You don’t always have to depend on the consumption of Ashwagandha. The topical application of Ashwagandha is equally helpful. You can easily get ashwagandha oil and start using it. Applying ashwagandha oil will help you become relaxed and ease tension. 

Thought on the Topic!

There is no doubt that Ashwagandha is indeed a magical herb. This herb has proven to be effective in treating conditions such as depression, stress, and anxiety. Although it has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicines, Ashwagandha is now gaining popularity over prescriptive medications as well. 

Ashwagandha is known to promote relaxation, which is why it can get rid of the symptoms of depression. Since it elevates your mood, Ashwagandha can help you overcome your anxiety in no time. 

Moreover, Ashwagandha is relatively safe to use, which is why there is no risk of complications. If you are starting to use Ashwagandha, always make sure to consult your doctor. 

With everyone suffering from some symptoms or the other of stress and anxiety, including Ashwagandha as a part of the daily routine can definitely be of great help. It will help boost emotional and mental well-being. 

As a result, including Ashwagandha in our daily diet and lives will help us achieve balance and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

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2. Kumar, A., & Kalonia, H. (2008). Effect of Withania somnifera on forced swimming test-induced immobility in mice and its interaction with various drugs. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 70(6), 806-810. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.49130[↩]
3. Kaushik, M. K., Kaul, S. C., Wadhwa, R., Yanagisawa, M., & Urade, Y. (2017). Triethylene glycol, an active component of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves, is responsible for sleep induction. PloS One, 12(2), e0172508. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172508[↩]
4. Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 901-908. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0177[↩]
5. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Bose, S. (2017). Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), 599-612. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970[↩]