Scientists have revealed that a ‘lesser-known’ herb could provide relief for those suffering from anxiety and sleep issues due to its health benefits.
And many celebs reportedly already use the supplement, thanks to its reported benefits, with fans said to include Gwyneth Paltrow and Megan Markle.
Various studies suggest that ashwagandha supplements may help alleviate stress and soothe nerves. Ashwagandha, an ancient medicinal herb, is a key component in Ayurveda – the traditional Indian system of medicine.
It’s renowned for its calming effects, assisting both body and mind in managing stress more effectively.
The herb offers a range of health benefits, primarily due to its high withanolide content. Withanolides are natural compounds believed to contribute to the plant’s healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ashwagandha is one of the ingredients of Gwyneth Paltrow’s line of Goop supplements, specifically the Why am I So Effin Tired capsules. The doctor who created the supplement blend, said: “Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Bacopa have been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic medicine doctors as adaptogens. They essentially help the body adapt to extreme circumstances, which is one of the main roles of the adrenal glands.” Gwyneth also revealed she uses it in her morning smoothie.
If you don’t have the budget for Goop products, MyProtein offer a pack of 30 ashwagandha capsules which usually cost £8.99,but are currently on sale for £3.49, so that’s just 11p per capsule.
Research has shown that ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels – the body’s stress hormone – resulting in decreased stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is categorised as an adaptogen, a substance that aids the body in dealing with stress.
Numerous clinical trials and research studies have provided evidence of ashwagandha’s effectiveness in easing anxiety. For example, a study involving 64 individuals with chronic stress found that those who took ashwagandha extract saw an average reduction of 69% in anxiety and insomnia over a 60-day period, compared to an 11% reduction in the placebo group.
In another study, involving 58 participants, it was discovered that individuals who consumed either 250 or 600 mg of ashwagandha extract for eight weeks experienced a significant decrease in perceived stress and cortisol levels, compared to those given a placebo.
Furthermore, the group that took the ashwagandha supplements demonstrated improvements in sleep quality when compared to the placebo group. However, further research is needed to agree on the appropriate forms and dosages for managing stress and stress-related disorders.
Aside from anxiety, stress and sleep, ashwagandha has also been proven to enhance brain function. Research has suggested that taking ashwagandha may boost cognitive functions such as memory, task performance, and attention by protecting against oxidative stress in the brain.
The herb could also significantly boost the amount of oxygen produced by athletes – enhancing their performance. Consuming ashwagandha may also lower your risk of heart problems, including reducing high blood pressure, lowering high cholesterol and alleviating chest pain.
It’s important to bear in mind that while vitamin and mineral supplements are safe for most people to take, it’s most beneficial to get nutrients from food sources. Always consult your doctor before making any significant diet or lifestyle changes and to investigate if there is a cause for a potential underlying medical condition.
