Ashwagandha For Stress, Anxiety, and Social Phobia 

Among the rising health burdens of this modern century, mental health issues are a major concern. According to WHO, depression is the single largest contributor to disability and suicide. While there is rising awareness about depression, mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and social phobia are still considered taboo. There is a rising number of cases of these mental health issues that go unreported which severely impacts the quality of life. In this blog, I bring you research evidence on the efficacy of Ashwagandha for stress, anxiety, and social phobia.

Ayurveda has mentioned the use of Ashwagandha as a Rasayana that helps in soothing the symptoms of anxiety. Vaidyas have used this for centuries for treating several diseases, including inflammation, pain, anxiety, and cell damage. Now, scientific research and studies are also coming to the same conclusion. 

According to research, Ashwagandha helps in treating stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness. It is also great for stress-induced infertility in men and stress-induced loss of libido in women. Ashwagandha is further effective in treating hormonal imbalances and mood swings. 

Because of this scientific evidence, even practitioners of modern medicine are showing trust in alternative treatments like Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is gaining popularity in the West as a natural treatment for stress and anxiety. Its efficacy as an adjuvant in cancer treatment and Alzheimer’s disease is further aiding in spreading awareness about this miracle herb!

Also Read: Easy Home Remedies of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha For Stress

Stress causes the release of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can lead to fatigue and mental fogginess, emotional imbalance, memory impairment, and several other imbalances. It is the main cause of several chronic diseases. And research shows that Ashwagandha is a great natural adaptogen. 

Scientific studies have proven that Ashwagandha lowers inflammation and helps in reducing cortisol levels. It is effective in treating Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders. Ashwagandha further aids in balancing hormonal imbalances which is one of the major causes of anxiety.

In a 2012 study, volunteers suffering from stress were given Ashwagandha twice a day for 60 days. The study found that the treatment group exhibited a significant reduction in anxiety levels without causing any side effects.

Also Read: Amazing Ashwagandha for Women

Ashwagandha For Anxiety

Several studies have shown that Ashwagandha has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. It aids in calming the symptoms of anxiety. A 2000 study quoted that Ashwagandha is as effective as the modern anxiety-reducing drug, lorazepam. In another study, 64 people with chronic stress were supplemented with Ashwagandha. 69% reported a reduction in anxiety and insomnia.

In another 6-week study, 88% of people who took Ashwagandha reported a reduction in anxiety. Ashwagandha is also proven to be helpful in agoraphobia i.e. anxiety in crowded places. Some studies also claim that the adaptogenic properties of Ashwagandha balance hormones and decrease joint inflammation. 

Also Read: Research on Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha For Social phobia

Social phobia affects around 12% of the population at some point in life. It can severely impact one’s quality of life, affect one’s performance in the office, and impair one’s social relationships. This magical herb can help ease anxiety and induce calmness. Ashwagandha has been proven very helpful in treating social phobias. 

Also Read: Ashwagandha for men’s sexual performance

Ashwagandha Dosage 

Also called ‘Withania somnifera’, Ashwagandha is widely available in the form of tablets, capsules, or powder. Ayurvedic practitioners usually recommend 300 mg of extract once or twice a day. However, if you are planning to start an Ashwagandha supplement, consult a doctor before starting Ashwagandha, and do not self-medicate. 

Global availability of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a widely available herbal remedy. However, it is important to choose a trusted brand. Himalaya Ashwagandha, Dabur Ashwagandha, Baidyanath Ashwagandha, Patanjali Ashwagandha, and Brihatri Ashwagandha are some popular and trusted brands that are widely available across the globe either in health stores or through online orders. Always do your research before buying Ashwagandha. 

Ashwagandha Toxicity & Side Effects

Till now, no patient has reported toxicity that has resulted from the use of Ashwagandha. However, in some patients, larger doses of Ashwagandha may cause mild sleepiness, loose stools, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before starting Ashwagandha.

Your Takeaway

Ashwagandha is an excellent adaptogen and Ayurvedic physicians have been using this herbal medicine as a general energy booster for centuries. According to Vedic scriptures, Ashwagandha helps to relieve stress, treat anxiety, and resist physical and mental illnesses. It is very effective against insomnia, anxiety, depression, infertility, and hormonal imbalances. Ashwagandha which means ‘power of a horse’, is also effective in correcting several sexual dysfunctions. Recent studies are also indicating the efficacy of Ashwagandha in preventing and managing cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and stress-induced illnesses.

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