Stress and anxiety Ashwagandha may have a calming effect on anxiety symptoms when compared with the drug lorazepam, a sedative and anxiety medication. A 2000 study suggested that the herb had a comparable anxiety-reducing effect with lorazepam, suggesting that ashwagandha might be as effective for reducing anxiety.
Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system. Since ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen, it is used for many conditions related to stress. Adaptogens are believed to help the body resist physical and mental stress.
Stress relief benefits
The stress-reducing effects of ashwagandha are not immediate, but can be felt within a couple hours. Clinicians recommend using the herb as needed for stressful situations; it is not recommended to be a long-term solution for stress reduction.
Ashwagandha is a powerful and effective supplement with many benefits. It can have remarkable effects on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While it may take 4-12 weeks for some people to start noticing the effects, many have seen positive results before then.
Some people report that ashwagandha makes them slightly sleepy, or even a little dizzy, with an irregular heartbeat. Other studies have reported that it's generally well-tolerated, with few side effects, but that some more research may be necessary for the long term.
"It can help with balancing stress levels, boosting mood, and helping with mental clarity and focus. There are also studies that show ashwagandha can help with inflammation and reduce pain."
If you're feeling more calm and relaxed, that's a good sign that the ashwagandha is working. You may also notice an improvement in your sleep quality.
Ashwagandha benefits
Normalizes cortisol levels, which reduces the stress response. Reduces inflammation. Reduces cancer risks. Improves memory.
Ashwagandha can act as an energizer, revitalizing all bodily functions. Some people prefer it to taking caffeine, since it won't produce jitters, give you insomnia and it isn't addictive. However, ashwagandha can work dually as a calming factor on an overactive nervous system.
If you are working to reduce stress* Ashwagandha can be consumed at any time of the day. Some people find that taking it in the morning helps them start their day with a calm and clear mind, while others prefer to take it in the evening to help them relax before bed.
While some people experience short-term benefits while using ashwagandha, many others experience negative emotional and physical side effects when using it. These ashwagandha side effects include an emotionally blunt affect—feeling flat and emotionally numb.
Ashwagandha can also cause blood sugar levels to drop rapidly. Low blood sugar results in physical weakness, mental dullness, and confusion, which are all symptoms known to increase the likelihood of depression.
The amount of time it takes for ashwagandha to start working varies from person to person, but most people begin to feel benefits after a few weeks of regular use. However, for the best results, it is advised that you take a regular ashwagandha supplement for at least 6-8 weeks.
One study even found that ashwagandha significantly improved participants' attention spans, as well as their immediate and general memory across a variety of tests.
Some report having strange and unusually vivid dreams during the first few days of taking Ashwagandha. We think perhaps it is in the way it helps us let go, and release the stress and tension that allows bad dreams to change into better ones. We hope everyone gets the deep restorative sleep they need.
Mary Sabat, MS, RD, LD, says, “Even though ashwagandha is thought of as a calming herbal supplement, it may cause anxiety in some people. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that the ashwagandha's heating energy may cause anxiety in some people due to its stimulating effects.
People can usually tolerate ashwagandha in small-to-medium doses. However, there have not been enough long-term studies to fully examine the possible side effects. Taking large amounts of ashwagandha can lead to digestive upset, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This may be due to irritation of the intestinal mucosa.
What are the possible side effects of ashwagandha? Taking ashwagandha by mouth for up to 3 months seems to be safe. Large doses can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in rare cases, liver problems. Ashwagandha is probably unsafe for pregnant women because it might increase the risk of miscarriage.
Ashwagandha boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in emotional and mood regulation. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Ashwagandha Supports Mood*
Can Ashwagandha work for ADHD? The short answer is: no. There is no substantial scientific evidence supporting its use for this specific condition.
Potential Side Effects of Ashwagandha
You should always take a break for 2 - 4 weeks before beginning your daily intake again.
Triethylene glycol naturally present in the herb may bring on sleepiness, according to the findings of some researchers. Recent research also back ashwagandha's qualities in helping people fall asleep faster, sleep longer and have better sleep quality.