Helps to reduce anxiety

Ashwagandha is widely recognised for its ability to help reduce anxiety. This works through its apparent reduction in the stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol increases as we are exposed to more stress and can create longer term fatigue and mental fogginess. Brain structures and neural pathways for emotion and memory are damaged when cortisol is too high. Past clinical studies have shown that Ashwagandha significantly reduces serum cortisol levels with patients all reporting a reduction in their anxiousness.

Can help to regulate thyroid issues

Ashwagandha may also be effective in reducing the effect of thyroid issues. Recent studies indicate promising results regarding hypothyroidism. An 8-week study in 50 people with hypothyroidism found that taking 600 mg of Ashwagandha root extract daily led to significant improvements in thyroid levels, compared to taking a placebo.Those in the ashwagandha group showed significant increases in triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels of 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively. Furthermore, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels decreased by 17.5%.

Helps to improve mood & mental health

Ashwagandha can not only help to relieve stress and anxiety through reducing your cortisol hormone levels but it can also help to increase a process called synaptic elasticity, which is responsible for transferring neurons through your neurotransmitters. This process is vital for optimising several elements of your regular brain function including memory recall, regulating mood and emotional state, and even regulating your circadian sleeping pattern and improving your quality of sleep.

“Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is a popular Ayurvedic herb and considered a tonic with multiple properties. In the lab, ashwagandha has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and relax the central nervous system in animals.”

Published by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

“Ashwaganda has been studied for its benefits to lower inflammation, help Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders. Clinically, ashwaganda is found to be very helpful to calm anxiety, and specifically help agoraphobia (anxiety especially in open or crowded places). “

Published by Psychology Today

“Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally considered anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and adaptogenic. It is amphoteric in its action, as it can both stimulate and relax the nervous system; it is indicated for insomnia, fatigue, and debility caused by chronic stress.”

Published by NDNR