I heard that ashwagandha can help decrease stress.

Mental Health/Mood & Stress

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Q. Dear Terry, “I heard that ashwagandha can help decrease stress. Is this true? If so, how much ashwagandha should I take per day?” – Lily T., Providence, RI

A. Dear Lily, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a highly valued adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine, one of the oldest healing systems in the world. Ayurveda has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years and ashwagandha has been a prized herb throughout much of Ayurveda’s history. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is known as a rasayana, or rejuvenating herb. The name ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit word used to describe the essence of a horse, referring to both the scent of the plant’s roots, but also the strength and vitality that comes with using ashwagandha. Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used for calming nerves, decreasing stress, reducing inflammation and pain, improving energy (physical and sexual), and joint conditions.

When it comes to stress, ashwagandha can influence many pathways in the body that are involved directly or indirectly with stress response. In clinical trials, ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, balance stress hormones, and increase protective antioxidant activity, which all play a major role in decreasing stress levels. Ashwagandha also works with neurotransmitters like GABA, which help instill a sense of calm. Because ashwagandha can address stress from so many angles, I consider it a go-to botanical for stress.

I prefer ashwagandha that uses a water and ethanol extraction process, to yield a higher concentration of withanolides. Withanolides are some of the key compounds found within ashwagandha and have been studied on their own for stress relieving effects. Ashwagandha is a very safe herb and can be taken long term. I would take 150 mg of ashwagandha that is standardized to at least 35% withanolides. 

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally