Struggling with Stress & Anxiety? Meet Ashwagandha!

Stress and anxiety are becoming more and more prevalent. Venerated since ancient times, science is proving the herb ashwagandha to still be up to the task.

In 2024, the American Psychiatric Association reported that an overwhelming 43% of adults say they are more anxious than did the previous year. In 2022, 49% of American adults said that stress had negatively affected their life.

Several studies have shown the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha to be effective for stress and anxiety. This new double-blind study put ashwagandha to the test in 60 people with high stress and anxiety from generalized anxiety disorder. Ashwagandha root and leaf extract that was standardized for 35% withanolides was given in doses of 60mg and 120mg for 60 days.

Total scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) decreased by 59% in both ashwagandha groups versus a 0.83% worsening in the placebo group. The 60mg ashwagandha group had a 53% decrease in the perceived stress scale, and the 120mg group had a 62% decrease. Perception of stress improved by only a 5% decrease. Levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, dropped by 66% in the 60mg group and by 67% in the 120mg group. They went down by only 2.2% in the placebo group. All three of these improvements in the ashwagandha group were significantly superior to placebo.

The elevated cortisol levels of stress can inhibit production of testosterone, leading to decreased sex drive and muscle mass and diminished quality of life in men. In this study, testosterone increased by 22% in the 60mg group and by 33% in the 120mg group compared to a 4% increase in the placebo group. There was no change in the females in the study.

This study adds to the evidence that ashwagandha can provide significant relief to people struggling with stress and anxiety.

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For much more on natural approaches to stress and anxiety, see our book The Family Naturopathic Encyclopedia.

For much more on ashwagandha, see our book Healthy Herbs: Your Everyday Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Their Use.

For comprehensive natural help with your health, including mental health, stress and anxiety, make an appointment to see Linda Woolven now. Linda’s clinic is now open for in person and virtual appointments.

The Natural Path is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For health problems, consult a qualified health practitioner for a comprehensive program.

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Both of these results are statistically significant.