Destress and rebalance with Ashwagandha
There are many moments when, for no apparent reason—or sometimes due to multiple factors happening simultaneously—stress can take a toll on us, making us feel as if we are being pulled in many different directions. When I find myself in moments like these, I take a step back, breathe deeply, and reflect on the root causes of my stress. In my search for natural ways to restore balance and calm my mind, I discovered a remedy that never disappoints: an ancient root widely used in Ayurvedic medicine—ashwagandha.
I first came across ashwagandha while researching natural remedies for stress and sleep support. While melatonin is often recommended for insomnia, it doesn’t always work for me, particularly when traveling across time zones. This is because sleep deprivation often stems from anxiety and overactive thoughts rather than just a disrupted circadian rhythm.
Ashwagandha is known for its stress relieving and calming properties.
What is Ashwagandha and What Are Its Benefits?
Ashwagandha, whose name in Sanskrit means “smell of the horse” (both for its distinct scent and its ability to enhance energy and focus), is one of the most well-known adaptogens. Adaptogens help the body manage stress by lowering cortisol levels, which can also have a positive effect on the skin.
Native to South Asia, ashwagandha has been used for centuries for its calming properties, as well as its benefits as a male fertility tonic. As a natural stress-reliever, it helps regulate the body’s stress response by reducing cortisol levels and supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key player in stress regulation. Studies suggest that taking up to 240 mg of ashwagandha daily for two months can significantly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and lower anxiety.
Beyond its calming effects, ashwagandha is also known for enhancing cognitive health. It improves memory, attention, and information processing speed. One of its key compounds, Withaferin A, has demonstrated antioxidant effects on the brain, further supporting cognitive function.
Additionally, ashwagandha can enhance athletic performance by increasing maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), an indicator of heart and lung health. Higher VO2 max levels are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. For those engaged in resistance training, taking as little as 600 mg daily has been shown to support muscle mass growth.
For me, ashwagandha has become a go-to remedy whenever I feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety. My closest friends know that I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone struggling with anxious thoughts, sleep disturbances, or the need to declutter their mind and relax.
One of my favorite products from Semaine, PMS and Period Support, contains ashwagandha along with other powerful adaptogens. This supplement has been life-changing for me, eliminating PMS symptoms and period cramps while promoting overall well-being.
As always, consult your doctor before trying any new supplement, as it may interact with existing medications.
Have you tried ashwagandha? Let us know about your experience!
