Ashwagandha for Treating Anxiety

Anxiety is very common, in fact anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health diagnoses. The symptoms vary from person to person but many people look for some intervention to help manage those symptoms. There are many clinically proven things – from counselling, to exercise. Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb, commonly used for treating anxiety. A lot of good quality, human research has been conducted, showing its clinical utility.

Research on Ashwagandha and Anxiety

There are an abundance of human trials showing Ashwagandha is effective and safe.

Trial 1: a randomized control trial with 75 patients was conducted. They patients were given dietary counselling, deep breathing techniques, a standard multi-vitamin and ashwagandha supplement (300 mg, twice daily). It was found over 12 weeks to have helped with anxiety, mental health, and quality of life significantly [10].

Trial 2: this was a randomized trial, with 60 patients, with anxiety. They were given 300 mg of ashwagandha (standardized) or placebo. It was found the ashwagandha group had significant improvements to anxiety, sleep and even cholesterol values [11].

Trial 3: this 60-day trial, with 60 adults compared 240 mg of a standardized ashwagandha extract once daily versus placebo. It was found that the ashwagandha group saw significant reductions in anxiety, reductions in morning cortisol and increased testosterone in males (not females).

Take Home Message on Ashwagandha and Anxiety

As you can see there is some good human research on the use of ashwagandha on anxiety. It’s effectiveness and safety is well established. Still, it’s recommended to discuss these options with a naturopath or other doctor you’re familiar with before starting any natural compound.

Now we know counselling and naturopath can work together to help combat anxiety.