Ashwagandha is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine and is known for its potential benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Research has suggested that ashwagandha may help to alleviate depression symptoms by reducing cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that is often associated with stress.
In addition, ashwagandha may increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that participants who took ashwagandha supplements for eight weeks experienced a significant reduction in their depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who took a placebo.
Another study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that ashwagandha may have a positive effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the body's stress response.
If you are interested in using ashwagandha to help manage your depression symptoms, it is important to consult with a licensed naturopathic doctor professional first. They can help determine if ashwagandha is a safe and effective option for you, and can also help you determine the appropriate dosage.
Overall, ashwagandha has shown promise as a natural remedy for depression. While more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits, it may be a worthwhile option to consider for those seeking natural alternatives to traditional antidepressants.
References
Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: A Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-213. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9
Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-262. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.106022
Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K. Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(1):96-106. doi:10.1177/2156587216641830
Singh K, Sharma S, Gupta GK. Evaluation of antidepressant-like activity of root extract of Withania somnifera in mice. Indian J Pharmacol. 2011;43(5):520-525. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.84973
Choudhary B, Shetty A, Langade DG. Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. Ayu. 2015;36(1):63-68. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.169002
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