Ashwagandha is part of a group of plants called the adaptogens. Just as the name sounds, an adaptogen helps you adapt to stress.
Increased Well-Being
One trial found that Ashwagandha increased energy, reduced fatigue, improved sleep, and promoted a greater sense of well-being. Cortisol levels dropped 26%. Cortisol is an important and potentially destructive stress hormone responsible for many of the harmful effects of stress. Along with substantially lower cortisol, the people in the trial experienced lower fasting blood sugar and improved blood lipids, both good things.
Anxiety and Depression
In another study, Ashwagandha was found to be as effective as the drug Tofranil for depression, and as effective as the anti-anxiety medication Ativan for anxiety, after only 5 days.
