Do you suffer from an anxiety disorder? Try ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb

Using ashwagandha, an alternative treatment for anxiety can help in reducing the symptoms of this common mental health illness.

Anuradha Varanasi | Updated: August 22, 2016 11:40 am

Read this in Hindi.

While there’s increasing awareness about depression in India and the importance of getting treated for it, there is still not much emphasis on anxiety disorders. While the number if cases in India is still unknown, studies have found that the prevalence rate of anxiety disorders in the US is as high as 30% of the general population [1].

Living with an anxiety disorder can significantly affect your day-to-day life and your productivity at work. The different types of anxiety disorders include social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Living with an anxiety disorder can also ruin your health in the long run.

Studies have found that an Ayurvedic herb known as ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is very helpful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and calming the mind [1]. Ashwagandha has been used for centuries by Ayurveda practitioners to treat inflammatory disorders, fever and it is commonly referred as the ‘Indian ginseng’.

Ashwagandha means ‘the smell of a horse’ in Sanskrit mainly because the herb is known to give its users the strength and vitality of a horse. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2014 studied five human trials where doses of ashwagandha were used to treat anxiety. It was found that ashwagandha was very effective in treating and calming anxiety without any side-effects.

Ashwagandha works by reducing cortisol levels in the brain. Cortisol is called the stress hormone that flares up during any stressful situation and is known to cause fatigue, lack of energy and difficulties in concentrating. If you have been struggling with anxiety, you could consult an Ayurveda practitioner for the correct dosage of ashwagandha. Also, if you are already on antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines, make sure to consult your doctors before starting any alternative treatment. You could also try these natural remedies for anxiety.

References:

[1] Pratte MA, Nanavati KB, Young V, Morley CP. An Alternative Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Human Trial Results Reported for the Ayurvedic Herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2014;20(12):901-908. doi:10.1089/acm.2014.0177.

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Published: August 3, 2016 12:37 pm | Updated:August 22, 2016 11:40 am

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