Anxiety is a general pressure reaction preserved during human development. However, when anxiety occurs in regular events, it can take the form of a severe anxiety disorder. Such disorders cause a person to go into disturbance, an impending threat to their physical or psychological health. Symptoms of anxiety disorders are often long-term and include difficulty concentrating, increased irritability, muscle tension, restless sleep, trouble overcoming anxiety etc. Ashwagandha is a herb traditionally used extensively to treat various disorders in Ayurvedic medicine. This plant's roots, leaves, and fruits are used in Ayurvedic treatment. The Romans used to put it in their wines. Its Latin name is 'Withania somnifera'. It is believed to be beneficial in treating anxiety disorder, depression and other mental illnesses. This plant's roots, leaves, and fruits have been used for years in ayurvedic medicines.
Ashwagandha is rich in the medicinal properties:
- Decreases anxiety disorder
- It acts as an antioxidant
- Improves brain function
- Has anti-bacterial properties
- Lowers cortisol levels
Ashwagandha reduce stress
Modern life with fast-paced jobs creates a lot of stress, and 80 per cent of people believe that they face many difficulties in life due to pressure. Thus, we need a healthy way to reduce and manage stress and reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Ashwagandha is a safe and natural method to reduce stress and anxiety without harmful side effects.
Research
One study compared the anti-depressant outcome of ashwagandha with prescribed depression drugs. More interestingly, it was found that its effects on anxiety and depression were excellent compared to modern medicines. Its effectiveness has been investigated using clinical trials at Ashwagandha at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences and other US testing centres. And they have proven that ashwagandha has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties without any toxicity or side effects. In one trial, 30 patients with neurological disease were given a dose of 40 mg of ashwagandha per day for a month. The test showed that anxiety disorder symptom, i.e. panic, was significantly reduced.
Using natural remedies instead of anti-depressant drugs can positively affect the lives of millions of people. Ashwagandha can be antithetical to the stresses of the modern world.
