It is normal to feel anxious in certain situations or during difficult times. However, if you constantly feel worried or uneasy, you may have an anxiety disorder. Although the exact cause of anxiety is unclear, it may be linked with low levels of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. If you are suffering from anxiety, your doctor may suggest you undergo cognitive behavioral therapy or learn relaxation techniques. You may also need anti-anxiety medicines. The herb ashwagandha may also help to reduce anxiety, although scientific evidence to show it is effective is limited. Get medical advice before using it.
Properties
Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry, is used in traditional Indian medicine for a number of ailments, including epilepsy, diabetes and cancer. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems notes that ashwagandha is an adaptogen. This means it helps the body to withstand the effects of stress. As such, it is also sometimes used to treat stress and anxiety. It contains a number of biologically active compounds, such as the alkaloids saponins and withanolides, although which of these constituents is responsible for ashwagandha's anti-stress effects is unclear.
Administration
Ashwagandha is commonly taken in capsules, as tablets or as a liquid infusion. Guidance regarding a suitable dose for anxiety is unclear, although the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website notes that, traditionally, 1 g to 2 g of ashwagandha root is boiled in milk or water for up 20 minutes and consumed three times daily. However, RxList states that there is not enough information to determine a suitable dose. Get advice from your doctor or a qualified herbalist before taking ashwagandha.
Efficacy
Studies evaluating the role of ashwagandha are limited. The results of a study published in the October 2007 issue of the "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology" show that ashwaganda exerts anti-anxiety effects and may heighten the effects of the prescription tranquilizer diazepam. However, the study was performed in an animal model, not humans. The results of a clinical study published in the August 2009 issue of "PLoS One" show that ashwagandha improves anxiety. However, patients who took this herb also received dietary counseling and performed relaxation techniques, so it is difficult to know what effect ashwagandha has when used alone.
Safety Considerations
RxList states that short-term ashwagandha use is likely safe but adds that the effects of long-term use are unknown. Taking large amounts of this herb may cause side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting. Ashwagandha is not a suitable anti-anxiety treatment for everyone. For example, it cannot be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also avoid this herb if you have an autoimmune disorder or a stomach ulcer. It may interact with some prescription medicines, including immunosuppressants and thyroid hormone.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anxiety
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ashwagandha
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Ashwagandha
- RxList: Ashwagandha
- "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology"; Protective Effect of Withania Somnifera Dunal Root Extract Against Protracted Social Isolation Induced Behavior in Rats; G.L. Gupta and A.C. Rana; October 2007
- "PLoS One"; Naturopathic Care for Anxiety; K. Cooley et al.; August 2009
