Ashwagandha … from Wakanda?
MEDHINI RAMESH – Anxiety is among the most common mental health issues that dominates the college atmosphere. To combat the overwhelming amount of stresses that arise during this transition phase of life, many students are turning to a herbal supplement called Ashwagandha. This buzz word has been circling the news for over a decade, yet most people still don’t know exactly what it is, or what it does.
What is Ashwagandha?
This medicinal herb is slowly taking over the market as a natural ayurvedic remedy that can support immune health, enhance metabolism, and improve sleep quality – but works to mainly reduce stress levels. It works to reduce cortisol levels, especially the high morning stress peak.
What else can it do?
- It can increase testosterone levels, more so in men
- It can lower joint pain
- In some cases it can act as a positive mediator for helping treat diabetes
- For some people it can help improve their focus and memory
- Lowering cortisol levels can help increase the absorption of certain nutrients so those who have nutrient imbalances may consider this product if they feel that they are losing too much of what they eat due to high stress volume
Three types – which is best?
There are three main types of ashwagandha that are used in public: root extract, KSM-66, and sensoril. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks and each can have a different effect on different individuals. Root extract usually has the lowest concentration of active ingredient per serving, but it is easy to incorporate it into your diet. Senoril has the highest amount, but it is known to make people feel drowsy and decrease focus. The goldilocks type that balances the amount of active ingredient with a moderate amount of active ingredient is called KSM-66. This is the one most people use, but it’s always recommended that you try each one and see which fits best for you.
Some other important information:
- Always do your own research and contact your physician before jumping to take any sort of supplement
- Remember: supplements are not as regulated by the government as drugs are.
- Macro Cycling: the body will eventually get used to the supplement, so most people who take it take it 2 weeks on and then 2 weeks off
- It can be absorbed better with food (and the chances of stomach pain decrease with food)
- A common side effect is stomach irritation loose stools
- It should not be used if you are or plan to be pregnant because it may cause an abortion
All stress is not bad stress
While excessive stress overtime can lead to disastrous effects, some stress is good. For some people that morning burst of cortisol is what piques their most productive hours and dampening that peak can put a pause on their routines and schedules. This in turn causes the increased tension in their life that they were trying to reduce in the first place.
What else can I do to lower stress?
This is just one way that people are reducing stress in their life. There are so many other positive ways to go about reducing the effects of stress and anxiety. While it will be different from person to person, it’s not wrong to try lifestyle changes or supplements (**recommended or approved by a physician) before moving on to more complex remedies (like drugs or therapy). As cliche as it may sound, exercising, eating right, and finding some laughs may be all you need to lower stress levels. If lifestyle changes are not doing it or you are not able to change your lifestyle, they make sure you speak with your physician and make a plan to live a calmer, happier life.
Copy Editor: Akshay Nair
Photography Source: Shweta Mistry,