Ancient 10p herb that can help you to sleep better at night and reduce anxiety
10.02.2024 - 16:11
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
If you've been struggling to sleep recently or have feelings of anxiety that are difficult to banish, then an ancient herb may be able to help you out.
Studies have shown that ashwagandha, which is a shrub plant widely used as a supplement nowadays, can have an array of important health benefits - from reducing anxiety to improving athletic performance and even helping you sleep better at night.
The herb plays a vital role in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India. It's rich in withanolides, which is a natural compound widely believed to create a therapeutic effect on the body.
Gloucestershire Live reports that ashwagandha is renowned for its calming properties, helping the body and mind manage stress more effectively.
It's widely available to buy in supplement form, with the likes of MyProtein selling bottles of capsules for 10p per pill. You can also pick up a bottle of 60 tablets for £16 from Boots.
The main health benefit people take ashwagandha for is its ability to help reduce stress. It is classified as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body cope with stress.
In studies, Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Several clinical trials and studies support the use of ashwagandha for anxiety relief. For example, a 60-day study of 64 people with chronic stress revealed that those who took ashwagandha extract reported a 69 per cent average reduction in anxiety and insomnia, compared to 11 per cent in the placebo group.
The root has also been shown to:
Enhance brain function: Research suggests that ashwagandha may improve cognitive function, including memory, task performance, and attention, by protecting against