ashwagandha

How to use ashwagandha for stress relief?|2024

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is a revered herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, originating from India. Often referred to as the “Indian ginseng” or “winter cherry,” ashwagandha has gained global recognition for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress and maintain balance. The plant’s roots contain bioactive compounds, including withanolides, that contribute to its various health benefits. it is renowned for its ability to enhance the body’s resilience to stress, boost energy levels, and promote overall well-being. Additionally, it is believed to support cognitive function, improve sleep quality, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Its adaptogenic nature allows it to adapt to individual needs, making it a versatile herb for a wide range of health concerns. As interest in traditional remedies grows, this herb has become a popular supplement in wellness circles, with ongoing research exploring its potential applications in areas such as immune support, hormonal balance, and athletic performance.

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Uses of ashwagandha

So what does ashwagandha do? Research shows that it can help in several ways:

โ€œPeople who are stressed or anxious, or people with chronic conditions might turn to ashwagandha to help ease their conditions,โ€ย .

How much should you take?

It comes in a variety of forms. Itโ€™s available in gummies, capsules, liquid drops and powders that you can mix into drinks.

So how much ashwagandha per day should you consume? Regardless of the form you use, Dr. Lin says dosing is usually 500 mg twice a day.

But is it safe? Dr. Lin says it mostly depends on the quality of the supplements. Her advice is to look for supplements that have been independently tested and verified by an outside company such as Consumer Lab, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or National Sanitation Foundation International.

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How to use ashwagandha for stress relief

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to help the body manage stress. It is believed to have stress-relieving properties and may help promote overall well-being. Here are some ways you can use ashwagandha for stress relief:

  1. Ashwagandha Supplements:
    • Capsules or Tablets: One of the most common ways to consume is through capsules or tablets. Follow the recommended dosage on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
  2. Tea:
    • Powdered Ashwagandha: You can mix powdered ashwagandha with hot water to make a soothing tea. Start with a small amount (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) and adjust according to your taste preferences.
  3. Tinctures:
    • Liquid Extracts: Tinctures or liquid extracts are another option. You can add the recommended amount to water or another beverage. Again, follow the product instructions for proper dosage.
  4. Smoothies or Yogurt:
    • Powder Form: If you can tolerate the taste, you can mix ashwagandha powder into smoothies, yogurt, or other foods.
  5. Oil for Massage:
    • Ashwagandha Oil: Applying oil topically through massage may also be beneficial. The herb is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help with physical manifestations of stress.
  6. Consult with a Healthcare Professional:
    • Before adding ashwa or any other supplement to your routine, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications.
  7. Consistent Use:
    • it may take some time to show its full effects. Consistent use over a few weeks is often recommended to experience the potential benefits.
  8. Be Mindful of Dosage:
    • While it is generally considered safe, it’s crucial to follow recommended dosage guidelines. Too much of any supplement can have adverse effects.
stress

Chronic stress symptoms and cure|2023

โ€œshort-termโ€ type of stress that stems from fighting with a loved one, receiving criticism from your boss or having someone break into your house. Fortunately, your body can handle acute stress far better than chronic stress, since it typically goes away fairly quickly.

While acute is known as short-term , chronic stress is defined as โ€œlong-termโ€ anxiety.

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This is stress that stems from working in a toxic environment every day or fighting with your spouse constantly. This is the type of stress that seems never-ending and can negatively impact your health.

Symptoms and impacts of stress

People may experienceย anxiety, depression, ย sadness, ย anger, ย irritability, social isolation, headache, menstrualย problems, abdominal pain,ย back painย and difficulty concentrating.

Chronic tension causes the body to stay in a constant state of alertness, despite being in no danger. Extensive studies have provided evidence of the association between “chronic stressors and physical health outcomes”ย ย Take caregiving as an example. A review of 37 studies has suggested that dementia caregivers subjected to chronic tension are more susceptible to diseases.ย Although the connection between stress and health requires continuous research, the existing findings have suggested the potential link between the two.

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Brain health on tension

A primary target of stress is the brain. When exposed to stress, it serves as the centre to interpret the stressors and determine the appropriate behavioural and psychological responses. ย Therefore, exposure to chronic stress will have a direct impact on brain function. ย For instance, chronic stress inhibits neuron growth inside theย hippocampusย andย prefrontal cortex. ย The neuronal atrophy in these two structures can lead toย hypertrophyย inย amygdala, responsible for anxiety and stress.ย In turn, this will lead to an increase of fear and aggression and impairment in learning ability.ย Memory and decision-makingย can also be negatively affected. ย Additionally, chronic stress can suppresses neural pathways active inย cognitionย and decision-making, speeding up aging. Also, being chronically stressed worsens the damage caused by a stroke and can lead toย sleep disordersย due to the overexposure of cortisol.

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Treatment

While chronic stress can negatively impact your physical health and emotional well-being, there are treatment options to aid in your healing and recovery. When seeking treatment, Dr. Emily Stone, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Austin, Texas, emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach, noting that โ€œall parts of us need nurturing in order to heal.โ€

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#1.Research shows that regular exercise can help keep cortisol levels in check. In fact, even short periods of daily movement can reduce stress levels and improve cognitive function impacted by prolonged tension. For this reason, Dr. Stone urges those struggling with chronic stress to engage in simple movement each day, such as a 20-minute walk.

#2.Leaning on family and friends can help shield you from the negative effects of chronic stress. While some people may shy away from social interaction during high-tension periods, science shows building a reliable support system can boost resilience to stressful triggers.

sleeping

Getting enough sleep is important for both body and mind. Sleep repairs, relaxes and rejuvenates our body and can help reverse the effect of stress.

Good sleep habits (also known as sleep hygiene) include:

  1. Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
  2. If possible, make your sleeping area quiet, dark, relaxing and at a comfortable temperature.
  3. Limit your use of electronic devices, such as TVs, computers and smart phones, before sleeping.
    • Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
  4. Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.