Ashwagandha, the Ancient Adaptogenic Herb

Aug 08,2023

Statistics suggest that stress in America is on the rise, with as much as 63% of the U.S. workforce having considered leaving their jobs to escape work-related stress.¹ According to a Harris Poll conducted for the American Psychological Association, the economy, our jobs and health issues rank among the top stressors for survey respondents.² The World Health Organization estimates that 12 billion workdays are lost annually worldwide due to anxiety or depression, at a cost of one trillion U.S. dollars per year.³

With the ever-rising costs of healthcare and less access to in-person doctor visits, self-care is becoming a more important means of maintaining our physical and mental wellbeing.

As APA President Rebecca W. Brendel, M.D., J.D. states, “What’s promising is that many Americans are aware of their mental health needs and taking steps to improve their own mental health.”⁴

The Ashwagandha Plant, Withania Somnifera

Stress is not just a modern-day dilemma. People have sought solace from worry and anxiety for centuries. Since life began in a Garden, it makes sense to consider the plants that God has given us as potential sources for wellness solutions. One plant in particular has shown great promise in this area, both practically and scientifically: Ashwagandha.

Originally found in the driest parts of India, the Middle East and parts of Africa, Ashwagandha grows as a desert shrub. This hearty evergreen goes by many names, including winter cherry, Indian ginger and even poison gooseberry.

Traditional Uses

The ancient peoples of the Indian subcontinent used the plant’s roots, leaves, berries and even bark for myriad medicinal purposes.

The American Botanical Society says that the dried root and whole plant are used in Indian folk medicine and references the claims of ethnobotanist James Duke, PhD, that various parts of the Ashwagandha plant are used as folk remedies for everything from hypertension and senility to asthma and hiccups.⁵

This ancient herb has garnered newfound interest in our day for its adaptogenic properties. 

adaptogen – Adaptogens are natural substances, such as herbs and roots, that may help the body adapt to and better manage stress.

The Role of Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone our body releases as part of the fight-or-flight response. When we feel threatened, our adrenal glands release hormones including cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones work together to raise heart rate, increase glucose in the bloodstream and help ensure your body can repair itself more efficiently.

cortisol – Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, which is released by the adrenal glands in response to a perceived threat

This natural process is helpful if you’re facing a dangerous or threatening situation. When your body is constantly in fight-or-flight mode because of work deadlines or difficulties in a relationship, however, chronic stress can lead to a number of health problems.

According to the Mayo Clinic, overexposure to cortisol puts you at increased risk for health problems such as these:⁶

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Digestive problems
• Headaches
• Muscle tension and pain
• Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain
• Memory and concentration impairment

Studies have shown that Ashwagandha helps balance the stress hormone cortisol, which should be higher in the daytime and lower at night.⁷

Less Stress > Balanced Cortisol > Lower Blood Pressure > Greater Wellness]

Ashwagandha for Stress Relief

Genetics and life experiences help determine how you react to stress. Regardless of your background or whether you’re able to change your circumstances, there are steps you can take to manage stress better. You may want to keep a journal, volunteer in your community or take up a hobby.⁶

As part of a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and getting seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night, you might want to consider taking an Ashwagandha supplement to help manage stress.

Several studies have supported the assertion that the herb may lessen perceived levels of stress and anxiety–even significantly.⁸

TriVita’s Ashwagandha KSM-66^® supplement was developed to help reduce stress and to promote sleep and faster recovery. Unlike many other Ashwagandha supplements, the serving size of our formulation is 600mg, equal to that used in the clinical studies.

Studies of this KSM-66 formulation have demonstrated a significant reduction in perceived stress, as well as better quality of sleep and increased alertness when rising. Less stress and healthier cortisol levels could contribute to better overall health and a greater sense of wellbeing.

References

1. https://www.stress.org/daily-life/#:~:text=key%20stress%20statistics 
2. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/october-2022-topline-data.pdf 
3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work#:~:text=Globally%2C%20an%20estimated%2012%20billion,per%20year%20in%20lost%20productivity
4. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/americans-anticipate-higher-stress-at-the-start-of#:~:text=americans%20are%20telling 
5. https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/99/table-of-contents/hg99-herbprofile-ashwagandha/ 
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037
7. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a40705977/ashwagandha-health-benefits/#:~:text=may%20help%20dial%20down%20stress
8. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/ashwagandha-benefits//#:~:text=relieves%20stress%20and%20anxiety