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Have you noticed that ashwagandha—an adaptogen
Even so, as someone who’s dealt with chronic anxiety for 16 years (ugh), I was skeptical at first. What makes this homeopathic remedy any different than all the others (read: crystal healing, tapping, etc.)? Well, after planning my wedding and starting a new career, I decided to find out. And guess what? Now I feel a hell of a lot better.
Ashwagandha (say it with me: ash-wa-gone-duh) is an adaptogenic herb that’s popular in ayurvedic medicine, the Indian practice of healing the body with specific herbs and foods. The word is actually Sanskrit for “the smell of a horse.” Why, you ask? Because some people say its smell is reminiscent of horse sweat.
A study by Phytomedicine showed that the herb can mitigate anxiety as much as pharmaceuticals like lorazepam or imipramine (the generics of Ativan and Tofranil) when taken twice a day over 60 days. In addition to curbing anxiety, a 2012 study suggests ashwagandha also
You can get your ashwagandha fix numerous ways. I take two capsules in the morning and two right before bed. If you’re pill averse, add a teaspoon of the powder into a green smoothie, tea or—if you’re really brave—water. Both the capsules and the powder cost between $10 to $25 for 120 capsules or 4 to 16 ounces, depending on the brand and quantity.
For me, it does. Like I said, anxiety has been my unwanted partner in over-thinking for a long time. It clouded my perception of my relationships, diminished my self-worth and made everyday tasks (like working, grocery shopping or watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) daunting. Frankly it was exhausting, and I was desperate for a remedy that would make me feel chill, but not like a zombie (sorry, Xanax).
I started taking ashwagandha and within a couple of weeks I was breathing easier and my thought patterns were less shame-spirally (Is that a phrase? Now it is.) Fast-forward to two months in, when I was walking the aisles of Whole Foods with ease, no longer fearful that strangers were judging my cheese consumption.
But the true test was my best friend’s wedding a few weeks later. See, normally I’d experience insomnia before a gathering of this nature and then be quiet for days after, replaying the event over and picking out things I could have done better. But much to my surprise I felt—dare I say?—at peace as my husband and I drove back home. So much so that he even expressed his surprise at how calm and easy-going (two qualities he rarely sees me exhibit) I seemed.
Now, don’t get me wrong. If I skimp on my regular usage I notice my old friend foe returning, but for the most part I’m feeling calm, cool and collected. And really that’s all I’ve ever wanted.
If you're spooked by all that horse sweat talk, try these cherry-flavored gummies that feature a mood boosting L-Theanine blend with stress-reducing ashwagandha root and leaf extract. This duo of adaptogens is formulated to reduce cortisol in the body, the fight-or-flight hormone that's been linked to poor energy levels, a weakened immune system, poor sleep quality, reduced skin and hair health and a number of other serious health consequences. Two gummies a day helps keep the cortisol at bay (and we appreciate a supplement that takes the form of our favorite candy).
This formula blends full-spectrum CBD, which has its own calming properties, with cortisol-lowering ashwagandha. You just squirt a dropperful of either the lemon-lime or tropical punch flavor under your tongue once or twice a day and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. Ah, relaxation.
This gummy touts a trademarked ashwagandha known as KSM-66, a special formula that uses only roots not leaves to ensure maximum safety and potency. It's made of pectin, not gelatin like other gummies, so it's also vegan. And with just two grams of sugar in each gummy, and fruit flavors, it will fit right into your dietary plans. Why not buy a three month's supply so you'll already have it on hand once you notice a difference after a couple weeks.
This super-squad of active adaptogens including goji berry, reishi mushroom, ashwagandha root and leaf extract has a touch of stevia to create a sweet, nutty flavor that's delish when blended into warm milk and chai. And here's a bonus: Users laud this blend for its power in reducing irritability.
With no gluten, no GMO, no soy and suitable for vegans, each capsule contains a daily dose of withania somnifera (that's the botanical name for ashwagandha). Take it with or without food.
Want to be a humming productivity machine without depending on the caffeine roller coater? Reduce fatigue and enjoy a steady stream of energy with this capsule: It blends adaptogens such as relaxing ashwagandha and fatigue-fighting astralagus root with nutrients like metabolism-boosting B6 and concentration-enhancing amino acid L-Tyrosine.
