For centuries, practitioners of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine system, have harnessed the power of the ashwagandha plant. Today, a new wave of enthusiasts is embracing this botanical wonder: TikTok users.
“There is a wealth of scientific research on ashwagandha,” explains Yufang Lin, an integrative medicine expert at the renowned Cleveland Clinic. However, she notes that these studies may have limitations in their data.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is commonly consumed in various forms such as powders, capsules, tablets, liquid drops, or gummies made from extracts of its roots to combat stress and improve sleep quality. Scientific evidence indicates that this supplement can effectively reduce perceived stress and anxiety levels while also lowering cortisol levels compared to placebos. In fact, individuals reported a significant 44% decrease in stress levels after taking ashwagandha for 60 days in one study. Additionally, research suggests it may help individuals fall asleep quicker and enjoy longer periods of restful sleep with fewer interruptions during the night.
Experts believe that ashwagandha could be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with high-stress situations like students preparing for exams. Margaret Harris from the University of Colorado has conducted studies on how ashwagandha supplementation impacts college students and has personally experienced its benefits.
2024-09-13 10:00:00
Originally posted on www.sciencenews.org