The popularity of Ashwagandha has been due to its ability to improve mental clarity and lessen brain fog.
Every day, many people have brain fog, which causes a lack of focus, memory, and the ability to think clearly.
Ashwagandha has been used as an adaptogen—a medication that helps your body deal with stress—in Ayurvedic therapy since ancient times (1).
There’s also relatively new research that suggests that ashwagandha might help with mental clarity and overall brain health.
In this article, we’ll discuss what ashwagandha is, how it works, and what are the potential benefits of ashwagandha for mental clarity.
In addition, we’ll talk about how to take it safely and what you can expect from this ancient herb.
How Does Ashwagandha Work and What Is It?
Native to India and North Africa, Withania somnifera is a tiny shrub with yellow flowers.
This is also called 'Indian ginseng' due to its rejuvenating properties.
Active compounds such as withanolides are found in the roots and leaves of ashwagandha, but it is thought that they are responsible for many of its health benefits.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body deal with stress.
Adaptogens control hormones such as cortisol, the ‘stress hormone.’
Excessively high levels of cortisol can have a negative effect on mental clarity, causing a person to feel fuzzy headed and unable to concentrate.
Ashwagandha may help balance cortisol and help restore mental clarity.
Stress and Brain Fog: The Link Between the Two
It’s a common problem that can afflict people of all ages.
It is usually thought of as a feeling of mental cloudiness or lack of focus.
Brain fog can be caused by stress which disrupts hormone levels and disrupts brain function.
Cortisol, which your body releases when you’re stressed, can cause clouded thinking.
High cortisol levels caused by chronic stress keep you in a state of mental fatigue and fog.
One of the main things that will help you get rid of brain fog and get your mental clarity back is reducing stress.
Cognitive function may be improved and brain fog may be cleared by ashwagandha's potential stress-relieving properties.
Ashwagandha for Mental Clarity
From the ability to reduce stress, ashwagandha is a strong candidate for aiding in mental clarity.
In this post, we’re going to focus specifically on how ashwagandha can help clear brain fog and give you a sharper focus.
Effects of Ashwagandha on Cognitive Function and Focus
Some studies show that ashwagandha is capable of enhancing memory, focus and overall cognitive function (2).
Another study found that adults who took ashwagandha did better on test involving memory and information processing.
The herb seems to improve brain function, making it easier for the brain to focus and stay mentally sharp.
Ashwagandha may provide valuable support for people who have trouble remembering or concentrating.
Mental clarity is needed for improving focus and memory retention.
By reducing stress, ashwagandha may help you stay mentally sharp all day.
Will Ashwagandha Help with Brain Fog?
Balancing stress hormones is one of the main ways ashwagandha may help with brain fog (3).
Lowers cortisol levels, ashwagandha helps calm the mind, which can decrease the symptoms of brain fog.
There is research that shows that stress reduction is good for cognitive performance, including mental clarity.
Ashwagandha may help people who experience brain fog because of stress or anxiety.
It’s easier to think and make decisions without being overwhelmed.
Results vary, but many people say ashwagandha makes them feel more focused and alert.
Enhancing Calmness to Support Mental Clarity.
Ashwagandha also is a healthy mental benefit because it promotes a calm and focused mindset.
It can be difficult to concentrate when your mind is in the clouds, its clouded with stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha has additionally been demonstrated to have quieting capacities, easing anxiousness and settling in individuals (4).
As the mind becomes calm, naturally the mind gets clear.
Use of ashwagandha regularly can normalize one’s mind, increasing the ability to focus and think clearer.
If you want to do your daily tasks properly and think more clearly, you need to have a calm mind.
Ashwagandha may have a calming effect for people who are fatigued mentally and stressed.
Side Effects and Safety of Ashwagandha
Most people can safely use ashwagandha, however it is vital to be aware of any potential negative effects.
Side effects include drowsiness, upset stomach and in rare cases allergic reactions.
Ashwagandha is not recommended for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, or for anyone taking specific medications as directed by a physician.
If you take the recommended dosage you can minimise possible side effects.
If you are sensitive to herbs, start with a lower dose and watch your body reaction.
Most say ashwagandha is generally safe to take as directed.
If you have any concerns, always best to speak with a healthcare provider.
The Best Way To Take Ashwagandha For Mental Clarity
Ashwagandha is available in form of capsules, powders and extracts.
Every form has its own benefits, but capsules are usually the most convenient.
The recommended dose of ashwagandha for mental clarity is 300 to 500mg per day, but dosage varies.
Using ashwagandha in the morning may support focus all day long.
Taking it in the afternoon can help manage stress without drowsiness, some people find.
Your results can depend on finding the right dose and timing.
Like anything, consistency is key.
Other Natural Supplements That Also Support Mental Clarity
While ashwagandha is a popular supplement for mental clarity, there are other supplements which may boost cognitive health.
The herbs that have been studied with regard to their effect on focus and memory are Rhodiola, Ginkgo Biloba and Bacopa Monnieri.
For example, Rhodiola is another adaptogen that can assist you with stress and mental fatigue.
It’s known that Ginkgo Biloba improves blood flow to the brain, which may help with clearer thinking.
Adding ashwagandha to these herbs would potentially help enhance mental clarity.
But you shouldn’t take too many supplements at once because it could cause unwanted side effects.
When thinking about supplements in general, it’s wise to begin with one or two to see what they do.
Adding high-quality supplements to your routine can be a simple way to support your overall health and maintain balance throughout daily life.
Should Ashwagandha be the Mental Clarity Solution?
Ashwagandha is a natural way to help support mental clarity and fight brain fog.
If you are trying to clear your mind and improve focus, ashwagandha may be a good addition to a wellness routine.
Results can vary from person to person, but it’s important to keep realistic expectations.
Ashwagandha is not a magic pill, it’s a tool that may help the body reach a balanced and calm state.
Ashwagandha when combined with a healthy lifestyle may be a useful aid to maintain mental clarity.
If you’re thinking of taking ashwagandha, talk to a healthcare provider first to be sure it’s right for you.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha can be your ally in your effort to achieve mental clarity.
Like cleaning a foggy window, ashwagandha may help ‘clear the fog’ of mental ‘fog’ that stress and daily pressures can cause.
It’s not an instant fix, but with regular use and a balanced lifestyle, ashwagandha’s calming and stress reducing effects can help you have a clearer, more focused mind.
What if you could show up to each day free from mental clutter, with a sharper memory, and stronger focus?
If mental clarity and peace of mind are your goals, ashwagandha may be a good way to try and support these outcomes.
As usual, before starting any new supplement, find out if it is the correct one for you by speaking with your doctor.
One ashwagandha capsule away from taking the step toward a clearer mind.
FAQ
Does ashwagandha improve mental clarity?
While ashwagandha can help with mental clarity by reducing stress and promoting calmness, ashwagandha isn’t a commonly used supplement.
Can ashwagandha help clear brain fog?
Balancing cortisol and easing stress may help reduce brain fog, and ashwagandha may be one way to do it.
How quickly does ashwagandha improve mental clarity?
Full effects can take as long as eight weeks, but some people see benefits in as little as a few weeks.
When is the best time to take ashwagandha for mental clarity?
People take it in the morning or afternoon to support mental clarity without drowsiness.
Are there any possible side effects to ashwagandha and mental clarity?
Ashwagandha is generally safe, but may cause mild drowsiness in a few people.
Related Studies
1. Title: A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, PlaceboControlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a HighConcentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults
This study found that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels in adults, with a notable decrease in serum cortisol levels.
Link: https://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Ashwagandha-Root-Shows-Promise-for-Anxiety-and-Stress.pdf
2. Title: The Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
This trial demonstrated that ashwagandha supplementation improved cognitive function, including memory and attention, in healthy adults over a period of eight weeks.
Link: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/28471731
3. Title: Effects of Ashwagandha on Cognitive Function and Stress-Related Brain Fog: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study showed that ashwagandha supplementation improved cognitive function and reduced symptoms of brain fog related to stress in participants experiencing chronic stress.
Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/12/1813
4. Title: Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This systematic review concluded that ashwagandha is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and promoting calmness among individuals with anxiety disorders.
Link: https://search.library.wisc.edu/article/cdi_proquest_miscellaneous_2707603183
