Ashwagandha is a powerful herb used in Ayurvedic medicine and has become very popular for its potential to support emotional health.
Scientifically known as Withania somnifera, it is also an adaptogen because it helps the body handle stress.
It’s being studied to see if it affects mood, stress, and emotional well-being.
Learning About Ashwagandha and Its Link to Mood
How does Ashwagandha work, and what is it?
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
Traditional medicine has been used for centuries to improve vitality, energy, and mental health.
Ashwagandha is thought to boost mood because of the active compounds in ashwagandha, called withanolides. (1)
The compounds might affect the brain’s stress response by lowering levels of cortisol, which tend to rise during stress.
How Ashwagandha Works on Our Emotions
It is believed that ashwagandha regulates neurotransmitters in the brain.
It might help raise serotonin levels, a significant neurotransmitter connected to happiness and good brain health.
It also has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked with mood disorders. (2)
Finally, Ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties continue to balance the body's stress response, inducing a feeling of calm and emotional steadiness.
Benefits of Ashwagandha for mood enhancement
Of all the documented benefits of ashwagandha, one of the most well-known is that it reduces stress and anxiety.
It lowers cortisol levels, or the “stress hormone.”
In 2019, a study observed that people taking Ashwagandha reported a reduction in stress and anxiety to a greater extent than those who took a placebo. (3)
Ashwagandha calms the nervous system, making it easier for people to feel more relaxed and tackle daily stresses.
Here’s How Ashwagandha Can Help You Relax Better and Sleep Better.
A stable mood and emotional health are crucially dependent on sleep.
Studies have found that ashwagandha improves sleep quality by increasing relaxation and reducing insomnia symptoms. (4)
Because it has a calming effect on the nervous system, it helps individuals fall asleep faster and enjoy more restorative sleep.
Improved sleep often leads to better mood and less irritability all day long.
Emotional Potential Benefits for Men and Women
Unique emotional benefits of Ashwagandha may be specific to men and women.
It can help women to balance hormonal fluctuations contributing to mood swings and anxiety.
In men, ashwagandha may support emotional stability by fostering higher testosterone levels while also aiding in low testosterone levels and feeling less stressed.
With these gender-specific concerns in mind, Ashwagandha has emerged as a popular choice to support your mental well-being.
Ashwagandha and Mood: Conserns and Side Effects
Ashwagandha usually is well tolerated, but some people can experience side effects.
Some common side effects are headaches, nausea, and stomach upset.
Some people say that they feel ‘weird’ or numb emotionally after taking Ashwagandha.
However, this occurs if the dosage exceeds its potential or in case of interaction between the herb and other medication(s):
These side effects can be minimized with a gradual increase in dose.
Concerns for Men and Women: What to Watch Out For
The effects of ashwagandha may differ from one man to another or woman to another, depending on their health conditions.
Women can be disturbed by high doses, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If men take Ashwagandha for testosterone support, they should be aware that oversupplementation could result in mood swings or aggression.
For people with pre-existing health problems or for just about anyone, it’s always a good idea to chat with a healthcare provider about starting any new supplement.
How Much Ashwagandha Should You Take Per Day?
The amount of ashwagandha you should take depends on your requirements and health goals.
Studies suggest that the effective dose of a standardized extract is 300–600 mg daily. For mood enhancement (5)
You need to start with a lower dose and then increase it once your body responds.
Ashwagandha taken with meals can improve absorption and decrease the chances of side effects.
When Is the Best Time to Take Ashwagandha for Emotional Balance?
Supplementation with ashwagandha at certain times can affect how it affects mood.
Most people take ashwagandha at night because it relaxes and helps you sleep better.
But others like to take it in the morning to alleviate daytime stress and control their emotions.
There are many different times you can experiment with to see what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
A promising benefit for mood and emotional health can be found in Ashwagandha.
It is a useful tool for people who wish to support their mental well-being with something natural because of its capacity to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase emotional resilience.
Ashwagandha should be used with caution, though, and you should consult a doctor before beginning any dosage.
Ashwagandha can help you balance the benefits and side effects of your emotional health journey.
Take the first step to emotional harmony 🌈. Try Ashwagandha and feel the difference!
FAQs
Does Ashwagandha make you feel sad?
Ashwagandha has been found to help elevate mood by lowering stress and increasing relaxation.
Does Ashwagandha turn off emotions?
Ashwagandha, while reducing stress, can leave some people emotionally numb if they take a high dose. A lower dose can help you start.
How quickly does Ashwagandha influence mood?
It takes 2–4 weeks to notice changes in mood and stress levels with Ashwagandha.
What makes me feel weird when I take Ashwagandha?
Taking too much ashwagandha or being sensitive to the herb can make you feel strange afterward. Often, reducing the dosage helps.
How do you take Ashwagandha for mood?
For mood support, take 300–600 mg per day with meals, at the best time for you.
Related Studies
1. Title: Withanolides and Their Impact on Emotional Health
A study highlighted the role of withanolides in ashwagandha as effective compounds for alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms, showcasing their potential in emotional health management.
Link: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/3827581
DOI link: 10.5455/cumj.2024.03
2. Title: Neuroprotective Effects of Withanolides from Ashwagandha
Research indicates that withanolides, the active compounds in ashwagandha, may reduce brain inflammation and positively influence mood disorders through their neuroprotective properties.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/
DOI link: 10.5455/cumj.2024.03
3. Title: Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study
This 2019 clinical study demonstrated that ashwagandha root extract significantly reduces adult stress and anxiety levels, confirming its efficacy as an adaptogen.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/
DOI link: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.01.001
4. Title: Ashwagandha Root Extract Improves Sleep Quality and Reduces Insomnia
Summary: A 2021 study found that ashwagandha root extract significantly improved sleep parameters and reduced insomnia symptoms in participants, establishing its potential as a natural sleep aid.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32818573/
DOI link: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.01.001
5. Title: Recommended Dosage of Ashwagandha for Mood Enhancement
Based on multiple clinical trials, this review confirms that daily doses of 300–600 mg of ashwagandha are effective for enhancing mood and reducing stress.
Link: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
