POV: You started taking Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to help with stress, anxiety, and other conditions. It is classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with stress.

Research suggests that ashwagandha supplements may help relieve stress and anxiety. In a small study with 58 participants, those who took 250 or 600 mg of ashwagandha extract for 8 weeks had significantly reduced perceived stress and levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared with those who took a placebo. Those who took the ashwagandha supplements also saw improvements in sleep quality compared with the placebo group.

Ashwagandha may also have beneficial effects on athletic performance. A study found that those who took ashwagandha supplements had improved endurance, strength, and muscle recovery compared to those who took a placebo.