Ashwagandha Has Changed My Mental Health

Anxiety is something I have struggled with for as long as I can remember. A lot of it was because of my heightened empathy, and just general social awkwardness. I was a very anxious child. This became worse, and was joined by depression, when I was bullied in primary school. I spent a lot of time in my head, crying and wishing to be someone else. And although high school was a much better experience, I had never outgrown the anxiety and I would have mild bouts of depression every few months.

I had managed this and the suicidal thoughts that came along with it through spirituality, eating well and escapism through television. I had resigned to always having to deal with it though because I had never really experienced life without these struggles. This was until I discovered ashwaghanda. I don't know how I came about it, but I do remember thinking that it can't hurt to try it as it was such an affordable and natural option.

After my first bottle was used up my life had changed forever. I remember always being in disbelief when my mom told me that she was able to sit and think about literally nothing. My mind was always on full speed, thinking about any and everything. This was mostly to my detriment. After two weeks of taking ashwagandha, however, this chatter had quieted down so much that for the first time in my life I too could think about nothing. The change was so subtle and non-invasive that I wouldn't have noticed the difference had I not read a couple of Reddit posts on other people's experiences. 

I expected a drastic change in my mental activities but instead what I got was the most natural shift. My mind chatter had become a low lull but I was still 100% myself. I felt like myself but much less anxious and depressed. I finally felt like a normal person, who could flow through the ups and downs of life without having a break down.

A few months after starting my journey with ashwagandha my best friend passed away. It was a massive shock and tragedy. As someone with previous mental health struggles I was very afraid of what this meant for me, and although much of my life came to a standstill the negative thoughts were at a minimum. I did see a therapist to help me through the loss, but in all honesty I believe ashwagandha was my saving grace more than anything. 

Ashwagandha is a an ancient Ayurevedic adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to both environmental and psychological stress. They're non-stimulating, non-addictive and naturally help guide your body to its own natural homeostasis.

Ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years to relieve stress, increase energy, improve concentration, and keep away infections. "Ashwaghandha" is Sanskrit for "smell of the horse" which is attributed to both its smell and its ability to increase strength. I can vouch for each and every single one of these claims, which aren't even half of it's benefits, except the smell because I take it in capsule form to avoid just that. I suggest you do your own research if your interest has been peaked, but here are a list of some of the benefits that are supported by science:

1. Reduces blood sugar levels.
2. Anti-cancer properties.
3. Reduces cortisol levels.
4. Reduces stress and anxiety.
5. Reduces symptoms of depression.
6. Boosts testosterone and increases fertility in men.
7. Increases muscle mass and strength.
8. Reduces inflammation. 
9. Lowers cholesterol.
10. Improves brain function.

Medical Caution: Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before using  supplements if you have any health conditions. Ashwagandha is not recommended for women who are pregnant.