Ashwagandha: The Adaptogen on Steroids
Ashwagandha is a potent adaptogen that helps you adapt to stress. It’s a cortisol modulator, so if your cortisol levels are too high or too low, ashwagandha can help bring them to normal levels. Ashwagandha benefits include the following: •Helps lower cortisol naturally •Supports sleep •Improves exercise endurance •Anti-inflammatory •Boosts testosterone •Protects the brain against stress •Supports hormones, including the thyroid hormone •Anti-cancer properties Siberian ginseng is beneficial for mood and physical endurance but does not compare to ashwagandha’s hormone-balancing effects. Panax ginseng is also helpful for exercise endurance and cognitive function, but ashwagandha is better at dealing with stress-related anxiety, especially when dealing with a chronic problem. Rhodiola is good for stamina and is a natural energy booster, but it doesn’t reduce stress or anxiety. Holy basil helps calm the body and improves sleep, but ashwagandha has more benefits. Matcha root improves energy and sexual function, but ashwagandha has these benefits plus more stress-reducing benefits. Reishi mushrooms improve cognitive and immune function and also provide a calming effect, but unlike ashwagandha, they don’t affect cortisol. Ashwagandha has a comprehensive cortisol regulation effect and can help people with chronic cortisol stimulation and the problems associated with it. Ashwagandha is best taken in the evening with your last meal. It’s also beneficial to cycle your ashwagandha use. Try using it for 6 weeks at a time, followed by a 2-week break.