Stress is common among UK adults (Image: MTStock Studio via Getty Images)
There is no escaping it: Britain is under pressure. One in five adults reports feeling stressed every single day, while nine in 10 say they have experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress over the past year – placing many at genuine risk of burnout.
With Stress Awareness Month taking place in April, there has never been a better moment to take stock – and explore straightforward, effective ways to bring stress levels back under control. One solution gaining considerable momentum? Ashwagandha – an ancient Ayurvedic herb that is very much having its moment in the spotlight.
« Natural stress solutions have soared in recent years, » said wellness specialist Beverley Law, founder of ALL Creative. « Ashwagandha is particularly popular because of its adaptogenic properties – meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. »
She added: « It’s increasingly used, according to published research to help improve sleep quality, enhance cognitive function – like memory and focus – and help reduce anxiety. As a result, we are expecting to see Ashwagandha used in new innovations such as supplements and botanicals as research and awareness for it increases.
« It is always important to remember though that a supplement isn’t the cure. You do need to also focus on eating healthy foods, exercising and putting practices in place to help reduce stress, such as less screen time before bed and time outside in nature. »
Natural solutions can help, a doctor says (Image: Ekaterina Goncharova via Getty Images)
Read more: Woman’s ‘menopause’ hot flushes and tingling were 10 brain tumours
Read more: Mum ‘found something’ in shower and ‘assumed she was going to die’
But precisely why is ashwagandha attracting such widespread acclaim, and what does the research actually tell us?
Lower cortisol levels
Dr Pamela Mason, health researcher, nutritionist and adviser to ALL Creative, said: « Cortisol – often dubbed the ‘stress hormone’ – plays an essential role in helping us wake up and function day-to-day. But when levels stay elevated for too long, it can take a toll on both physical and mental health. »
Yet ashwagandha could offer a solution. Dr Mason added: « In a study, 60 adults with high stress levels were split into two groups. One group took 240mg of ashwagandha extract daily, while the other received a placebo. After 60 days, those taking ashwagandha showed significantly reduced anxiety scores – alongside lower cortisol levels – compared to the placebo group. »
Improved sleep
Sleep is vital in keeping stress at bay – yet it’s frequently the first casualty when life becomes hectic. « Without proper sleep, your mind and body can’t recover effectively, and stress levels remain high, » said Beverley. « And trying to get through a busy day while exhausted only adds to the pressure.
Dr Mason added: « Other research published this year involving 186 adults aged 18 to 65 with high stress levels, found that ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved sleep quality, including restorative sleep, allowing users to feel refreshed in the morning. Plus, it led to improved mood and reduced anxiety. »
Boost in focus
In today’s relentlessly connected world, mental sharpness has never been more essential. « Cognitive health is a growing area of investigation, » said Beverley. « Many of us are juggling multiple demands daily, so maintaining focus is vital. »
Dr Mason explained: « Although research is still growing, a study of 130 stressed adults concluded that 300 mg of ashwagandha taken daily over three months was found to help support improvements in recall memory, potentially reducing the error rate during attention tasks and an improved ability to remember patterns correctly. While ashwagandha isn’t a miracle cure, the growing body of data suggests it could be a valuable tool in managing modern-day stress. »
Source link
