SECRET STRESS BUSTER OF THE STARS
Meghan Markle and Jennifer Aniston are fans of healing ashwagandha. Here’s what you need to know…
e’re all feeling the strain of this pandemic and looking for ways to calm frayed nerves. Ashwagandha is loved by Megan Markle and Jennifer Aniston for its restorative benefits and ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
This powerful herb, native to South Asian and North African countries, is a type of “adaptogen”, which means it helps the body adapt to changes and be less impacted by stress. It aids in regulating levels of cortisol – your flightor-fight hormone – which then eases problems like anxiety, depression and insomnia.
When scientists gave 64 people with a history of chronic stress either ashwagandha capsules or a fake pill for 60 days, those who took the root had a significant drop in stress hormones. The researchers agreed that ashwagandha “safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and improves self-assessed quality of life”.
Obviously, a herb won’t solve
Wdepression or anxiety. For that, you need to talk to your GP about what help is available, but it can be useful in times of stress and worry. It’s best to take it short-term – no longer than three months. You can get it in capsules and from health food stores like Holland & Barrett.
Avoid it if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, diabetic, if you have low blood pressure, if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications, or if you have a stomach ulcer, an auto-immune disease like MS, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Don’t take it for at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. Also avoid if you’re on immunosuppressants or sedative medications – ask your doctor if you aren’t sure.