If you’re feeling stressed, adaptogens could help. Promote inner calm with our pick of the best ashwagandha supplements…
Words: Lily Smith | Images: Shutterstock
Ashwagandha may seem like the latest craze in the wellness world, but this powerful plant has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Sourced from the roots and leaves of the Withania somnifera plant grown in India, Africa and the Middle East, ashwagandha offers many benefits for both body and mind. It is also an adaptogen – meaning it helps your body either up-regulate or down-regulate whatever is needed.
When it comes to stress, it can help reduce cortisol and, therefore, it can help mitigate the effects of stress on the body. ‘Ashwagandha optimises the stress response by lowering cortisol levels and promoting a calmer, clearer state of mind,’ says Amy Peacock, founder of Earths Secret (earthsecret.com). ‘It’s been clinically proven to reduce feelings of anxiety by supporting the production of mood-stabilising brain chemicals.
‘Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance GABA receptors [GABA is an amino acid that helps regulate mood] and serotonin in the brain. It appears to work on neuron receptors, enabling GABA to connect more easily, which then inhibits the brain signals present when a person is under stress,’ Amy adds.
Support your hormones
MyOva Balance
Top Sante verdict
Designed to support both mental and hormonal health, this supplement is expertly formulated with ashwagandha to relieve stress; magnesium, rhodiola root and passion flower to reduce fatigue.- 2000mg of Myo-inositol to promote hormone balance
- Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body resist physical and mental stress
- Magnesium and Rhodiola Root Powder help reduce stress and relieve tiredness and fatigue
- Avena Sativa assists your body in absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat
- Passion Flower helps promote better sleep
Natural formula and eco-friendly packaging
Herbtender Calm and Collected
Top Sante verdict
This soothing blend is formulated to ease anxiety and promote calm, thanks to stress-relieving ashwagandha and antioxidant-rich holy basil leaf, along with lion’s mane mushrooms.- Calming formula
- Supports sleep
- Mental balance
- Enhance relaxation
With added magnesium
Wild Nutrition KSM-66 Ashwagandha Plus
Top Sante verdict
This adaptogenic food supplement combines high-quality KSM-66 ashwagandha, which has been organically grown and sustainably harvested in southern India, with Food-Grown Magnesium.- Relaxation + emotional balance
- Most scientifically-studied form
- Added Magnesium
- Positive mood
- Premium, root-only extract
- Reduction of tiredness + fatigue
Pill-free sleep remedy
indi Rest blend
Top Sante verdict
This 100 per cent plant-based sleep tincture combines the world’s most naturally sedative plants, including ashwagandha, L-theanine, valerian root, 5-HTP, chamomile and peppermint, to ease anxiety.- Natural botanical extracts
- No next day grogginess
- Includes Ashwagandha
- Peppermint flavour
