Remedy · herb
Ashwagandha
Also: Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng
An Ayurvedic adaptogen with reasonable evidence for stress and anxiety.
Active compounds Withanolides
Evidence by condition
Each grade reflects the research for Ashwagandha and that condition specifically.
- BAnxiety & stress
Reduces perceived stress, anxiety scores, and cortisol; trials are small and short.
2 citation s
- A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety Randomized trial 2012 · n=64 · Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine · PMID 23439798 · DOI 10.4103/0253-7176.106022
- Ashwagandha — Health Professional Fact Sheet NIH ODS · accessed 2026-06-21
- A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety
- BInsomnia
Standardized root extract (≥600 mg/day) modestly improves overall sleep quality and shortens time to fall asleep, with larger gains in diagnosed insomnia.
3 citation s
- Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis Meta-analysis 2021 · n=400 · PLoS One · PMID 34559859 · DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0257843
- Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study Randomized trial 2019 · n=60 · Cureus · PMID 31728244 · DOI 10.7759/cureus.5797
- Ashwagandha — Health Professional Fact Sheet NIH ODS · accessed 2026-06-21
- Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Cases of liver injury have been reported; choose reputable products and stop if you develop jaundice or abdominal pain.