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First things first: ashwagandha. Yes, it’s a bit of a tongue-twister, but don’t let that put you off. This ancient herb might sound confusing, but it’s been a staple of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Known as the “king of Ayurvedic herbs,” it’s the herbal equivalent of that multi-talented friend who juggles a million tasks effortlessly – boosting stress resilience, immunity, libido, sleep, and energy. Basically, it’s nature’s very own overachiever.
But before you sprint to the health food aisle, here’s what you need to know. From what ashwagandha actually is, to whether it’s really worth the hype? For answers, we turned to Lynsey Vaughan, Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) at Higher Nature, to help us decode the power of this adaptogenic superstar.
What Is Ashwagandha?
“Ashwagandha is a powerful herb with a rich history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for supporting vitality, resilience to stress, libido, immunity, and more,” explains Lynsey Vaughan. In other words, it’s a herb that likes to play the long game – it’s not flashy or faddy but quietly effective, like the herbal version of a solid eight hours of sleep.
If you’re wondering why everyone’s talking about it now, it’s because ashwagandha has earned its stripes in the world of modern wellness. And unlike a lot of trendy supplements that come and go (hello, goji berries and wheatgrass shots), ashwagandha’s benefits are backed by centuries of use and a growing stack of scientific research.
What Does Ashwagandha Do?
The short answer? A lot. The longer answer? It’s packed with bioactive compounds that make friends with your body’s key hormones, neurotransmitters, and immune cells.
“As an adaptogen, ashwagandha is thought to enhance your body’s resilience to stress by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis – essentially, your body’s stress-response HQ,” says Vaughan. Translation: it helps your body keep its cool when life gets chaotic. Studies also suggest it might help lower cortisol (aka the stress hormone), which can do wonders for your mood, energy, and overall health.
And then there’s sleep – the holy grail of wellbeing. “Poor sleep and increased stress significantly increase inflammation, impair immunity, and impact energy and mood,” says Vaughan. “By supporting better sleep, ashwagandha could help your body rest and recover more effectively, setting the stage for better overall wellbeing.”
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
As much as we’d love to call it a miracle herb, ashwagandha isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. “Many people don’t realise that supplements, particularly natural ones, can interact with health conditions or medications,” says Vaughan. At higher doses, side effects like nausea and an upset stomach aren’t uncommon.
So, before you go all in, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare professional – especially if you’re dealing with a chronic condition or taking medication. Wellbeing, after all, is about what works for you.
How To Choose The Best Ashwagandha Supplement For You
Not all supplements are created equal – and that’s especially true with ashwagandha. “Some supplements contain ‘token’ amounts of active ingredients, meaning they’re not effectively dosed,” warns Vaughan.
Her advice? Do your homework. Look for supplements that include clearly labelled active ingredient levels and cross-check them with research-backed doses. And don’t fall for packaging that promises the world without delivering the goods.
Can Ashwagandha Help With Energy and Focus?
Beyond its stress-busting and sleep-supporting superpowers, ashwagandha might also give your energy and focus a subtle lift. “Some studies suggest ashwagandha supports cognitive function and brain health by interacting with neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine,” says Vaughan.
On top of that, it’s brimming with antioxidants and may even increase oxygen uptake, which supports cellular energy. It’s the herb that keeps on giving.
“Poor sleep and stress both undermine cognitive function and energy in a variety of ways, so helping these areas could lead to improvements overall,” Vaughan adds. It’s a reminder of how beautifully interconnected our wellbeing truly is – and why something as simple as a plant can sometimes make a profound difference.
Should You Add Ashwagandha Into Your Wellbeing Routine?
Ashwagandha might not have the sparkle of a green juice or the buzz of a double espresso, but that’s exactly its charm. It’s steady, consistent, and quietly powerful – the kind of herb you want in your corner when life gets hectic.
If 2025 is the year you’re looking to feel calmer, sleep better, or simply tackle your to-do list with a little more focus, this ancient Ayurvedic herb might just deserve a spot in your supplement arsenal.
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DISCLAIMER: Please note that this article is intended as informational and is therefore not to be used as a substitute for medical advice. This article does feature the advice from expert(s), but this commentary is their own and not to be taken as views of NEOM Wellbeing.