Conclusion: The current systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs revealed a beneficial effect in both stress and anxiety following Ashwagandha supplementation. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.
Does Ashwagandha help with anxiety?
Yes, for most people. 88% of 881 people who reported on Ashwagandha for anxiety say it improved. 5% noticed no change and 7% say it got worse. That is about the typical result for anxiety (85% across 95 options).
Anxiety: what users report
88%better881 reports · high confidence
778 better43 no change60 worse
Ranked #14 of 95 for anxiety.
What people say about Ashwagandha and anxiety
“I sleep better. I'm more relaxed. Stress is lower... it caused me terrible depression that lifted once I stopped.”
“My five year old daughter fell beside me and I didn't feel empathy towards her. I stopped taking that shit.”
“Completely believe this. It's literally impossible for me to feel panic/anxiety when I'm fully on Ashwagandha. It's a good life.”
“There are some others that I tried such as taurine, ashwaghanda and CBD but I didn’t notice much difference with them.”
What the research says
AResearch: Strong48 meta-analyses · 59 trials on PubMed
Phytother Res · 2022
Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsExplore (NY) · 2024
Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysisConclusion: The findings from the included studies indicate that Ashwagandha formulations have beneficial effects on stress and anxiety. The adverse effects associated with Ashwagandha are limited; however, further information is required to determine its safety with long-term administration.
Curr Opin Psychiatry · 2023
Interventions for generalized anxiety disorderSide effects people mention
anhedonia 141drowsiness 44fatigue 31depression 26irritability 26
What else is Ashwagandha used for?
Information only — not medical advice. How we count