Ashwagandha And Depression: A Viable Natural Depressive Mood Remedy?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects one in 15 adults (about 6.7%) in a given year. Depression is more than feeling sad; it can affect a person’s work, personal relationships, family dynamics, and daily life in several ways. Trying to live with depression on your own without therapy or medication can be challenging. However, some people may worry about the potential side effects of prescription medications and be hesitant to take antidepressant medications. Instead, they may seek out holistic options and natural remedies, such as ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha has been touted as a possible treatment for depression, but individuals may wonder if it works well enough to replace antidepressant medications. While ashwagandha may not be as effective as antidepressants, it may be helpful as a supplement for some people.
However, before taking a natural supplement for depression, ensure you research what scientific literature says about the efficacy of such remedies. In addition, discuss these supplements with your doctor to ensure they have no interactions with current medications or treatments. In some cases, supplements might not be recommended, and everyone is different.
What is ashwagandha, and what can it do?
Ashwagandha, sometimes called Indian ginseng, Indian winter cherry, or poison gooseberry, is a perennial nightshade shrub with small bell-shaped flowers and orange-red fruit. Both ashwagandha and ashwagandha extract are potent and could have an off-putting smell for people who are sensitive to smells. Some may compare the smell to that of a horse.
Ashwagandha as a treatment for stress, anxiety, and other ailments
The word ashwagandha comes from two words in Sanskrit that mean “horse” and “smell,” respectively. In the past, some thought that the plant could give individuals the same strength and virility as a horse. For thousands of years, people have used the ashwagandha plant’s stem and berries to make medicines to treat various ailments, including stress, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, hiccups, and other challenges. The medical herb is commonly used in Ayurveda, an Eastern medicine system that originated in India.
Ashwagandha as an adaptogen
In the United States, ashwagandha extract is typically sold in health stores, mostly for the plant’s anti-anxiety benefits. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as “plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue, and overall well-being.”
Potential benefits of ashwagandha
The following are possible benefits of taking ashwagandha. However, speak to your doctor before taking any supplement, as taking too much or taking it alongside other supplements, medications, substances, or vitamins may result in adverse effects.
Decreased cortisol levels
Ashwagandha root extract may reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and too much cortisol can lead to anxiety. Because this supplement can reduce cortisol levels in some people, ashwagandha may be a useful natural option for those experiencing mild anxiety.
Decreased insomnia
Research shows that ashwagandha may also serve as a sleep aid. The plant’s species name—somnifera—means “sleep-inducing” in Latin. One double-blinded, randomized study published in 2019 concluded that ashwagandha root extract improved insomnia for some people. However, before taking ashwagandha for insomnia, speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with any other medications you’re taking.
Increased fertility
One study suggests that ashwagandha may help improve semen quality in men experiencing infertility. For three months, the study treated 180 men with somnifera root power and measured “sperm concentration, motility, lipid peroxide, and hormonal perturbation.” The authors concluded, “The results suggest that Withania somnifera may be used as an empirical therapy for clinical management and treatment of infertility.”
Ashwagandha and depression
According to research published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, ashwagandha may relieve depression symptoms due to the withanaloides and alkaloids it contains. In addition, a review published in Current Neuropharmacology found that the supplement could relieve symptoms of depression through serotonergic pathways, GABA regulation, and modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes.
Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that ashwagandha may reduce stress and anxiety, which can sometimes coexist with depression. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, “anxiety and depressive disorders are among the most common psychiatric illnesses; they are highly comorbid with each other, and together they are considered to belong to the broader category of internalizing disorders.”
Ashwagandha and depression: Consult a healthcare before taking a supplement
While ashwagandha may reduce depression symptoms for some individuals, speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially if you take other medications. In some cases, the strength or quality of natural remedies like ashwagandha extracts may vary across products, so exercise caution when trying these products. In addition, this supplement has not been approved by the FDA for treating any condition. Despite preliminary evidence that it may be helpful, it is not an evidence-based treatment.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Lifestyle management options for depression
While the medical community conducts additional research into how ashwagandha affects depression, other approaches may also be helpful in managing symptoms and don’t require medication. Consider trying the following approaches to relieve depression:
- Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins, which are one of the body’s “feel-good” chemicals. Taking walks, practicing yoga, or engaging in other forms of movements or workouts may also raise the dopamine level in the brain, subsequently lifting your mood. If you’re new to exercise, you may want to avoid strenuous exercises like running, which could wear you out quickly. Consider an exercise class, beginner’s yoga, or going for walks.
- Partake in what you love: Depression can make you lose interest in previously pleasurable activities. To combat this symptom, consider making plans with someone to engage in one of your favorite activities. Doing so may help you combat low motivation. You might set a time to go out for dinner, go hiking together, see a movie, or choose another fun activity. With time, you may begin to enjoy your favorite activities again.
- Follow a routine: Depression symptoms may cause you to deviate from your well-structured daily plans. Setting a daily routine of tasks you would like to accomplish each day may help you manage depression symptoms more effectively.
- Talk to someone: Reaching out for help is sometimes mistakenly seen as a weakness, but it takes strength to seek support. Talking to someone like a loved one or a professional may help you alleviate symptoms of depression.
Support options for people with depressed mood or depressive disorder
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression and ashwagandha or other remedies don’t help, you may benefit from speaking to a licensed therapist. Seeking the support of a therapist may be an effective way to ease the symptoms of depression and develop a plan of action toward long-term wellness. They may also refer you to a psychiatrist or other physician who can prescribe medication for depression if recommended.
With online therapy at BetterHelp, you can discuss your symptoms with a licensed therapist via audio, videoconferencing, or live chat if you feel more comfortable. You can also contact your therapist in between sessions through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can.
Online therapy can help people with depressive mood
If your symptoms of depression make it difficult to leave home to see a therapist, you might consider online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, which has been proven to be effective by numerous peer-reviewed studies. One study published in the journal JMIR Mental Health found that online therapy was effective for both anxiety and depression. The researchers concluded that the “results suggest that digital interventions can support sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety.”
With online therapy platforms, you can discuss your symptoms with a licensed therapist via audio, videoconferencing, or live chat if you are more comfortable. You can also contact your therapist in between sessions through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as possible.
Takeaway
With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist who has knowledge of ashwagandha and other remedies for depression, and you can usually start therapy within 72 hours. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that makes sense for your situation and feels right for you. Take the first step toward relief from depression and contact BetterHelp today.
How do I know if I need an antidepressant?
People who may benefit from taking antidepressants include people who:
- Have been diagnosed with moderate, severe, or chronic depression
- Haven’t seen changes in their symptoms with talk therapy and lifestyle changes
- Have symptoms of depression that interfere with their daily life
Everyone is different, so talk to your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication. Therapy is another evidence-based treatment for depression, and alternative options are also available, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
What is the safest antidepressant?
While any FDA-approved medication is considered to be generally safe and effective, certain antidepressants have fewer side effects and, therefore, may be more easily tolerated by patients. The class of antidepressants that usually have fewer side effects are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. SSRIs increase serotonin production in the brain to improve mood in those with a deficiency.
What is the best medicine for depression?
Antidepressants are often considered the gold standard of medication for depression. When doctors prescribe antidepressants for depression treatment, the first type of antidepressant is often a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs because they often have fewer side effects and may be more easily tolerated by patients compared to other classes of antidepressants.
Can I take an ashwagandha herbal supplement for my depression if I take antidepressants?
Research shows that ashwagandha may be safe to use with SSRIs. Still, ashwagandha is not FDA-approved, and no evidence shows how ashwagandha may interact with other antidepressants. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement or medicinal herb, such as ashwagandha, with an antidepressant.
Is it true that ashwagandha may reduce cortisol levels and cure anxiety?
In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of conditions, including anxiety. Some studies showed the capacity of ashwagandha to reduce stress by lowering the cortisol level. While ashwagandha is considered a supplement and, therefore, is not approved by the FDA, a modern, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study shows the herb may reduce stress and anxiety in adults with minimal side effects. However, note that anxiety disorders are often persistent and cannot be “cured.” These conditions can often be managed and go into remission with support.
What are alternatives to antidepressants?
Several FDA-approved treatments can be used to treat depression other than antidepressants, including:
- Talk therapy: One specific type of talk therapy, called cognitive-behavioral therapy, is proven to be effective in treating people with depression.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy: TMS is a noninvasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression symptoms. TMS is proven to be effective, even when antidepressants aren’t.
- Electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy: ECT is a procedure performed under anesthesia where a medical professional will administer an electric current through the brain to treat depression symptoms. ECT is typically considered when other treatments have not relieved depression symptoms.
Will I be OK without antidepressants for my depression?
Research shows that antidepressants can be helpful for people with moderate, severe, and chronic depression. If you have mild depression, your doctor may only recommend antidepressants if other treatments, like talk therapy and lifestyle changes, do not help your symptoms.
If you’re nervous about taking antidepressants, ask your doctor about other FDA-approved depression treatments.
Can you stay on antidepressants for life?
Long-term antidepressant use is only recommended for patients with chronic depression or patients who experience frequent depression relapse. Research shows that long-term use of antidepressants is associated with an increased risk of certain health complications, like coronary heart disease. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication, such as quitting taking an antidepressant.
What is the world's no. 1 antidepressant?
Zoloft is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the US. Zoloft belongs to a class of antidepressants, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which is used as a first-line antidepressant.
What is the strongest antidepressant?
The most effective antidepressants are SSRIs, including:
- escitalopram
- paroxetine
- sertraline
Is ashwagandha good for people with depression?
What are the negative sides of an ashwagandha herbal supplement?
How quickly does ashwagandha lower cortisol to reduce stress and anxiety?
Can I take ashwagandha as an adaptogen forever?
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