WHY AYURVEDA’S ASHWAGANDHA IS THE ANCIENT ANTIDOTE TO MODERN STRESS: KNOW FROM DOCTOR

Ashwagandha To Manage Stress:  In today’s hyper-connected, fast-paced world, stress is no longer an occasional visitor; it’s become a constant companion for many. From endless notifications and tight deadlines to emotional burnout and sleep struggles, modern life often feels like a never-ending loop of tension and anxiety. While therapy apps, supplements and self-help hacks offer temporary relief, they don’t always address the root of the imbalance. That’s where the ancient science of Ayurveda steps in, with Ashwagandha as one of its most powerful stress-relieving allies. Known as a natural adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps the body adapt to stress, balance the nervous system, and restore mental clarity, all without harsh side effects.

Ashwagandha, also called Withania somnifera, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance resilience, promote calm and support overall well-being. Classified as a Rasayana, or rejuvenator, this herb works holistically to strengthen both mind and body. It’s known for supporting the nervous system, managing cortisol levels and improving emotional stability, all without the crash that comes from caffeine or energy drinks. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer, Kapiva, shares how ashwagandha supports emotional well-being and mental health naturally and effectively.

Ashwagandha Benefits To Manage Stress

Dr. Govindarajan suggests some benefits of ashwagandha and how to incorporate it into the daily routine of life.

Herbal Support

Ashwagandha is often the go-to herb for stress, but Ayurveda also leans on other plant allies. Jatamansi helps promote deep relaxation, Brahmi sharpens mental clarity, and Shankhpushpi offers emotional grounding. Together, these herbs create a natural cushion for the nervous system, allowing you to face life’s curveballs with calm.

Eat To Soothe, Not Stress

Ayurveda teaches that food is fuel for both the body and the mind. Eating in sync with your dosha, whether Vata, Pitta or Kapha, creates emotional balance from within. For Vata types, warm and grounding foods like stews, root vegetables, and hearty soups help stabilise the mind and body. Pitta types find relief with cooling options such as cucumber, coconut water, and leafy greens. Meanwhile, Kapha types feel lighter and more energised with spiced, light meals like mung bean soup, steamed vegetables, and warming spices such as ginger and turmeric. Dr. Govindarajan states, “Adding Ashwagandha to your diet, either as a supplement or mixed into warm milk, can enhance this balance even further.”

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Move, Breathe And Release

Yoga and pranayama (breathwork) are more than fitness, they’re stress detox tools. Flows like Surya Namaskar, grounding postures like forward bends, and calming techniques like alternate nostril breathing help clear emotional clutter. Ashwagandha can complement this by building endurance, supporting recovery, and promoting focus.

Make Friends With Stillness

When your mind is racing, sitting quietly can feel impossible. Ashwagandha helps ease the nervous system into a calmer state, making it easier to practice meditation, mindfulness, or even just conscious breathing, helping you reconnect to your centre.

Align With Nature’s Clock

Ayurveda’s daily rhythm practice, known as Dinacharya, is a gentle antidote to the high-speed pace of modern life. Rising with the sun, eating at regular intervals, and winding down before 10 p.m. help your body and mind fall into harmony with natural cycles. Dr. Govindarajan mentions, “Ashwagandha can support this routine by easing nighttime restlessness and promoting deep, restorative sleep.”

Ashwagandha Benefits To Support Mental Well-Being (Image Credits: Canva)

Create A Sleep Sanctuary

One of Ayurveda’s most nurturing rituals is Abhyanga, a warm oil self-massage before bed. Combine this with dimmed lights, unplugged gadgets, and a calming nighttime routine to signal your body that it’s time to switch off. Ashwagandha supports this transition by calming the mind and preparing the body for restful sleep.

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While stress might be woven into the fabric of modern life, it doesn’t have to define your days. Ayurveda offers more than quick fixes; it offers small, meaningful ways to steady yourself, even when the world around you isn’t. When herbs like Ashwagandha meet mindful daily habits, the journey from feeling scattered to feeling centred becomes less about perfection and more about progress. One breath, one ritual, one moment at a time, you can choose calm.