Got Anxiety? This 1 Weird Indian Shrub Might Cure It

You may have heard of Ashwagandha or maybe even tried it to help reduce your anxiety. But have you really explored how and why it works? And if you are taking it, have you made sure you’re taking it correctly? Let’s break down what this weird plant is and why it’s so magical at calming you down the night before a final exam or moments before a hot date.

You May Have Heard Of Ashwagandha, But What Is It Exactly?

Ashwagandha is a traditional herb that's been a big deal in Ayurvedic medicine for ages. Think of it as nature's chill pill, hailing from India and helping guys manage stress, anxiety, and even depression without having to rely on hard-hitting pharmaceuticals.

I’ve taken it myself when my own anxiety was at an all time high, and I must say it did do wonders. It didn’t “cure” my anxiety, but I definitely felt a noticeable difference in stress levels.

Plus, with anxiety and depression getting worse for men than ever before, a natural solution couldn’t come any sooner for those in need. Especially since over 40% of men don’t even TALK about their mental health let alone do anything about it.

Anxiety For Men Is Worse Than Ever

In recent years, the escalation of anxiety and depression in young men aged 20-30 has evolved into a significant health concern.

Research indicates that approximately 30% of men aged 20-30 report experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. This marks a significant increase from a decade ago, where the prevalence was estimated at around 20%.

And sadly, the suicide rate for men aged 25-34 was 27.1 per 100,000, nearly four times higher than that for women in the same age group, which stood at 7.5 per 100,000.

With that chilling statistic in mind, it’s more important than ever for men to tackle their anxiety and depression head on sooner than later. But is Ashwagandha enough to make a difference? And if not, what else can you try?

How Does Ashwagandha Work?

Ashwagandha doesn't just help you feel relaxed; it plays a major role in your body's stress response system. It's like a natural stress manager, working its magic on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; your body's stress command center.

• Cuts Down Cortisol: This herb is a pro at lowering cortisol, the hormone that makes you feel like you're in a constant state of red alert. Less cortisol equals less stress.

• Brain Shield: Ashwagandha is also like a bodyguard for your brain cells. It fights off the bad guys (free radicals) that can make your brain feel foggy.

• Mood Regulator: It's not just about feeling less stressed. This herb also plays a role in balancing your happy chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, keeping your mood more steady.

Has It Worked Before?

University of Colorado Study: This study involved 60 students, including 9 males, who were given an Ashwagandha root extract or a placebo for 30 days. The participants taking Ashwagandha reported a sense of increased well-being, including a sense of calm, improved energy levels, heightened mental clarity, and enhanced sleep quality. They also described their stress as more manageable compared to the placebo group.

Study on Healthy Men and Women with Sleep Problems in India: In this study, 150 healthy men and women with self-reported sleep problems were randomized to take an Ashwagandha root and leaf extract or placebo for 6 weeks. The improvements in sleep quality were greater in the Ashwagandha group compared to the placebo group, with 72% improvement versus 29%. Participants taking Ashwagandha also showed improvements in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and sleep latency.

Randomized Trial on Adults with Stress and Anxiety: Another study conducted in India involved a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root given to adults over 60 days. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in stress-assessment scores and a substantial reduction in serum cortisol levels, indicating decreased stress and anxiety.

Other Ways To Ditch Anxiety You May Not Have Heard Of

If you’re tired of hearing about meditating or yoga to reduce anxiety, here are some lesser known techniques for men to try that could make a serious impact on your anxiety and depression.

4-7-8 Breathing

This breathing method, developed by Dr. Andrew Weil, is based on an ancient yogic technique called pranayama. The technique is designed to bring your body into a state of deep relaxation.

By controlling the rhythm of your breath, it helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting from a sympathetic (fight or flight) to a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state. This can be especially helpful in managing acute stress and preparing for sleep.

To do 4-7-8 breathing, simply breathe in deeply into your stomach for 4 seconds, then hold for 7 seconds, and then slowly release the air (like letting air slip out of a balloon) for 8 seconds. Repeat 3 or 4 times.

Forest Bathing

Also known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan, forest bathing is more than just a casual stroll through the woods. It's an immersive experience that encourages you to absorb the forest atmosphere through all your senses.

This practice has been scientifically shown to reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness, and even lower heart rate and blood pressure. The phytoncides released by trees, which are natural oils within the plant, are thought to be responsible for some of these health benefits.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

PMR involves deliberately tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working up to your head.

This technique helps you become more aware of physical sensations and differences between muscle tension and relaxation. It can be particularly beneficial for people who carry stress physically, leading to muscle pain or headaches.

Cold Exposure Therapy

Exposing the body to cold temperatures for short periods, such as through cryotherapy, cold showers or ice baths, can stimulate the vagus nerve. This nerve is a crucial part of the body's autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions.

Regular cold exposure has been linked to improved stress resilience, a more robust immune response, and increased endorphin levels, which can elevate mood.

The BMM Takeaway

For all the guys in their 20s and 30s dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression, Ashwagandha could be a legit natural option to manage your symptoms. But don’t stop there. Having a comprehensive approach to anxiety is the best option, involving many different stress relievers to get the job done.

Remember, though, always chat with your doc before jumping on any new supplement, especially if you're already taking meds or have health concerns. Combine it with some of the other unconventional stress reducers like forrest bathing or PMR, and you've got yourself a solid plan to keep anxiety in check.

Also, remember to take life less seriously. That girl who’s not interested in you, or the job that your “whole life depends on”? Neither of those things even matter when you think of the grand scheme of the universe. We’re all just specks floating around in space, so try to relax and just enjoy life.

Disclaimer: Big Money Methods is not responsible for any adverse health effects or side effects resulting from taking Ashwagandha or any other health supplement. All information presented in this article is strictly our opinion based on medical facts and findings. Take supplements at your own risk.