Ashwagandha for Chronic Fatigue: Benefits and Effectiveness Explained
This all results in chronic fatigue, which can make you run out of energy and gas, making it difficult to do even your basic tasks.
If you’re one of the millions who suffer from this exhausting condition, you’re probably on a search to regain your energy.
An ancient herb from Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has recently been hailed as a possible aid to the body in times of stress, anxiousness, and tiredness.
How good is ashwagandha against chronic fatigue?
In this article, we will discuss how ashwagandha can benefit in managing chronic fatigue, what it could potentially offer, and how to use it in your routine for better health.
How Does Ashwagandha Work?
Trying to identify the herb is Ashwagandha, which is also known as Withania somnifera and is a potent adaptogen, which means it helps your body to adapt to stress.
Famous for centuries for medicinal purposes as a part of Indian traditional Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is native to India.
Because ashwagandha is believed to give you the same type of energy-boosting type of nIndianginseng is often referred to as.
One of the ways in which it helps is by balancing cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone, and a chronic fatigue culprit when elevated for long periods (1).
Ashwagandha is also reputed to calm the nervous system, and this is good for anxiety and sleep.
Chronic fatigue sufferers need to be able to manage stress and promote relaxation in order to recover and restore energy (2).
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and How Does It Affect the Body?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition that causes long-term, unexplained, and unrelenting fatigue that does not improve with rest.
CFS is actually more than feeling tired — it can produce widespread pain, thoughts, and trouble concentrating, often called 'brain fog.'
The reason for CFS, however, remains unknown, though it is thought to be related to viral infections, immune system dysfunction, and extreme stress.
But for those with CFS, daily life is a struggle, and treatment is always sought after.
Natural solutions to reduce your chronic fatigue are explored, as many traditional treatments for chronic fatigue usually consist of symptom management techniques such as rest, dietary changes, and cognitive therapy.
Is Ashwagandha an Effective Chronic Fatigue Management?
Studies have been performed on the use of ashwagandha to help with fatigue, especially in patients with stress or chronic fatigue.
Also an adaptogen, ashwagandha can help the body’s stress response maintain normalcy, which may be very helpful for these individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Ashwagandha can decrease cortisol levels and therefore help relieve the physical and mental strain of prolonged stress. A study demonstrates that ashwagandha could help to increase energy and decrease fatigue.
One study conducted by the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association reported that taking ashwagandha has a great effect on energy, stamina, and overall quality of life.
Additionally, the herb is demonstrated to increase mitochondrial function, which is essential for the production of energy in the body.
Additional Benefits of Ashwagandha for Chronic Fatigue
Other than lowering stress and increasing energy, ashwagandha has other benefits that could serve people with chronic fatigue.
Chronic Fatigue Can Weaken The Immune System: When chronic fatigue causes the immune system to weaken, the body becomes more susceptible to contagions.
Ashwagandha has immune-boosting properties and strengthens the body’s defenses (3).
Many with chronic fatigue also have poor sleep, and that can improve with better sleep quality.
The relaxing properties of ashwagandha can aid in promoting a good night’s sleep, which is vital to recovery and replenishment (4).
It helps in improving the cognitive functions: Brain fog and concentration problems are prevalent in chronic fatigue syndrome.
It’s been proven that ashwagandha can enhance memory, mind focus, as well as general cognitive performance, helping to battle these mental difficulties (5).
Ashwagandha is a good choice for anyone who is trying to get away from chronic fatigue, but you get the benefits of it.
How to Use Ashwagandha for Chronic Fatigue
That being said, to maximise the benefits of ashwagandha, one has to literally know how to implement it in the daily routine.
Dosage Recommendations
For chronic fatigue, a standard recommended dosage of ashwagandha is 300–500 mg of a standardized extract, twice daily or perhaps once daily.
Yet, everyone is different, and you should never begin too high and gradually increase the dosage.
Best Forms of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha comes in capsule, powder, tincture, and tea forms.
For daily use, the most convenient are capsules and powders, while tinctures and teas provide a more traditional way of taking it.
When to Take Ashwagandha
When used for energy, it’s best to take ashwagandha in the morning or early afternoon, though you may get more benefits from taking it in the morning or evening if you’re using it to manage stress.
In the evening, it can take it and it may help to calm the nervous system for sleep.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
Ashwagandha is generally safe for the majority of people, but anything can be dangerous if taken improperly.
Digestive discomfort or drowsiness is possible in some people, and this may only be a mild side effect.
You may want to avoid ashwagandha if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications for issues with your thyroid or anxiety, or for any other reason.
It’s best to check with your healthcare provider.
Starting with the lower dose and monitoring your body’s response is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha provides a natural, scientific way to help with the management of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Adaptogenic – that is to say, stress reducing, energy enhancing, and helping to induce better sleep – are all great for people living with chronic fatigue.
Although it will not cure CFS, ashwagandha can definitely help support overall health and wellness.
However, if you regularly add ashwagandha into your daily routine, it could help beat the fatigue and stress associated with this condition.
As such, if you are ready to take control over your health, try out high-quality ashwagandha supplements from Wild Foods and discover the benefits for yourself.
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FAQs on Ashwagandha for Chronic Fatigue: Benefits and Effectiveness Explained
Does Ashwagandha cure chronic fatigue?
It’s true that ashwagandha has the potential to reduce fatigue by reducing cortisol levels, increasing energy, and promoting overall health.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What’s the best way to treat it?
It does not really matter what CFS is, as there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for CFS, but a combination of stress management, dietary changes, and supplements like ashwagandha are helpful.
Which supplement is the best friend of a person with chronic fatigue?
Rhodiola, ashwagandha, and ginseng are all highly recommended supplements for chronic fatigue because of their ability to boost energy and their adaptogenic benefits.
What herb can be used for chronic fatigue?
It is often believed that one of the best herbs for chronic fatigue is ashwagandha,a as it helps manage stress, support immune function, a nd improve sleep.
When would you expect ashwagandha to reduce your fatigue?
Plan to start seeing changes in energy and stress after 1 or 2 weeks, although the maximum effects may take as long as 1 month to appear.
Related Studies
1. Title: Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Stress Management
This randomized controlled trial found that Ashwagandha root extract significantly reduced serum cortisol levels and perceived stress scores in adults, demonstrating its adaptogenic role in balancing stress hormones.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/
2. Title: Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis of clinical trials concluded that Ashwagandha supplementation improves physical performance metrics including muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and reduces fatigue in healthy adults.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8006238/
3. Title: Studies on the Immunomodulatory Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
This animal study demonstrated Ashwagandha’s immunomodulatory activity by significantly enhancing immune response and preventing immunosuppression in mice models.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8866726/
4. Title: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study on Ashwagandha Root Extract and Sleep Quality
The study confirmed that Ashwagandha root extract significantly improves sleep onset latency, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency in both healthy individuals and those with insomnia.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32818573/
5. Title: Effects of Acute Ashwagandha Ingestion on Cognitive Function
An eight-week supplementation with Ashwagandha root extract improved working memory, executive function, sustained attention, and processing speed in healthy adults.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9565281/
