What are ashwagandha’s main benefits?

Ashwagandha is best known for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and stress-relieving effects.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} It also seems to reduce cortisol levels.^{[6][7][3][4][8][5]} In addition, a growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of ashwagandha for improving total sleep time and sleep quality in people with and without insomnia.^[9]

Since the stress response has a wide range of effects on the human body, it is possible this action is where ashwagandha’s reputation for being a ‘cure all’ originated. There is increasing support for the use of ashwagandha in the context of health states that are typically affected by a chronic stress response.^[10] Ashwagandha research in cardio-respiratory and musculoskeletal performance enhancements has shown promise for both athletes and non-athletes.^{[11][12][13][14][15][16][17]} Similarly, ashwagandha may also improve immune health, women’s health, men’s health, and sexual health. Unfortunately, due to inconsistencies in the research, it has been difficult to form any direct conclusions.^{[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]}