Natural Herbal Help for ADHD and Mood Disorders
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used as a traditional (including in Ayurveda medicine) herbal remedy for stress and other mood disorders for thousands of years. Results of modern research studies investigating the effects of this natural herb suggest that ashwagandha may offer therapeutic benefit for dealing with stress and anxiety and the conditions associated with these disorders.56 Some of these include insomnia and male infertility.54,64
Some American psychiatrists have found ashwagandha effective in the treatment of manic depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol-related paranoia. In fact, a study of 25 individuals with depression found that ashwagandha usage offered noticeable symptomatic improvement in both anxiety and depression over a period of two months.11
Ashwagandha works in many different ways to help keep the brain healthy and combat mood disorders. Research has shown that ashwagandha may affect GABA receptors in a similar way as the pharmaceutical drugs Ativan and Valium, acting as a narcotic/mild nervous-system tranquillizer.1 There is also evidence that ashwagandha may help with cognitive, mood, and neurological dysfunctions associated with ADHD, manic depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol-related paranoia.11,66-67
What is the Recommended Dosage of Ashwagandha for Mood Disorders?
Experts recommend that adults take between 1000 and 3000 mg a day in divided doses to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.68