Ashwagandha for Anxiety Relief

Research suggests that ashwagandha may help reduce anxiety and stress-related symptoms, with the most directly relevant evidence coming from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showing meaningful reductions in self-reported anxiety scores, perceived stress, and morning cortisol levels compared to placebo. A 2026 narrative review of clinical trials similarly identified anxiety and stress relief as among the more consistently supported applications for ashwagandha, while also noting a generally favorable safety profile based on decades of widespread use. Two additional studies in the provided evidence base offer limited insight into anxiety specifically — one tested a multi-ingredient perimenopausal supplement that included ashwagandha but lacked a placebo control and cannot isolate ashwagandha's contribution, and one examined a constipation formula with no direct bearing on anxiety outcomes. Overall, the evidence leans supportive but remains limited in volume and scope, and readers should be aware that ashwagandha is sold as a dietary supplement without FDA or EMA drug approval, meaning regulatory scrutiny of efficacy claims is minimal.