Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Overview

In plain language

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to reduce stress, support energy, and improve sleep quality. For older adults, it promotes calmness, resilience, and balanced mood.

Originating from Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha helps the body adapt to physical and emotional stress. Modern research links it to lower cortisol levels, better sleep, and improved strength and focus. Seniors may benefit from reduced anxiety, enhanced stamina, and improved cognitive performance. Its gentle adaptogenic action supports both relaxation and vitality without sedation, making it a useful daily tonic for healthy aging.

Benefits

Use this section to compare the kinds of benefits people most often look for from this treatment.

General Benefits

Ashwagandha nurtures overall well-being by restoring balance to the body’s stress response. It helps calm the mind, sustain energy, and promote restful sleep, supporting emotional and physical stability in later life.

Physical Benefits

Supports healthy cortisol levels – Adaptogenic properties help modulate the stress hormone response
Enhances energy and stamina – May improve physical performance and reduce exercise-induced fatigue
Supports muscle strength – Research shows benefits for muscle mass and recovery when combined with exercise
Promotes thyroid function – May support healthy thyroid hormone levels and metabolic balance

Mental Benefits

Additional Information

Related Conditions: Sleep apnea, fatigue, anxiety

Conditions This May Help With

See where this treatment appears most often and review the related condition pages for context.

Health Condition

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotional state characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease. It can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing. While a certain amount of anxiety is normal, excessive or persistent anxiety can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

7 studies

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Health Condition

Frailty

Frailty is a medical condition common among older adults, marked by decreased strength, endurance, and overall resilience. It increases vulnerability to illness, falls, and slower recovery from health challenges. With early detection, proper nutrition, and targeted exercise, frailty can be managed or even reversed.

4 studies

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Health Condition

Insomnia

Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, is a common sleep disorder that can significantly impact quality of life. It can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for months or years. While insomnia can affect people of all ages, it is particularly prevalent among older adults.

3 studies

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Health Condition

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by a decline in cognitive function that is greater than what might be expected due to normal aging. While MCI itself is not a diagnosis of dementia, it can be a precursor to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

2 studies

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Health Condition

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing red, scaly patches. It can affect people of any age but is particularly challenging for older adults due to potential complications with other health conditions. Understanding and managing psoriasis is important for maintaining skin health and overall well-being.

1 study

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