SUPPLEMENTS
SUPER SUPPS!
If you’re feeling stressed, adaptogens could help. Promote inner calm with our pick of the best ashwagandha-containing supplements.
ASHWAGANDHA MAY SEEM like the latest craze in the wellness world, but this powerful plant has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Sourced from the roots and leaves of theWithania somnifera plant grown in India, Africa and the Middle East, ashwagandha offers many benefits for both body and mind. It is also an adaptogen – meaning it helps your body either up-regulate or down-regulate whatever is needed.
When it comes to stress, it can help reduce cortisol and, therefore, it can help mitigate the effects of stress on the body. ‘Ashwagandha optimises the stress response by lowering cortisol levels and promoting a calmer, clearer state of mind,’ says Amy Peacock, founder of Earths Secret (earthsecret.com). ‘It’s been clinically proven to reduce feelings of anxiety by supporting the production of mood-stabilising brain chemicals.
‘Ashwagandha has also been shown to enhance GABA receptors [GABA is an amino acid that helps regulate mood] and serotonin in the brain. It appears to work on neuron receptors, enabling GABA to connect more easily, which then inhibits the brain signals present when a person is under stress,’ Amy adds.
Addtowarmmilk or coffee
PHYTONECTARS IAM FOCUSED(£14.95 for5sachets, phytonectars.com). This rich, velvety, spicedcacaodrink features an innovative fermented ashwagandha extracttosupportstablebrain performance,along with maitake, lion’s mane andcordycepsmushroomsto improve cognitive function, relieve stressand increasefocusand productivity.Delicious heatedwith plantmilk, or simplyaddasachet to your morningcoffee.
Combined adaptogens andnootropics
Earths Secret Calm (£35 for60 capsules, earthsecret.com). With gold standard KSM-66 ashwagandha, alongwithfourother ayurvedicherbs and naturalnootropics, including L-theanine and rhodiola rosea, this vegan-friendly rejuvenating tonic is designed to reduce stresswhile enhancing mental well-being andfocus.
Support your hormones
MyOva Balance (£35 for 120 capsules, myovacare.com). Designed to support both mental and horm
