Stress is our body’s way of responding to challenges. A little stress can be motivating, but when it becomes chronic, it can affect everything from our mood and sleep to heart health and immunity (12).

Anxiety often goes hand-in-hand with stress, bringing persistent worry or that overwhelming feeling that can make even simple everyday tasks feel much harder. Chronic stress and anxiety can impact nearly every system in the body, including the brain, heart, gut, hormones, immunity, and sleep quality (12).

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb that’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to boost vitality and calm the mind. Modern research confirms its reputation as an “adaptogen”—a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress (9).

How does it work? Ashwagandha helps balance cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Clinical studies show that people taking Ashwagandha report lower stress and anxiety scores, better sleep, and even improved overall wellbeing (6),(8). Studies have also shown us that it’s gentle on the body, with no major side effects (13).

But Ashwagandha does more than just calm nerves. It supports immune health, helps with sleep quality, and may even boost memory and mental clarity (1), (11). If you’re looking for a natural way to feel more resilient, Ashwagandha is a great place to start.

Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) is another herb with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s best known for its calming effects, thanks to unique compounds called magnolol and honokiol (7).

Magnolia works by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain—these are the same pathways targeted by many anti-anxiety medications, but Magnolia does it naturally. Research shows that Magnolia can help ease anxiety, improve sleep, and support a balanced mood, making it a gentle option for those seeking relief from stress (4).

Herbs like Ashwagandha and Magnolia work best when combined with healthy daily habits:

• Eat well: Enjoy plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats (3).

• Move your body: Regular exercise, even a daily walk, helps manage stress (10).

• Practice mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, or simply taking deep breaths can calm your mind (2).

• Prioritise sleep: Good sleep is essential for emotional balance (5).

Stress and anxiety are part of life, but they don’t have to control it. By embracing natural supports like Ashwagandha and Magnolia, along with healthy lifestyle choices, you can build resilience and enjoy greater wellbeing—naturally.

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2. Edwards MK, Loprinzi PD. Postgrad Med 2018; 130(2): 222-228.

3. Gabska D, et al. Nutrients 2020; 12(1): 115.

4. Han H, et al. J Med Food 2011; 14(7-8): 724-31.

5. Langade D, et al. Cureus. 2019; 11(9): e5797.

6. Lopresti AL, et al. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019; 98(37): e17186.

7. Poivre M, Duez P. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2017; 18(3): 194-214.

8. Salve J, et al. Cureus. 2019; 11(12): e6466.

9. Singh N, et al. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011; 8(S): 208-213.

10. Stubbs B, et al. Psychiatry Res 2017; 249: 102-108.

11. Tharakan A, et al. J. Clin. Med. 2021; 10: 3644.

12. Tsigos C, Kyrou I, Kassi E. Stress: endocrine physiology and pathophysiology. MDText.com. 2020.

13. Verma N, et al. Complement Ther Med. 2021; 57: 102642.