Why is ashwagandha becoming the go-to remedy for many South Africans?

Is South Africa’s mental health crisis behind the rise in ashwagandha use?

From Cape Town wellness studios to Durban pharmacies, ashwagandha has surged into the mainstream at remarkable speed. Once a niche Ayurvedic herb, it is now being snapped up in capsules, teas and powders across South Africa.

Users say it helps with stress, sleep burnout, but the sudden boom raises urgent questions. Why are so many people turning to this ancient root?

Bonga Chiliza, associate professor, chief specialist and head of the department of psychiatry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), told IOL that the herb may have a role in alleviating mild mental health symptoms, but warned that its popularity is being driven by broader social pressures.

"It's quite a useful medicinal plant for people with mild depression and anxiety, stress, depression, anxiety. And we think it does help reduce stress, depression, anxiety in mild cases in some people. There's certainly some evidence of that," he said.