From wellness studios in Cape Town to pharmacies in Durban, ashwagandha has rapidly moved into the mainstream South African wellness market.
The herbal supplement, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, is now widely available in capsules, teas and powders, with many users turning to it for relief from stress, anxiety, burnout and sleep difficulties.
Bonga Chiliza, associate professor, chief specialist and head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), said there is evidence that ashwagandha may help alleviate mild symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in some people.
"It is quite a useful medicinal plant for people with mild depression and anxiety. We think it does help reduce stress, depression and anxiety in mild cases in some people. There's certainly some evidence of that," he said.
Chiliza believes the herb's growing popularity is closely linked to worsening mental health trends in the country.
