

3483: New Controversy: Is Ashwagandha Right for You? (TWT)
Aug 19, 2025
Recent debates challenge the long-term use of Ashwagandha, a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for over 6,000 years. The discussion dives into its effects on neurotransmitter balance, particularly dopamine, and the personalized health strategies that can maximize its benefits. Listeners will also discover insights on a new supplement designed to enhance energy and cognitive function, especially for those over 36. It's an engaging exploration of ancient wisdom versus modern scrutiny in the world of supplements.
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How Ashwagandha Calms The Nervous System
- Ashwagandha lowers excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and cortisol, which explains its calming effects.
- Dr. Stephen Cabral emphasizes this is why the herb is used to reduce stress and shift from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest.
Dosage And Stacking Recommendation
- Use 300–600 mg of ashwagandha as a starting dose and combine with L-theanine and phosphatidylserine for synergy.
- Take it before bed to calm the nervous system while preserving daytime dopamine for drive.
Test Before You Treat
- Test neurotransmitter and cortisol levels before using calming supplements to avoid mismatched treatment.
- Use at-home urine or stress/mood/metabolism tests to measure dopamine, GABA, serotonin, norepinephrine, and cortisol.