Alright, let’s talk about the latest TikTok trend that’s got us raising our collective eyebrows: people in long-distance relationships (LDRs) popping ashwagandha like candy to “help them cope.” Apparently, the girlies (and guys, we see you too) are turning to this ancient herb to “process things” and “handle their emotions” while their S.O.s are miles away. One TikTok user even claimed that they’re “not crying as much anymore” thanks to this little wonder supplement. But hold up — if your relationship has you reaching for supplements to deal, is it really all that healthy?
What’s the Deal with Ashwagandha?
bro she’s about to take ashwagandha please text her back
— zero (@user0000O0) April 6, 2024
First off, what even is ashwagandha? According to Erin Barrett, PhD, expert in nutritional biochemistry, this herb is what the wellness world calls an “adaptogen,” which is just a fancy way of saying it helps your body manage stress. “Ashwagandha is a well-known herb in Ayurvedic medicine, used for its ability to help the body manage stress and anxiety, and support emotional well-being,” Dr. Barrett tells Betches.
Ashwagandha helps you chill out by lowering your cortisol levels — aka the stress hormone that makes you feel like everything is on fire when it’s really just a busy Tuesday. So, the idea is that by taking ashwagandha, you’ll be less of an emotional rollercoaster, making it easier to keep it together when your bae is three time zones away.
TikTok Says Ashwagandha is the New LDR Survival Kit
@ms_emmaaa Sooo is this normal?? #longdistance #ashwagandha ♬ original sound – ms_emmaaa
So why is this trend blowing up on TikTok? Let’s be honest, LDRs are basically a recipe for stress. Aside from the fact that you’re far, far away from your literal partner, other things come into play when distance becomes a factor. You’re constantly wondering if they’re really “just tired” or if they’re low-key talking to someone else, or sometimes your schedules don’t line up, and you feel like your lives are going in different directions. Enter ashwagandha, which the TikTok community swears is helping them keep their cool. The logic? When you’re less stressed, it’s easier to stay positive, not pick fights over text, and actually enjoy those rare FaceTime dates.
“By lowering stress and anxiety, ashwagandha might indirectly boost the health of a relationship,” Dr. Barrett says. “When you’re less stressed and in a better mood, it’s easier to stay positive and connected, even from far away.”
But Should You Really Need a Supplement to Deal With Your LDR?
Here’s where I get a little skeptical. If you need a daily dose of an adaptogen just to make it through your relationship without turning into a puddle of tears, maybe it’s time to rethink things. Sure, ashwagandha might make you feel a little more zen, but it’s not going to fix deeper issues like trust, communication, or, you know, the fact that your partner is a 14-hour drive away.
Dr. Barrett agrees that while ashwagandha can help reduce stress and improve mood, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. It’s like adding a shot of espresso to your coffee — it might give you a boost, but it’s not going to magically make everything better. She also recommends other stress-busting strategies like mindfulness, meditation, and keeping strong social connections. Because let’s be real, if you’re relying on a supplement to stop the crying jags, maybe the problem isn’t just the distance.
We get it — LDRs are tough, and if ashwagandha is helping you cope, more power to you. But before you start treating your relationship like a science experiment with a supplement routine, ask yourself if the root of the issue is something a little deeper. A healthy relationship shouldn’t require a daily regimen of stress-relief gummies just to keep it afloat.
At the end of the day, if ashwagandha is your emotional support herb, that’s cool, but don’t forget to check in on whether the relationship itself is something you can handle — no adaptogen required.
