Ashwagandha: Why This Ayurvedic Herb is Beneficial for Reproductive Health
Mentioned in this Article
This trace element-rich herb is widely used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine for thousands of years to improve sexual function, fertility, and libido in both men and women.
In fact, it is one of the most studied herbs in the world for its impact on the human body.Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen, meaning it supports a balanced stress response. This helps the body maintain balance in times of stress and improves resilience and resistance to stress.
In the context of sexual health, being an adaptogen means that Ashwagandha can help the body better respond to the demands of the reproductive system. When the body is under stress, the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and gonads all release hormones and neurotransmitters to cope with the situation.
The pituitary gland in particular releases a massive amount of hormones including oxytocin and prolactin, which help to stimulate the ovaries and testes to produce more sex hormones.In men, prolactin can also promote the growth of new sperm.
On the other hand, elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline can suppress the pituitary gland’s production of sex hormones.
How Does Ashwagandha Improve Sexual Functioning?
Ashwagandha for Male Sexual FunctionThis herb can help men in the bedroom. It has been shown to improve fertility by increasing sperm mobility and count, and help alleviate erectile dysfunction.
Boost TestosteroneTestosterone is the male sex hormone that affects:
- The way fat is stored in the body
- Bone density
- Muscle mass
- Sperm production
Ashwagandha can boost testosterone levels in men. If taken consistently, users have noticed changes in fatigue, vitality in addition to higher testosterone levels. This supplement can also improve muscle mass and strength.
Enhanced Sexual PleasureAshwagandha has been shown to be an aphrodisiac by enhancing sexual desire. This is most likely an impact of its ability to reduce the body’s stress hormone. The combination of reduced cortisol levels and increased testosterone can help improve sexual desire and pleasure.
Increased Fertility
As recent studies show that this herb is effective in supporting sperm, it may be a useful supplement to men experiencing infertility.
Ashwagandha for Female Sexual Function
Ashwagandha root has been used in studies for female sexual function. Women in the study reported problems of female sexual dysfunction such as desire, orgasm and satisfaction.
Compared to the placebo group, women who took a regular supplement reported improved sexual function after 1 month.
Ashwagandha can be seen in traditional Ayurvedic medicine traced back 4000 years. It is believed to enhance overall health and longevity.
MenopauseThis herb has been shown to reduce stress hormones help balance sex hormones, which can help with the side effects of menopause such as hot flashes, depression, and anxiety.
LibidoAshwagandha has been known for its powerful effect to increase sexual desire. Just like the results of the herb for men, studies show that women who consume a supplement on a regular basis experience increased libido and satisfaction. With the combination of its ability to balance key hormones in the body and its impact on decreased stress levels, Ashwagandha is a safe supplement to try if you are experiencing sexual dysfunction.
How Stress And Anxiety Impact Your Libido
Anxiety
When you’re anxious, you have higher levels of cortisol. These hormones can affect or suppress your sex hormones that impact desire. Chronic anxiety can have a long-term effect on your libido, while lifestyle-related anxiety may just kill the mood. Once anxiety kicks in, it can be hard to manage its effects. At the same time, anxiety medication has been shown to lower sex drives in both men and women.
Anxiety MedicationsAn unfortunate side effect of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) that are used to treat anxiety can decrease your libido. If you notice this side-effect, you may want to talk to your doctor for a different solution if it’s having a big impact on your life.
Anxiety SymptomsIn addition to a lower sex drive, anxiety can manifest with physical symptoms like an inability to orgasm. From tense muscles, racing minds, or shallow breathing, anxiety symptoms can cause one major thing: an inability to relax. This can distract you from your partner and make it difficult to connect.
Stress
When your body reacts to stress, there are a series of changes to prepare for “fight or flight.”
You may experience a higher heart rate, increased blood pressure, and rapid breathing, while non-essential functions like your sex drive are diminished.
This response triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. Chronic stress can decrease sex hormones to account for cortisol demand, decreasing your sex drive.
Psychological EffectsStress can also have a psychological impact like a frazzled mind, distraction, or burnout. All of these symptoms and emotions impact your mood and can lead to depression or anxiety which impact libido individually.
Lifestyle ChoicesStress has a tendency to lead to unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, or a poor diet. Poor lifestyle choices influence how you feel about yourself and can wreak havoc on your hormone levels which both interfere with healthy sex life.
Ashwagandha Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha root is best known for its stress-relieving effect. Numerous studies show a balance in hormones and a reduction in the stress hormone, cortisol. A decrease in sex and anxiety can help benefit sleep quality, improve emotional function and restore your sex drive.
How to Add Ashwagandha to your Diet
Ashwagandha can be taken any time of the day or night, but you may find it more beneficial to take it at specific times. It takes a couple days to weeks before noticing its effects when ingested.
Alternatively, Ashwagandha can be added in smoothies and other meals too!
Our Ashwagandha supplements are made with KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract, which is naturally harvested in India and produced in the USA, comes in easy to swallow vegetarian certified capsules without additives.Shop best sellers
Explore our collection of favorite items that have gained popularity for their quality and satisfaction.
