What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha also known as the king of Ayurvedic herbs is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to help manage stress, anxiety, and overall well-being. The Sanskrit word “ashwagandha” translates to “the smell of a horse,” (ashwa—horse, gandha—smell), this essentially brings you the ability to have the stamina and strength of a horse. Ayurveda also classifies the herb as Bhalya, which increases strength, and Vajikara, which promotes healthy sexual functioning.
Uses of Ashwagandha
A 2022 study done to understand the benefits of Ashwagandha for men found that its powerful medicinal and adaptogenic properties make it a unique, natural herb to enhance sleep quality, manage stress, and improve overall mental health. Ashwagandha root extract is also responsible for increasing testosterone levels in men leading to improved sexual function.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Men
According to research, there are numerous Ashwagandha benefits for men. This Ayurvedic herb has been successfully used over centuries as a remedy for various health conditions in men. Following are some Ashwagandha uses for men:
- Stress and Anxiety: As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha is widely used for coping with and managing stress. It does this by reducing ascorbic acid and cortisol levels that trigger stress.
- Athletic Performance: Ashwagandha has been proven to increase testosterone levels in men which in turn helps increase muscle mass and strength.
- Male Fertility: In Ayurvedic literature, Ashwagandha enhances sperm count and motility by inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
- Cognitive Ability: In a research conducted with 50 adults, Ashwagandha root extract caused memory enhancement and cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment. Withaferin A (WA), a compound in Ashwagandha, was found to be responsible for producing antioxidant effects that help improve mental health.
- Improvement in Sleep Quality: A recent study points towards the successful use of Ashwagandha to enhance sleep quality. In addition, it was also seen to boost mental alertness and maintain healthy stress levels.
Enhance Male Fertility and Testosterone Levels
Half the cases of infertility or the condition of being unable to conceive after trying for one year result from male factor infertility. Herbal medicines have been used over centuries to treat male infertility. In recent years an amalgamation can be seen between traditional medicinal treatment through herbs and other ancient practices, along with modern technological intervention through surgical treatments.
Besides the physiological effects, male infertility can take a toll on the couple's mental health and marital relationship. This can, in turn, aggravate the situation because of stress-induced male infertility. As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha sets the body's stress-busting mechanism into motion and can help tackle the issue of stress-induced male infertility.
Furthermore, being an aphrodisiac, Ashwagandha not only aids stress-related male infertility but also increases the testosterone levels in the body. Coupled with its antioxidant properties, it helps in fighting free radicals and, thereby, facilitates sperm cell protection and increases sperm counts.
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Sleep deprivation, stress and anxiety are the menaces of the 21st century, making us vulnerable to various ailments and health issues. A 2019 study highlights the use of herbs such as Ashwagandha in combating stress and related health problems. The study allows an insight into the effect of varying doses of a high concentration of Ashwagandha root. The research findings prove the impact of Ashwagandha in lowering stress levels irrespective of the amount compared to the placebo group.
However, for a more conclusive result, the age groups and the socio-economic backgrounds of a larger cohort should be evaluated. This will provide conclusive evidence for Ashwagandha as an adaptogenic and assess its anxiolytic effects.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
Ashwagandha's side effects stem from taking the incorrect dosage of the plant. If consumed in excessive amounts, that is, more than 2gm of Ashwagandha per day, one can experience diarrhea and vomiting.
To Sum Up
Although the benefits of Ashwagandha are plenty, it is imperative to exercise caution with the dosage and prior consultation with your doctors. This will help reduce the risk of side effects and their repercussions on your existing medical conditions and protect against disruptions of any kind. When taken properly, Ashwagandha can significantly help with health issues and male infertility issues.
