It is no surprise that Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera' is increasingly becoming one of the most popular herbs around the world. Today, it is recognised as a powerful herb used for men's health.
Used since ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is well-known for its rejuvenating and adaptogenic properties. It is very effective for maintaining a healthy hormonal balance, boosting one's immune system, relieving stress, increasing energy levels and improving concentration.
Now let's discuss in detail about how Ashwagandha is a great addition for men's well-being and reproductive health.
Ashwagandha, the testosterone booster- Increases sex drive, reduces erectile dysfunction and more.
Although testosterone is a male hormone, it is also present in women at lower levels and is responsible for the same important health benefits.
In males, it is associated with men's libido. Testosterone helps to stimulate sexual development and helps maintain a man's health throughout his life.
While levels of testosterone typically reduce with age, it can also be affected by life circumstances, such as chronic stress, at any age.
Some signs of low testosterone include reduced sex drive, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, increased body fat, loss of muscle and bone mass, and mood changes.
How Ashwagandha increases sperm count and sex drive?
Besides stimulating testosterone production, Ashwagandha also acts as an excellent aphrodisiac for men. It helps in production of nitric acid in the body which expands the blood vessels that carry blood to the genitals.
According to a study, Ashwagandha supplements in men resulted in a significant improvement in sperm quality, increase in testosterone levels, and higher antioxidant levels.
Furthermore, a recent research indicates that overweight men aged 40-70, with mild fatigue, experienced an increase in the levels of testosterone and DHEA (a testosterone precursor produced by the adrenal glands) after taking an Ashwagandha supplement for 8 weeks.
Ashwagandha for Infertility
Ashwagandha may boost fertility in men. The root doesn't just enhance levels of this reproductive hormone. It may also improve semen quality by increasing sperm count in infertile men.
Ashwagandha reduces Cortisol- which affects libido and energy
Cortisol is a stress hormone which is physiologically released in response to cope up with stress. In case of persistent stress, cortisol levels become elevated. High levels of cortisol have a negative impact on testosterone production.
Which is why stress can affect your libido, energy, weight gain, and even mood, as these are benefits of optimal testosterone levels.
Ashwagandha is therefore a great herb for men as it helps to reduce cortisol levels. This was also found in a study where supplementation with the herb in chronically stressed adults significantly reduced their cortisol levels, compared to the control group.
Ashwagandha for Prostate
Ashwagandha contains compounds that are known to fight cancer. Ashwagandha extracts may prevent the growth of cancer cells in breasts, colon, prostate, ovarian, lung, and brain cancers.
Tongkat Ali v/s Ashwagandha - the herbs that increase sex drive
Tongkat Ali is a Malaysian herb with similar qualities to that of Ashwagandha. Both can be used to boost testosterone production, improve erectile dysfunction, reduce fatigue, enhance libido and performance. However, it is important to note that Tongkat Ali specialises in boosting sex horomones where as Ashwagandha on the other hand works on multiple hormonal levels. It acts as an adaptogen that reduces cortisol levels and hence improves Testosterone.
Can Ashwagandha and Tongkat Ali be taken together?
Many products claim that if both of them are taken together, it will further enhance male testosterone levels but there aren't enough studies to support this claim.
How to consume Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali comes in both extract and powder form. As the taste is very strong and bitter, you could also choose to try the capsule or pill version of the herb.
Dosage of Ashwagandha Supplement for Men
Daily doses of 800mg of Ashwagandha are generally recommended for men with these issues but it could go higher depending upon the condition. However, one should always consult a medical professional before beginning a supplement regimen to decide on the right dosage.
Forest Raga's Ashwagandha Herbal Supplement is designed using the purest natural Ashwagandha herb straight from the forests with minimal intervention. If you choose to go for supplements, do try it to see the results yourself. Learn more.
