Does Ashwagandha Increase Libido? Benefits & How It Works
If you’re looking for an herbal remedy to help your body deal with stress, ashwagandha is one of the most popular herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Does ashwagandha increase libido?
This ancient remedy is one that many are turning to in order to improve their sexual health, and the results appear to be promising.
In this article, we’ll discuss how ashwagandha can impact libido, the science behind it and if it’s the right choice for you.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Ashwagandha?
For thousands of years, traditional Ayurvedic methods have made use of this adaptogenic herb, technically known as Withania somnifera.
Ginseng is a powerful herb that is often called 'Indian ginseng' because it rejuvenates both the body and mind.
Supplements use the root of the plant, providing a variety of health benefits.
Ashwagandha has made its way into the limelight for modern health enthusiasts for its ability to reduce stress and increase energy.
In addition to its well known power to reduce stress, ashwagandha is also being touted for its potential to enhance sexual health.
The Effect of Ashwagandha on Libido
Factors like hormones, stress levels and health level all influence libido, or sexual desire.
One of the biggest culprits of lowering libido is stress, and chronic stress can really mess with your body’s hormonal balance.
Ashwagandha is exactly what you need.
The adaptogenic properties of ashwagandha are well known, making it useful for helping the body cope with stress.
Ashwagandha reduces cortisol, the hormone linked to stress, and as a result creates a more balanced environment in the body, which may help improve sexual desire (1).
On a simpler level, less stress means a healthier libido.
Ashwagandha also has stress relieving qualities, but may actually affect the hormones involved in sexual health directly.
Studies show that ashwagandha may help maintain normal levels of sex hormones, like testosterone, and so boost libido in men.
The Impact of Ashwagandha on Male Sexual Health
Ashwagandha’s benefits for men aren’t limited to stress reduction.
This says that ashwagandha can help to raise testosterone levels, a key hormone related to male libido and sexual performance (2).
One study found that men who took ashwagandha saw big increases in their testosterone, which, in turn, increased their sexual desire.
It also helps men with erectile dysfunction.
Ashwagandha can also support stronger, longer lasting erections from its ability to improve blood flow and reduce stress.
Ashwagandha also may improve men’s stamina, which makes it an appealing addition for those seeking to increase their sexual performance.
Thus, for guys who want to improve their sexual health naturally without the negative effects of medications, ashwagandha is a good option.
The Impact of Ashwagandha on Female Sexual Health
While much of the discussion around ashwagandha and its libido boosting effects has been for men, women can also reap the benefits.
Ashwagandha is effective at balancing hormones in women by decreasing cortisol levels and encouraging a state of relaxation (3).
And for women in particular, it’s particularly important because high stress can upset hormonal balance and impact sexual desire.
According to some studies, women who take ashwagandha may see increased arousal, lubrication and satisfaction.
Ashwagandha helps manage stress and support overall hormonal balance making it a better environment for a healthy libido.
If you’re a woman who’s stressed or has a hormonal imbalance that’s affecting your libido, ashwagandha may be a natural way to help.
How Long Does It Take for Ashwagandha to Work for Libido?
If you’re thinking about taking ashwagandha to increase libido, you probably want to know when you’ll start seeing results.
The answer can vary from person to person and their overall health.
But for most people, it doesn’t start to take effect until you’ve been on it for a few weeks.
On average, you will start to see improvements in libido and sexual performance after two to six weeks (4).
Experts also recommend that you take ashwagandha daily at the right dose for the best results.
For libido support, the typical dosage of ashwagandha extract is 300 to 600 milligrams per day, but it’s always a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
Is Ashwagandha Safe for Libido Enhancement?
As one of the benefits of ashwagandha to increase libido is that it is typically safe for most people.
Ashwagandha is well tolerated when taken in appropriate doses, according to studies.
But, like any supplement, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.
Only a small percentage of people may develop mild side effects like tiredness, allergic reactions, or upset stomach.
Since ashwagandha's safety in these populations has not been proven, it is not advised for pregnant or nursing women unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.
Also people having certain medical disorders such as autoimmune disorders or thyroid problems should consult the doctor before using ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha in general is safe and natural way to increase libido if taken responsibly.
Other Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha may also improve libido, but it's much more than that.
Stress reduction is one of its most well known uses.
One of Ashwagandha’s abilities is to reduce cortisol, which can bring about a better mind to concentrate, better focus and overall better well-being.
It’s also commonly used to increase energy levels and is therefore a great choice for anyone wanting to boost physical and mental stamina.
Another popular benefit is better sleep.
Ashwagandha calms the nervous system, which is necessary for the body to sleep more deeply and more restfully.
What is interesting is that these additional benefits also provide benefits for sexual health.
A more balanced and healthy libido comes with lower stress, more energy and better sleep.
In short, ashwagandha’s wide spectrum of benefits means it’s a very powerful tool in the arsenal for general wellness, including sexual health.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha is a natural and effective way to get your libido back on track by tackling some of the main contributors to libido such as stress and hormonal balance.
Ashwagandha offers many benefits to both men and women, whether to improve sexual health or to boost testosterone levels in men or promote relaxation and hormone balance in women.
Ashwagandha may be a natural way to improve libido and overall well-being if you’re looking for it.
While it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any supplement to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions, there are some things you can do to help your body on its own.
If you include ashwagandha into your daily routine, you may find yourself not only having better sexual health but also better stress levels, energy and sleep.
Over time of consistent use, this ancient herb may provide a wide array of benefits that help to nuture your mind and body.
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FAQ’s
Does Ashwagandha really increase libido?
Ashwagandha can certainly boost libido by lowering stress, balancing hormones and improving overall sexual health.
How quickly does Ashwagandha increase libido?
Typically, you begin to see an improvement in libido after two to six weeks of consistent use.
Is Ashwagandha a libido boosting supplement for women?
Ashwagandha can indeed help women balance hormones and lower stress, which can help with libido.
Will Ashwagandha increase testosterone levels?
Ashwagandha has also been found to increase testosterone levels in men, and that will help increase libido and sexual performance.
What side effects might I experience by using Ashwagandha for increasing libido?
In some people, side effects are rare but include stomach upset, drowsiness and allergic reactions.
Related Studies
1. Title: An investigation into the stress-relieving and hormone-balancing effects of Ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults
This study found that Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced morning cortisol levels and anxiety in stressed adults over an 8-week period.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6750292/
2. Title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study on the Effects of Ashwagandha on Testosterone Levels
The research demonstrated that Ashwagandha intake was associated with a significant increase in testosterone levels among participants over an 8-week period.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6438434/
3. Title: Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha
This pilot study showed that treatment with Ashwagandha root extract significantly improved semen parameters and testosterone levels in oligospermic men.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3863556/
4. Title: Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Stressed Adults
The study confirmed that Ashwagandha effectively reduced cortisol levels and improved stress responses, which can enhance female sexual health by balancing hormones.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/
