9 Ashwagandha Benefits Revitalising Men and Women
Basic Understanding of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, the unparalleled gem of Ayurvedic herbs, also referred to as Indian ginseng and winter cherry. Boasting a prestigious title as the "King of Ayurvedic Herbs," Ashwagandha is a renowned adaptogen with a long-standing tradition of supporting vitality and wellness.
Deriving its name from Sanskrit, Ashwagandha translates to "smell of the horse," alluding to its distinctive aroma and the incredible energy and strength it bestows, much like that of a mighty stallion.
For over three millennia, Ashwagandha has been celebrated across India and Africa as a rejuvenating herb, combating the effects of aging and promoting health in areas such as malnutrition, respiratory infections, edema, infertility, and digestion.
In the world of Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is recognized as a "Rasayana" herb, signifying its remarkable capacity to revitalize the body, preserve youthfulness in mind and body, and extend life.
Modern Western herbalism also acknowledges the exceptional adaptogenic properties of Ashwagandha, particularly for nourishing a depleted nervous and adrenal system.
Experience the soothing effects of this calming adaptogen, as it alleviates stress and anxiety, combats fatigue and exhaustion, harmonizes endocrine function, encourages restful sleep, and boosts cognitive performance.
The extraordinary health benefits of Ashwagandha are attributed to its unique composition – alkaloid compounds (withanine, withasomnin), steroidal lactones (withanolides), and saponins.
Moreover, Ashwagandha powder serves as a nutritious superfood, enriched with minerals such as iron, amino acids like alanine and aspartate, fructose, and lactate.
There's no denying the unparalleled prowess of this ancient adaptogenic herb, excelling at toning the adrenals, elevating energy levels, warding off fatigue, enhancing longevity, and offering a plethora of health advantages.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the myriad ways Ashwagandha supports both men and women, enhancing overall well-being across multiple bodily systems.
Table of Contents
-
Basic Understanding of Ashwagandha
-
Ashwagandha For Men | A Powerful Adaptogen
-
Keep Your Stress & Anxiety Under Control
-
Strengthen Your Cardiorespiratory Endurance
-
Stimulates Muscles Recovery And Their Growth
-
Boost Your Libido and Fertility levels Surprisingly
-
Neutralizes Your Sleep Cycle
-
Health Significance For Women
-
Lower the Stress Levels
-
Hormones balancing During Menstruation and Menopause
-
Strengthen Your Neurological Network
-
Adds Extra Glow To Your Skin And Hair
-
Figuring Out The Right Ashwagandha Supplement For You
-
Considerable Precautionary Measure
-
FAQs About Ashwagandha
-
How Soon Can You Expect Results from Ashwagandha?
-
Is Daily Ashwagandha Consumption Safe?
-
Should You Be Aware of Any Side Effects?
-
Concluding
-
References
Understanding The Working of Adaptogens
Ashwagandha herb works amazingly to help your body resist all kinds of stress, whether it's physical, emotional, psychological, or environmental. By maintaining healthy cortisol levels in your adrenal glands and keeping stress responses in check, adaptogens prevent chronic activation of your body's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
The HPA axis is a crucial connection between your brain and adrenal glands. When stressors like looming deadlines, daily traffic, or emotional upheaval hit, your body releases ACTH, a hormone that sets off a chain reaction. This reaction triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, causing you to experience that all-too-familiar feeling of stress: racing heart, anxiety, and even panic.
While short bursts of stress hormones are essential for survival, long-term exposure can wreak havoc on your body, leading to hormonal imbalances, blood sugar fluctuations, high blood pressure, fertility issues, energy depletion, digestive problems, mood swings, and compromised immunity.
But fear not! Adaptogens are here to save the day. They work along the HPA axis, reassuring your brain and adrenals that everything's under control, and there's no need to sound the alarm. This keeps your body in a relaxed "rest and digest" state, allowing you to better handle life's challenges.
Not only do adaptogens help you manage stress, but they're also powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and prevent free radical damage. This contributes to healthier DNA and cellular function, reduced inflammation, boosted immunity, and overall enhanced well-being.
Each adaptogenic herb, such as Ashwagandha powder, boasts unique compounds and benefits that can be tailored to target specific imbalances and restore harmony in your body. These amazing herbs are safe to consume daily, providing long-term support for a healthier, more resilient you. Embrace the power of adaptogens and embark on your journey to a balanced, stress-free life!
Ashwagandha For Men | A Powerful Adaptogen
Ashwagandha root is a key ingredient in men's health supplements, athletic enhancers, and nootropic brain-boosting formulas, designed to elevate both mental and physical performance.
If you're battling fatigue, low energy, lack of motivation, or a decreased libido, Ashwagandha has the power to take your well-being to new heights. Here are the top benefits for men:
Keep Your Stress & Anxiety Under Control
As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha supports the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), mitigating stress responses and keeping the fight-or-flight reaction in check. The root is rich in glycosides that produce an anti-stress effect on the body, reducing corticosterone, blood lactic acid, and adrenal hypertrophy under strenuous conditions.
Ashwagandha is a powerful antioxidant that boosts levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase – three master antioxidants working to reduce oxidative stress. Plus, it helps modulate serotonin receptors and GABA activity, enhancing mood, stabilizing the nervous system, and supporting healthy sleep, appetite, and energy levels.
Strengthen Your Cardiorespiratory Endurance
Derived from Sanskrit, the term "Ashwagandha" signifies "smell of the horse," reflecting its ability to increase stamina and power in those who consume it. This potent herb has been proven to improve VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake), respiratory exchange ratio, and delay exhaustion, increasing aerobic capacity and overall performance.
Stimulates Muscles Recovery And Their Growth
Unleash the power of Ashwagandha to supercharge your muscle recovery and growth! Research involving men who took Ashwagandha supplements during resistance training for up to 12 weeks revealed remarkable results. They experienced significant improvements in muscle mass, strength, VO2 max, barbell velocity, power, recovery, and stamina compared to the placebo group. Moreover, their basal testosterone levels also showed a noticeable boost.
How does Ashwagandha work its magic? By neutralizing the muscle-deteriorating effects of cortisol, which reduces growth hormone and testosterone levels. As a nutrient-rich herb, Ashwagandha is packed with muscle-building amino acids like alanine and glutamine and vital minerals like iron. So, don't wait – give your workout recovery the Ashwagandha advantage!
Boost Your Libido and Fertility levels Surprisingly
Ashwagandha, the king of Ayurvedic herbs, is here to revitalize your fertility and libido! Both traditional and modern herbalism have celebrated Ashwagandha for its ability to enhance male fertility. It accomplishes this by protecting sperm from oxidative stress, thus improving sperm count, motility, and function.
As a powerful adaptogen, Ashwagandha promotes adrenal health, supports the HPA and HPG axes, and reduces stress – a major factor in male infertility. Chronic stress can diminish sperm function, sex drive, and hormone production, including testosterone levels and luteinizing hormone.
One study even demonstrated increased sperm motility and concentration in men who took 5g of Ashwagandha root powder daily for three months. Ashwagandha boosts fertility by modulating antioxidant enzymes, working on the HPG axis, and stimulating follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone release, which mature sperm. The withanolides compounds within Ashwagandha are responsible for these incredible benefits.
Neutralizes Your Sleep Cycle
Along with sparking your sex drive, this herb also possesses soothing properties to nurture your nervous system, paving the way for a superior sleep experience.
Ashwagandha's remarkable adaptogenic properties help your body return to a tranquil, relaxed state, encouraging a parasympathetic nervous system state that fosters deep, restorative sleep.
Hailing from the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is a potent ally in balancing Vata – the air and ether dosha – to ground and quiet your racing thoughts. This powerful herb is your answer to overcoming restless nights spent overthinking.
Experience the transformative benefits of Ashwagandha, proven to enhance sleep quality, induce restful slumber, and combat insomnia.
Stress, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, often wreaks havoc on our sleep quality. Cortisol and melatonin, the hormones responsible for regulating our sleep patterns, become imbalanced during times of stress. Under normal circumstances, cortisol levels spike in the morning and decline throughout the day, while melatonin increases in the evening. However, stress can cause cortisol levels to remain elevated, interfering with melatonin production and disrupting sleep.
Ashwagandha is your key to restoring hormonal balance, expertly modulating cortisol levels and supporting a harmonious relationship between cortisol and melatonin for the ultimate sleep experience. Embrace the tranquility of Ashwagandha and awaken to a revitalized you.
Health Significance For Women
This powerful adaptogen is your secret weapon against the chronic stress of modern life, revitalizing your hormones, menstrual cycles, mood, hair, skin, and energy levels.
Lower the Stress Levels
Unleash the stress-busting potential of Ashwagandha for women. In today's fast-paced world, stress is an unavoidable part of our daily lives, affecting our periods, fertility, weight loss, metabolism, appetite, sleep, skin, immunity, and mood. Ashwagandha offers a natural solution, targeting the HPA axis - the connection between your brain and adrenal glands - to reduce cortisol levels, helping you stay calm and resilient in the face of life's challenges.
Experience a noticeable improvement in your mental wellbeing, thanks to Ashwagandha's ability to increase serotonin receptors and GABA activity, enhancing your mood, boosting your energy, and promoting restful sleep.
Hormones balancing During Menstruation and Menopause
Restore hormonal harmony with the power of Ashwagandha. Stress is a major contributor to hormonal imbalances, resulting in conditions such as PCOS, amenorrhea, endometriosis, and painful periods. Ashwagandha combats stress, ensuring healthy hormone production and maintaining the right balance of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels.
Tap into the anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha, which helps to lower inflammation—a key factor in hormone imbalances and painful menstruation. By reducing proinflammatory markers, Ashwagandha harmonizes your menstrual cycles and alleviates PMS symptoms and associated discomforts.
Elevate your mood and overall well being with Ashwagandha's mood-enhancing benefits, as it works to increase serotonin receptors and GABA pathways, promoting a sense of calmness, regulating appetite, and supporting healthy hormone levels.
Strengthen Your Neurological Network
Elevate your cognitive abilities with Ashwagandha, an age-old remedy for boosting memory and brain function. Experience significant improvements in memory and performance with just 300 mg of Ashwagandha taken twice daily.
Not only does Ashwagandha promote neural growth, but it also helps ward off neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia. Its adaptogenic properties work wonders to sharpen your mind, clearing brain fog and enhancing cognition by combatting stress and mental fatigue.
Whether you're seeking increased alertness or a calmer, more focused mind, Ashwagandha can help improve concentration and thought processing.
Adds Extra Glow To Your Skin And Hair
Discover the secret to healthy, glowing hair and skin with Ashwagandha! Its powerful antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress, a leading cause of skin aging and hair growth stagnation.
The withaferin compounds in Ashwagandha boost the body's master antioxidants—SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase—protecting cells, DNA, and reducing the effects of aging. Experience a healthier, more youthful appearance as Ashwagandha shields your skin from harmful UV rays, pollution, and toxins.
Rich in iron, Ashwagandha supports immune function, essential for maintaining vibrant, healthy skin. Its stress-buffering abilities also work wonders for hair growth, ensuring your hair receives proper blood flow and nutrients to grow strong and luscious.
Figuring Out The Right Ashwagandha Supplement For You
For centuries, this exceptional Ayurvedic herb has held the title of "King of Ayurvedic herbs," and it's time for you to experience its royal benefits.
However, not all Ashwagandha supplements are crafted with equal care. To unlock its full potential, consider these essential factors when choosing the perfect Ashwagandha product for your health journey:
- Insist on root-only extract: The key to unlocking Ashwagandha's true power lies in its roots. Scientific research and ancient wisdom both emphasize the exclusive use of Ashwagandha roots.
- Beware of leaf-based supplements: Many manufacturers opt for a mix of leaves and roots in their supplements, sacrificing quality and potency for a cheaper product. Authentic Ashwagandha root extract boasts a rich, dark brown color, while its inferior, pale yellow counterpart includes leaves.
- Prioritize certified organic roots: Ensure your Ashwagandha is sourced from pristine, certified organic roots for maximum purity and effectiveness.
- Choose chemical-free extraction: Seek out Ashwagandha root extract prepared without alcohol or chemical solvents. Water-only extraction methods yield a cleaner, more soluble product with superior organoleptic properties.
- Opt for optimal withanolide content: Withanolides, the bioactive constituents in Ashwagandha roots, play a crucial role in its potency. Aim for an extract with a withanolide content between >2.5% and 5% by HPLC for optimal results.
Teelixir Ashwagandha Root exceeds these standards, using only certified organic roots in a 10:1 water-extracted concentration. Boasting a withanolide content of >2.5%, our product delivers the transformative benefits you deserve. Experience the difference today and elevate your well-being to new heights.
Considerable Precautionary Measures
Before diving in, be sure to consult your doctor if you're expecting, nursing, or have any medical conditions or medications in your routine. Your well-being is our top priority!
Occasionally, some users may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or an upset stomach. Don't fret – simply pause your Ashwagandha intake and resume later. Pro tip: consuming it with or after a meal could help alleviate these symptoms.
For most, these minor side effects subside naturally once Ashwagandha is discontinued. However, please note that those with hypothyroidism should steer clear, as this potent herb could potentially trigger hyperthyroidism and its associated symptoms.
Lastly, if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart-related concerns, be cautious with Ashwagandha, as it may cause increased blood pressure or heart palpitations in some cases.
Join the Ashwagandha journey with confidence, knowing that your health and safety are our utmost concern.
FAQs About Ashwagandha
Unlock the full potential of Ashwagandha by taking 500 mg to 1 gram of its root extract powder daily. Experience the transformative effects of this potent herbal supplement for men.
How Soon Can You Expect Results from Ashwagandha?
While everyone's body is unique, you can generally expect Ashwagandha to start supporting your overall health as soon as you begin taking it. Noticeable improvements in physical and mental wellbeing typically emerge within eight days or less.
Is Daily Ashwagandha Consumption Safe?
Yes, incorporating Ashwagandha powder into your daily routine can provide a wealth of health benefits as an adaptogenic herb and preventive medicine. Enjoy its stress-reducing, energy-boosting, and brain-enhancing properties.
Should You Be Aware of Any Side Effects?
Although Ashwagandha has been used safely for centuries, it's essential to be cautious during pregnancy due to potential risks observed in animal studies. Currently, there's limited clinical safety and toxicity data available, and no known herb-herb or herb-drug interactions have been reported. However, be mindful of Ashwagandha's mild blood-glucose lowering properties if you're taking blood-sugar lowering or anti-diabetic medications.
Concluding
Ashwagandha is renowned for its powerful health benefits and centuries-old reputation as the king of Ayurvedic herbs. This remarkable herbal supplement helps your body adapt to various stressors, nourishes the nervous system, restores adrenal health, enhances male sexual performance, boosts energy, improves cognitive function, supports cardiorespiratory health, promotes sleep, balances hormones, and elevates hair and skin health.
References
Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review. http://anaturalhealingcenter.com/documents/Thorne/articles/Ashwagandha.pdfBiological activities of Withania somnifera. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rupesh_Dudhe2/publication/265245087_Biological_activities_of_Withania_somnifera/links/551e4f430cf29dcabb03ae02.pdf
Role of Withania somnifera(Ashwagandha) in the management of male infertility. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1472648317306259?casa_token=iSdr-GgzO4IAAAAA:z1vwupH19bOEW7gCIs2rEFiHGrZQUpFOvT2mbRdzf1xRcKacsKT0rn-DdSgEPM3AtM32fZxBOQ
Steroidal Lactones from Withania somnifera, an Ancient Plant for Novel Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19633611/
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970
Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief by David Winston and Steven Maimes
Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3863556/
Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera on Strength Training Adaptations and Recovery: The STAR Trial. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/11/1807/htm
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6438434/
Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on male fertility. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6260894/
Effects of psychological stress on male fertility. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrurol.2015.112
Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996571/
Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3545242/
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6827862/
Clinical evaluation of the pharmacological impact of ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy volunteers and insomnia patients: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874120331585
A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
A Decade of Molecular Understanding of Withanolide Biosynthesis and In vitroStudies in Withania somnifera(L.) Dunal: Prospects and Perspectives for Pathway Engineering - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2015.01031/full
Natural Withanolides in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7121644/
Withanoside IV and its active metabolite, sominone, attenuate Abeta(25-35)-induced neurodegeneration https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16553605/
Medicines Complete – Ashwagandha https://about.medicinescomplete.com