Ashwagandha, a term that originates from Sanskrit and translates to "the scent of a horse" (ashwa-horse, gandha-scent), is an adaptogenic herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and known for its potential to help the body manage stress, improve energy levels, and support overall well-being.
According to Dr Priya Chauhan, Ayurveda Expert, The Ayurveda Company, ashwagandha holds the ability to bring you the strength and stamina of a horse while nourishing the female and male reproductive and nervous systems. In this article, we will discuss its role in boosting and maintaining sexual health.
Use Of Ashwagandha In Stress Management
Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj - Gynecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, says, “Ashwagandha, scientifically labelled as Withania somnifera, stands as an age-old herb with historical utilisation in Ayurvedic medicine due to its diverse plausible health advantages, encompassing its purported impact on sexual functionality.
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According to the doctor, it harbours active constituents such as withanolides, alkaloids, and steroidal lactones that are conjectured to contribute to its potential influence on sexual health.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that ashwagandha possesses stress-relieving properties and reduces anxiety in people. Stress is established catalysts of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), says Dr Bajaj, adding, “Prolonged stress can detrimentally impact sexual functionality by perturbing hormonal equilibrium and blood circulation. Hence, ashwagandha might indirectly foster better sexual well-being by addressing these foundational elements.”
Does Ashwagandha Increase Testosterone Levels?
Dr Chauhan says, “A notable benefit of ashwagandha is its role in supporting sexual well-being by regulating hormone levels, specifically testosterone, which is essential for proper male sexual function.”
According to the doctor, testosterone stands as a pivotal hormone governing male sexual vitality and performance.
“When testosterone levels dip, issues like ED, reduced libido, and subpar sexual prowess can arise. Research underscores ashwagandha's potential in rectifying this by rejuvenating optimal testosterone levels and enhancing male sexual function. This herb spurs the generation of luteinizing hormone, which in tandem activates the testes to produce testosterone,” she explains.
Role Of Ashwagandha In The Production Of Nitric Oxide And Increase In Blood Flow
“Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule important for expanding blood vessels and augmenting blood flow, including within the genital zone, says Dr Bajaj, adding that it helps amplify the synthesis of nitric oxide, potentially contributing to augmented blood flow to the penile region, thereby assisting in accomplishing and sustaining erections.
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“Several diminutive-scale investigations have delved into the ramifications of ashwagandha on sexual functionality and ED. Although these inquiries have unveiled encouraging outcomes, they are frequently confined by their sample dimensions and methodological approaches. Larger, meticulously designed clinical trials are requisite to establish an unequivocal and dependable association between ashwagandha and the management of ED,” the doctor shares further.
Common Causes Of ED
ED can occur due to various factors including:
Physical factors
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Hormonal imbalances
- Low testosterone levels
- Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis
- Peyronie's disease; fibrous scar tissue develops on the penis and causes curve
Psychological factors
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Performance anxiety
Lifestyle factors
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Drug use (recreational or prescription)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
Underlying health conditions
- Atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels)
- Kidney disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Endocrine disorders
Certain medications can also increase your risk of ED, which is why speaking with your doctor is important.
A Final Word
Dr Bajaj says, “Even though the enthusiasm surrounding ashwagandha's potential to amplify sexual well-being and contend with erectile dysfunction is on the rise, the ongoing body of research is rudimentary and inconclusive.”
“Men grappling with erectile dysfunction ought to confer with a healthcare practitioner to acquire tailored assessment, counsel, and treatment alternatives in sync with their prerequisites. Ashwagandha, if embraced, should be contemplated as a supplementary facet within a comprehensive scheme for enhancing sexual health,” she concludes.
