Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an ancient medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement and has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, including fertility benefits.
Potential health benefits of taking Ashwagandha:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels, which is the hormone that the body produces in response to stress. This reduction in cortisol levels leads to a reduction in stress and anxiety.
- Boosts Brain Function: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and reaction time. It is believed that this is due to its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve brain function.
- Helps with Depression: Ashwagandha has been shown to have antidepressant effects in animal studies. A study in humans found that taking Ashwagandha for eight weeks significantly reduced symptoms of depression.
- Reduces Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Ashwagandha has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce inflammation in the body.
- Enhances Fertility: Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance fertility. Studies have shown that taking Ashwagandha can improve semen quality, increase sperm count, and improve testosterone levels in men. In women, Ashwagandha has been shown to improve ovarian function and increase the chances of pregnancy.
- Boosts Immune System: Ashwagandha has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can boost the immune system. It can increase the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.
- Reduces Blood Sugar Levels: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can reduce blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes.
You can find Ashwagandha and other supplements to boost your fertility journey here. Ā Ashwagandha is a powerful herb with numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting brain function, reducing inflammation, enhancing fertility, boosting the immune system, and reducing blood sugar levels. If you are interested in taking Ashwagandha, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe for you to take and to determine the appropriate dosage.
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Sources:
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Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). 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. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255-262.
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Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Bose, S. (2017). Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), 599-612.
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Pratte, M. A., Nanavati, K. B., Young, V., & Morley, C. P. (2014). An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 901-908.
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Ahmad, M. K., Mahdi, A. A., Shukla, K. K., Islam, N., Rajender, S., Madhukar, D., ... & Ahmad, S. (2010). Withania somnifera improves semen quality in stress-related male fertility. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 7(1), 137-144.
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Ambiye, V. R., Langade, D., Dongre, S., Aptikar, P., Kulkarni, M., & Dongre, A. (2013). Clinical evaluation of the spermatogenic activity of the root extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in oligospermic males: A pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 571420.
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Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S. R., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 43.
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Dongre, S., Langade, D., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2015). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. BioMed Research International, 2015, 284154.
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