What Are The Ashwagandha Benefits For Men?

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It is said to have potential benefits for men that include boosting testosterone and sex drive, improving erectile dysfunction and sperm count, enhancing mental health, and athletic performance.  Specific research suggests that Ashwagandha is a potent adaptogen that can normalize certain bodily functions, potentially lowering blood sugar levels and inflammation.

Different forms of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, liquid extracts, gummies, and oils, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines. Depending on the form, Ashwagandha can be taken as a daily supplement or applied topically for various benefits.

What Are The Sexual Benefits Of Ashwagandha?

The following are the sexual benefits of Ashwagandha for men:

Supports healthy testosterone levels:

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for maintaining muscle mass, regulating energy levels, enhancing libido, and influencing mood. Ashwagandha helps maintain optimal testosterone levels by reducing stress-related hormonal imbalances and supporting natural hormone production. This makes it beneficial for men experiencing age-related hormonal decline or chronic fatigue.

Supports fertility and reproductive health:

Ashwagandha has been traditionally used to enhance male fertility by improving the sperm count, motility, and overall reproductive health. The individual results might vary for men facing fertility concerns and might consider Ashwagandha as a part of a holistic approach to reproductive wellness.

It enhances energy and reduces fatigue:

Ashwagandha supports adrenal health, which helps to regulate cortisol (the stress hormone) that can drain energy. Unlike other stimulants, such as caffeine, Ashwagandha generally works gradually to build sustainable energy without causing jitters or crashes. This makes it ideal for men to combat fatigue and improve endurance.

Helps to manage stress and anxiety:

Chronic stress can negatively impact hormonal balance, sleep, and overall well-being. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with stress by lowering cortisol levels. It helps to promote emotional stability, improve mood, and enhance resilience to daily pressures. As stress and mental health conditions can be a major contributor for ED, using Ashwagandha can help in managing such issues.

Other Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Apart from the sexual health improvements, the use of Ashwagandha can also help in boosting other health benefits, such as-

Promotes muscle strength and physical performance:

Ashwagandha is widely used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It supports muscle growth, endurance, and recovery.  Ashwagandha, when combined with regular exercise, might help to increase muscle strength, improve stamina, and reduce post-workout soreness. This makes it a valuable supplement for men focused on fitness and performance.

Improves sleep quality:

Sleep is essential for hormone regulation, mental clarity, and physical recovery. Ashwagandha has certain calming properties that might support deeper and restful sleep, especially for men struggling with stress-induced insomnia or difficulty staying asleep. Having better sleep enhances energy, mood, and productivity throughout the day.

It enhances focus and mental performance:

Mental fatigue, poor concentration, and low motivation might result from chronic stress or hormonal imbalances. Ashwagandha helps improve cognitive function, including focus, memory, and mental clarity, making it a useful supplement for men looking to manage demanding workloads or stay sharp and productive.

How To Use Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is available in different forms, each one with unique benefits, and the following are the best ways possible to use them:

Powdered form or Churna:

Ashwagandha powder, often called churna in Ayurvedic tradition, is made by drying and grinding the root into a fine powder. It is the most traditional and natural form of the herb.

You can mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of the powder with warm water, milk, or herbal tea. It can also be blended into smoothies or mixed with honey to improve the taste. Since the powder has a strong, earthy flavour, there are some people who prefer to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase the dosage.

It is best for people who want a natural, unprocessed supplement and enjoy incorporating herbs into their daily routine through drinks or tonics.

Capsules or tablets:

These are convenient, pre-measured doses of ashwagandha extract in the form of a pill that provide an easy and precise way to supplement. Take 300-600 mg daily with water after meals to improve absorption and reduce any kind of stomach discomfort.

It is best for people looking for convenience and consistency without the strong taste of the powder.

Ashwagandha Gummies:

The Ashwagandha gummies are chewable supplements that combine the benefits of ashwagandha with pleasant flavors that make them an appealing option. It is also ideal for those who dislike swallowing pills or the taste of the powder.

Always follow the recommended dosage on the product label, typically 1 to 2 gummies per day. It is best for individuals who seek a tasty, easy-to-take supplement, especially for younger users or those new to herbal supplements.

Ashwagandha Liquid Extracts:

The concentrated liquid forms are designed for fast absorption and can be mixed into water, juice, or tea. You can use the suggested amount that is mentioned on the label, usually a few drops to a teaspoon, once or twice daily. It is for people who prefer quick absorption and easy adjustment of doses.

Ashwagandha oil:

This oil is used externally for massage and is made by infusing the herb into a carrier oil.

You can apply it topically to the skin or muscles for relaxation and stress relief. It is best for people who are looking for natural muscle relaxation or skin care support.

Apart from Ashwagandha, many men also use other herbs to support sexual health, such as Fenugreek. To learn how Fenugreek may help improve sexual health, check out our detailed blog on the subject.

Dosage

The dosing recommendations for Ashwagandha might vary. For example, there is certain research that has shown that doses ranging from 250 to 1250 mg per day might be effective for different conditions. Always consult a health care provider if you have any questions regarding Ashwagandha dosing.

You can take Ashwagandha in many ways, in either a single or multiple doses per day, on an empty stomach or with heavy meals.

Precautions And Safety Tips for Ashwagandha Use

Ashwagandha is generally safe for most people when used correctly. It is essential to take a few precautions, especially if you have certain health conditions or are taking medication:

• Always stick to the recommended dose: Most products recommend taking 300-600 mg per day. Avoid taking more unless your doctor advises it.

• Talk to your doctor if you have any medical conditions: Ashwagandha might not be suitable for men with thyroid problems, autoimmune conditions, low blood pressure, or diabetes. It may affect hormone levels, immune function, and blood sugar levels.

• Always be cautious with the medications: Ashwagandha might interact with drugs for anxiety, sleep, high blood pressure, or blood sugar. You should always inform your doctor if you are taking any medications before starting a new supplement.

NOTE:

Always choose the ashwagandha supplements with standardised root extract containing around 5% withanolides for reliable strength. You should avoid supplements that contain extra fillers or artificial ingredients. Lastly, always buy from the trusted brands that follow strict manufacturing standards.

What Are The Potential Risk Factors Of Using Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is generally safe for most people when used for up to 3 months. However, the long-term effects of the medication are not well-known.

Large doses of ashwagandha can cause-

• stomach upset
• diarrhea
• vomiting.

In rare cases, liver problems, including severe liver failure and a need for liver transplantation, might occur. It is also important to note that the use of this supplement or herb by pregnant women is not advisable, as it may result in a miscarriage.

However, the effects of Ashwagandha might not be immediate, and you need to take it for several months before noticing the effects. You should always consult your doctor before taking ashwagandha or other supplements, and check if they are safe for you to use.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is a popular herb in traditional medicine that is known to offer a variety of health benefits, especially for men. It helps to support energy, maintain a healthy testosterone level, reduce your stress levels, and improve focus and overall well-being.