Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogenic herb offering numerous benefits for women’s well-being. It can help promote a sense of calm while enhancing energy, helping you maintain balance with a clear mind and positive outlook.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry, is an Ayurvedic herb with diverse therapeutic properties and health benefits.
It originated in India and thrives in dry, hot climates, including northern Africa and the Mediterranean.
Typically, the root of the ashwagandha plant undergoes drying and grinding to form a powder, making it suitable for beverages. It’s also available in capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.
While people have used it for thousands of years, modern research is only beginning to uncover its potential. Smaller human studies and test-tube studies show promise.
However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
Balance hormone levels
Ashwagandha’s ability to balance hormones can be particularly beneficial for women’s health, impacting aspects like the menstrual cycle, reproduction, and menopause.
2019 research Trusted Source suggests ashwagandha impacts the endocrine system, which governs mood, stress responses, and reproduction. This influence can help with hormonal imbalances, including anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.
Regulate menstrual cycle
Ashwagandha has a beneficial effect on key factors that influence your menstrual cycle, such as stress, inflammation, and hormonal fluctuations.
It helps regulate your cycle by balancing reproductive hormonesTrusted Source like serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin hormones. This balance may also be associated with a better balance of the stress hormone cortisol.
Conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often contribute to irregular menstrual cycles. Ashwagandha’s phytoestrogens may help restore balance and aid in cycle regulation.
Reduce PMS symptoms
Boost sexual function
Ashwagandha has aphrodisiac qualities that may enhance libido and overall sexual wellness. This effect may be partially due to its potential to uplift mood and reduce stress.
A 2023 review Trusted Source in healthy women found that consuming ashwagandha root extract positively impacts sexual function.
In comparison to a placebo, taking ashwagandha significantly increased lubrication, orgasm, and sexual arousal scores. Researchers also noted a rise in the frequency of favorable sexual encounters.
Results of a 2022 study Trusted Source indicate that ashwagandha may enhance sexual health in hormonally balanced women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Compared to the placebo group, women who took ashwagandha significantly improved their scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) scores.
The researchers also found that sexually active women were more likely to have quality sleep, suggesting that improving sleep quality might help enhance sexual function.
In the above studies, women took 300 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 8 weeks.
Boost fertility
Ashwagandha positively impacts fertilityTrusted Source by regulating hormone levels, optimizing ovarian function, and enhancing overall well-being. Its adaptogenic properties may help your body deal with stress and maintain balance.
According to a 2021 reviewTrusted Source, the isoflavones and flavonoids in ashwagandha can mimic estrogen activity, thereby supporting fertility.
Furthermore, ashwagandha’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help treat uterine infections and irregular vaginal discharge, helping promote a healthy reproductive environment.