Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used in traditional systems of medicine to increase male sexual power for ages. It is commonly known as winter cherry. It is beneficial for women’s health too and other health issues including chronic sleep problems, anxiety, and more. In this article, we’ll look at ashwagandha benefits for men specifically.
Testosterone and sex drive in Men
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid.
In men, testosterone is secreted primarily by the testicles. Testosterone regulates a number of processes in the male body and is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics.
Testosterone is required for normal sperm development. It is also responsible for libido (sex drive), or desire for sexual activity.
Low libido in men
It is not uncommon for a man to experience a lack of interest in sex or intimacy with their partner.
For a number of reasons, men may consider intimacy distressing to themselves and this affects their personal life. Because of this tension in their personal life, they may face trouble in their professional life too.
Some choose not to discuss their low libido with their partner or with their physician due to masculine norms or shyness. However, it is common to lose interest in sex or intercourse from time to time.
But this can also be a warning sign for many underlying issues. If you’ve been dealing with low libido for some time, speak to your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health concerns.
READ MORE: Ayurveda On Sex: Health Benefits, Seasonal Sex, Post-Sex Regimen + Ayurvedic Aphrodisiacs
[In Ayurveda, the third pillar of health, alongside food and sleep, is Sexual Wellness. Listen to Todd Caldecott’s introduction to Ayurveda & Sexual Wellness.]
Causes of Low Libido in Men
Low Testosterone Levels
The primary cause behind low libido in men is a low level of the hormone testosterone.
Low testosterone may have various causes. With aging, testosterone levels fall and this is a normal part of growing older.1
Other causes of low libido in men can include disturbance in other hormonal levels like low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or high prolactin hormone.2
READ MORE: How Ashwagandha Helps Hypothyroidism
Chronic Diseases And Other Medications
Diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure may affect testosterone levels. Some medications for HIV and some hair loss remedies can also adversely affect sexual desire and testosterone.2
Psychological Issues And Mental Disorders
Stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental disorder can adversely affect sex drive and testosterone level.2
[Ashwagandha is just one way to help you harness your sexual energy and bring balance into your life, as well as handle very common endocrine and reproductive issues like Infertility, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, and Erectile Dysfunction. Listen to Todd Caldecott’s introduction to Ayurveda & Sexual Wellness and discover the benefits of Ashwagandha for men and women.]
The Importance of Sexual Wellness
In Ayurveda, sexual wellness is considered an important aspect of life.
Reproductive health is one of eight major specialties in Ayurveda. It includes both men and women and is concerned with aphrodisiacs, virility, and improving the health of the growing fetus.3
According to modern science, sexual wellness is important because it helps in reproduction.
It is also important for your overall physical health, psychological health, emotional health, and your social life.4
Ashwagandha benefits for men
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is included as an herb that assists with fertility and virility. It also has several important health benefits not mentioned here. It may be beneficial for anxiety, acne, and sleep.
Ashwagandha is traditionally known to improve semen quality as well as quantity.5 Adequate levels of testosterone are required for semen production.
Ashwagandha also acts as an aphrodisiac.6 An aphrodisiac, when consumed appropriately, may help improve libido.
One of the ashwagandha benefits for men is that it improves semen quality and strength.7 In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is used singly or in combination with other herbs to treat various problems related to male sexual health.
READ MORE: Ashwagandha Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects + More
Supportive clinical studies
Ashwagandha has alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins as its main chemical constituents.8
A study conducted in 2013 on 46 male patients with oligospermia (low sperm count), found that Ashwagandha extract can increase testosterone hormone levels and improve semen parameters, sperm concentration, and sperm motility.9
A study conducted in 2010 on 75 infertile men showed significant improvement in testosterone levels after treatment with Ashwagandha extract.10
Another study conducted in 2016 on rats provides evidence that extracts of Ashwagandha help increase testosterone levels.11
In a study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 180 infertile men were recruited and given 5 grams of Ashwagandha daily for 12 weeks. Results showed an elevation in testosterone concentrations. Sperm quality and motility also improved.12
Other studies show that Ashwagandha has anti-stress and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.13,14,15 It is also helpful in hypothyroidism16 and these two conditions can also affect testosterone levels and sex drive in men.
Ashwagandha is a complete herbal package for men to boost their testosterone levels and improve their sex drive.
Take Ashwagandha following the advice of your Ayurveda practitioner or health care provider, in the appropriate amount and in an appropriate manner.
NOTE: In Ayurveda, the third pillar of health, alongside food and sleep, is Sexual Wellness. Ashwagandha is just one way to help you harness your sexual energy and bring balance into your life, as well as handle very common endocrine and reproductive issues like infertility and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Listen to Todd Caldecott’s introduction to Ayurveda & Sexual Wellness and discover the benefits of Ashwagandha for men and women.
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