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What Are The Ashwagandha Benefits for Women?

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    Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can be especially beneficial for women. From increasing energy to boosting libido, it’s capabilities are impressive.

    Women have been using natural remedies for centuries to help them stay healthy. Ashwagandha, long used as a therapeutic herb , has recently gained popularity among women looking to improve their health. With its many benefits, it is no surprise that this ancient plant is gaining modern recognition.

    From reducing occasional stress levels and regulating hormones, to improving concentration and endurance, ashwagandha offers women a diverse array of potential health advantages. We will dive into the details and learn more about what ashwagandha is and how it can specifically benefit women.

    What Is Ashwagandha?

    Also known as Withania Somnifera, or Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is native to India and North Africa, where it’s been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment. This shrub produces small red berries that are harvested and dried before being made into powder or supplements.

    This ancient Ayurvedic herb has a long list of purported health benefits, such as its potential to reduce occasional stress, improve mental clarity and boost overall well-being. Ashwagandha is defined as an adaptogen, which is a natural substance that can help the body adapt to physical and emotional stress.

    What Are The Benefits of Ashwagandha For Women?

    Ashwagandha has many beneficial effects for women, including reducing occasional stress, increasing energy levels, boosting libido, improving sleep quality, and promoting heart health. It can even help enhance memory and cognitive function. For women looking for a natural way to reduce stress and improve their overall physical and mental health, ashwagandha is an excellent choice. The best part is that it’s completely safe and easy to use. Let’s examine all of the benefits of ashwagandha for women in more detail.

    May help reduce stress

    Studies have shown that ashwagandha may be effective at reducing cortisol levels, which is the hormone associated with stress. Cortisol levels rise during periods of emotional or physical stress.

    For women who experience occasional stress, taking ashwagandha may help improve their overall quality of life by relieving some of the associated symptoms. Not only can it help reduce the amount of cortisol released into the bloodstream, but it also has an array of other calming properties that can further reduce feelings of distress and tension.

    May help with memory

    Ashwagandha has recently gained attention for its potential to positively impact cognitive function and memory processing. A pilot study found that adults who were supplemented with 300mg of ashwagandha twice a day for 8 weeks saw improvements in executive function, information processing speeds, and attention, as compared to a control group.

    These promising findings indicate that ashwagandha may be beneficial in improving cognitive health, brain function,and memory!

    May increase energy levels

    Ashwagandha has been found to be effective in increasing energy levels, fighting fatigue, improving mental clarity, and providing sustained energy, all without any major side effects. In one study, college students who supplemented with 700mg of ashwagandha over thirty days reported improvements to their daily energy levels, sleep, and mental clarity.

    Boosts libido

    According to clinical trials, ashwagandha shows signs of boosting libido in women. Research suggests that the plant has aphrodisiac properties that can boost libido for men as well. Regular use of ashwagandha, then, can make a person feel more aroused and satisfied with their sex life.

    Ashwagandha works by stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is tasked with controlling stress levels, metabolism, and reproductive hormones such as testosterone. Increased testosterone production has been linked to improved libido in both men and women. Additionally, studies have shown that ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels in the body which can lead to improved moods and lowered stress levels - both of which are essential for a good sex drive. Findings suggest that higher self-reported stress in daily life was associated with lower levels of sexual activity and satisfaction, and a decrease in relationship satisfaction.

    Improves sleep

    Sleep is a vital part of human life, as it allows us to recharge our bodies and minds. However, many people struggle to get the sleep they need due to stress or occasional nervousness. Fortunately, participants in this study reported more restful sleep after supplementing with ashwagandha. This is likely due to the active ingredient in ashwagandha, called withanolides, which hascalming effects on the body and is believed to be responsible for its therapeutic properties.

    Occasional sleeplessness can be supported by Care/of’s Sleep Blend Formula, which contains ashwagandha and other clinically backed ingredients, such as melatonin and valerian extract. Please note that chronic sleep issues should always be discussed with your doctor as it can be a sign of other underlying health concerns.

    Can help with heart health

    Ashwagandha is a powerful supplement that can help boost cardiorespiratory function and endurance. Findings from this study show that supplementation of ashwagandha is helpful for improving cardiovascular endurance and VO2 max. As an aerobic aid, ashwagandha can help promote and speed muscle recovery after workouts. This makes ashwagandha especially useful for athletes who are looking to advance their exercise capabilities.

    Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels

    Although ashwagandha has been linked with healthy blood sugar levels already within normal limits, the research on this front remains mixed. For instance, this exploratory study did not report any blood sugar changes in healthy participants after supplementation. Alternatively, this clinical trial did report changes in blood sugar levels, but additional research is still needed. Keep in mind that ashwagandha helps those whose blood sugar levels are already within normal range. If experiencing any blood sugar issues talk to your doctor as it can be a sign of other underlying health issues
    One explanation for ashwagandha’s potential role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels already within normal limits comes from craving reduction. According to this study, however, the elimination of food cravings from ashwagandha is likely due to its ability to manage stress levels and promote satiety. To further solidify these findings, this study explains the correlation between stress, cortisol levels, and hormones that contribute to appetite and cravings.

    In an 8-week trial, 52 participants were randomized to a placebo or treatment with ashwagandha. Relative to the placebo, treatment with ashwagandha resulted in significant improvements in perceived stress, food cravings, cortisol, and weight.

    The Bottom Line

    Whether as a stress-relieving adaptogen, a sleep aid, or a natural aphrodisiac, ashwagandha offers women a versatile range of health perks and benefits. It can help reduce stress, improve memory, boost energy, increase libido, promote healthy sleep patterns, support heart health, and may even maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within normal range. The numerous benefits of this incredible herb cannot be overlooked! If you’re looking for a natural way to support your body and mind, ashwagandha could be the perfect fit for you. But, first – always talk to your doctor about supplementation.

    Need more guidance on whether ashwagandha is right for you? Take our quiz to find out which are the best supplements to support your health goals!

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    Dr. Carla Montrond Correia ND, CNS
    Medical Content Manager
    Dr. Montrond-Correia is a licensed naturopathic physician and a certified nutrition specialist (CNS). She holds degrees from University of Bridgeport, Georgetown University, and University of Saint Joseph, and supplemented her education with internships in the health and wellness space. She's focused on research, herbal medicine, nutrigenomics, and integrative and functional medicine. She makes time for exercise, artistic activities, and enjoying delicious food.
    Jordana Tobelem, RD
    Freelance Contributor
    Jordana Tobelem is a Registered Dietitian who enjoys helping others become the best versions of themselves through proper nutrition education. Jordana is passionate about promoting lifestyle changes through nutrition, physical activity, and behavior to create a superior quality of life. She uses her experience in the clinical field of dietetics to provide consulting services to an array of healthcare brands and companies. Jordana loves finding the most current research in nutrition to create meaningful content to share with her clients. Jordana has been a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 2018 and also holds certifications in both Personal Training and Health Coaching.