Ashwagandha for Women
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Just like ashwagandha provides strength to men, it similarly helps treat various health conditions in women. Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that can treat Polycystic ovary disease, menstrual cramps, insomnia, skin and hair issues, and weight.
In the 21st century, women may experience stress and pressure at home or the workplace due to fast-paced hyperconnected life. They often suffer from inflammation, weak immunity, anxiety, menstrual disturbance, and hormonal imbalance. Luckily, some adaptogens in the health world help relieve these conditions. One of these adaptogens is ashwagandha with potent medicinal properties which can act as an ideal cure to various medical problems. This article will take a look at the benefits of ashwagandha for women and safety and the possible risks associated with overconsumption.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha biologically known as Withania somnifera is a medicinal plant known for its health-promoting abilities. Ashwagandha is also known as “Amukkara”, “Indian ginseng”, and “Indian winter cherry”. Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb used in the traditional Ayurvedic system for its healing properties. This medicinal herb has been used for thousands of years to boost energy levels, improve focus and reduce stress.
In Sanskrit, ashwagandha is referred to “smell of a horse” because of its scent and potential to provide strength. This medicinal plant originated in India and Southeast Asia and its extract and powder are used to relieve various health conditions for both men and women.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Women
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb used in supplements, powder, tea, tincture, and extract forms. It has been used for centuries to relieve a wide array of health conditions. Research is being conducted to know the efficacy of this medicinal plant.
May Promote Skin Health
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that can help you get glowing and flawless skin. It possesses antioxidants that help relieve acne, wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. It contains withaferin compounds which clean dirt and impurities and soothe the skin. Ashwagandha restricts the clogging of pores and reduces the risk of acne.
When applied to the skin, ashwagandha water or creams can heal cuts, bruises, and skin infections.
Ashwagandha stimulates the production of estrogen hormone which in turn helps the synthesis of proteins beneficial for skin health. It hydrates the skin, prevents the onset of wrinkles, and slows the aging process.
Helps in Weight Loss
As we know, there is a common relationship between stress and weight gain. Ashwagandha helps women in their journey to weight loss. It reduces cortisol levels, prevents cravings, limits the number of calories intake, and promotes weight loss.
Improve Sexual Performance
Studies showed that ashwagandha helps women with sexual dysfunction and improves libido. It relieves stress and anxiety, boosts mood, improves blood circulation, and results in improved sexual performance and satisfaction. Ashwagandha can significantly improve sexual arousal, lubrication, and orgasm. Ashwagandha herb can increase the number of sexual encounters and reduce the stress resulting from sexual dysfunction.
Deal with Hair Problems
Stress may indirectly promote hair loss, ashwagandha can relieve stress and anxiety and help you say goodbye to hair loss. Ashwagandha oil and shampoos are proved an ideal treatment to relieve dandruff and dry scalp. It can nourish hairs, regulate melatonin levels and prevent early graying of hair.
Help with Irregular Menstrual Cycle
Most women experience irregular or delayed periods, menstrual cramps, fertility problems, and increased fascial hairs during their reproductive life. All these problems occur due to hormonal imbalance. Ashwagandha when taken with milk help relieve these symptoms. It promotes healthy adrenal glands and regulates hormonal levels necessary for reproductive health. Ashwagandha may also improve blood circulation and regulate the menstrual cycle.
May Reduce Menopausal Symptoms
Studies showed that ashwagandha helps stimulate the production of hormones that maintain good reproductive health. With age, estrogen levels begin to fall resulting in symptoms like irritability, mood swings, sleep problems, hot flashes, and increased stress. Ashwagandha is an amazing herb that can stimulate estrogen and other hormone production which helps relieve menopausal symptoms and reduce stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha Can Prevent Vaginal Infections
Ashwagandha possesses potent antibacterial and antifungal properties which prevent infections. Many natural health physicians recommend ashwagandha for relieving yeast infections.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is best known for its potential to reduce stress and anxiety. It can reduce stress mediators like cortisol, heat shock proteins, and stress-activated c-jun N-terminal protein kinase.
Various studies showed that ashwagandha supplements help reduce stress levels and promote a good night’s sleep. According to a study, individuals who took 240 mg of ashwagandha for 8 weeks showed a significant improvement in stress and anxiety.
Regulate Blood Sugar levels
Evidence showed that withaferin A compounds present in ashwagandha have antidiabetic activities. They may reduce blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes.
In a study, diabetic patients consumed ashwagandha for some days and they showed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels, HbA1c, lipid profile, and stress markers.
Reduce Inflammation
Ashwagandha contains bioactive compounds which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. These compounds affect inflammatory pathways and reduce the formation of inflammatory mediators like interleukins, C-reactive proteins, and TNF-alpha.
According to research, Participants suffering from stress were instructed to use ashwagandha for eight weeks. Results showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers.
Improve Memory and Brain Function
Consuming ashwagandha in women helps improve memory and cognitive functions. Studies showed that consumption of ashwagandha is more effective than placebo. In a study of 50 individuals, consumption of 600 mg of ashwagandha extract improved focus, and concentration, reduced reaction time, and improved memory and cognitive functions.
Protect from Cancer
One of the interesting benefits of ashwagandha for women is to prevent breast and ovarian cancer. Chemical compounds in ashwagandha possess radical scavenging activities which help prevent oxidative stress and lower the risk of cancer development. Ashwagandha helps induce apoptosis which kills cancer cells and restricts the growth of cancer.
May Improve Heart Health
Adding ashwagandha to your daily diet helps blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The reduction of all these markers leads to improved heart health.
Possible Risks or Side Effects
Ashwagandha is safe when taken in moderate quantities however, large doses of more than 1000 mg lead to some side effects.
It may cause mild GIT disturbance like nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach, and these conditions can relieve when you stop taking it.
Ashwagandha may possess abortifacient properties and may lead to miscarriage when used in pregnancy.
People suffering from grass allergies should avoid consuming ashwagandha.
Bottom Line
Ashwagandha is an amazing adaptogenic herb known for its healing properties. It can boost energy levels, reduce stress and improve reproductive health. There are various studies showing the benefits of ashwagandha for women including skin and hair, weight loss, increased fertility, prevention of cancer, and regulation of hormonal levels.
Here you can check out Vorst’s Ashwagandha for Women, Premium Ashwagandha with Black Pepper along with Ashwagandha Gummies.
References
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