Is ashwagandha good for females
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Benefits of Ashwagandha for Females
Ashwagandha and Female Sexual Health
Improvement in Sexual Function
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has shown significant benefits in improving sexual function in women. Studies have demonstrated that high-concentration ashwagandha root extract (HCARE) supplementation can lead to notable improvements in various aspects of sexual health. In a pilot study, women who took 300 mg of HCARE twice daily for eight weeks experienced significant improvements in sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction compared to those who took a placebo. Another study corroborated these findings, showing that women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) who took ashwagandha had significant improvements in their Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores, including all sub-scales such as desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain.
Reduction in Sexual Distress
In addition to enhancing sexual function, ashwagandha has been found to reduce sexual distress. Women taking ashwagandha reported significant reductions in their Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) scores, indicating a decrease in distress related to sexual activity . This reduction in distress can contribute to an overall improvement in quality of life and sexual well-being.
Ashwagandha and General Well-being
Physical Endurance and Muscle Strength
Ashwagandha is also beneficial for physical endurance and muscle strength. An eight-week study involving both male and female participants who engaged in regular physical activity found that those who took 300 mg of ashwagandha twice daily showed greater improvements in muscle strength, muscle size, and cardiorespiratory endurance compared to those who took a placebo. This suggests that ashwagandha can be a valuable supplement for women looking to enhance their physical fitness and endurance.
Safety and Tolerability
The safety of ashwagandha has been well-documented. A study evaluating the safety of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults found no significant adverse effects. Participants who took 300 mg of ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks showed no significant changes in vital signs, hematological parameters, or biochemical parameters, including thyroid function. This indicates that ashwagandha is safe for long-term use in healthy individuals.
Ashwagandha and Reproductive Health
Fertility Enhancement
Ashwagandha has been traditionally used to improve fertility in both men and women. Its iron chelation and antioxidant properties help restore fertility by reducing oxidative stress and improving the function of reproductive organs. This can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing infertility due to iron overload or other oxidative stress-related issues.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha offers multiple benefits for females, including improvements in sexual function, reduction in sexual distress, enhancement of physical endurance, and potential fertility benefits. Its safety profile further supports its use as a supplement for overall well-being. Women looking to improve their sexual health, physical fitness, and reproductive health may find ashwagandha to be a valuable addition to their health regimen.
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