What are Ashwagandha and Testosterone exactly?
Ashwagandha and Testosterone are two completely different entities. The former is a herb, while the latter is the main androgen* hormone. [*Androgens are male sex hormones.]
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it boosts the body’s resilience against external stressors, which has been used for centuries to help relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. It is primarily found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and India.
Testosterone, on the other hand, keeps declining from the ideal range, as a man keeps aging; due to multiple reasons like metabolic disorders, diabetes, or some other medical condition.
Ashwagandha has been considered as a cure-it-all herb that is beneficial for a wide range of common ailments. from improving digestion to reduced body fat to increased muscle mass. Some reports even suggest that the herb and its extracts may have anti-cancer properties. It comes with much higher concentrations of withanolides.
Withanolides are a type of compound (specifically steroidal lactones) that can perform a wide range of potential physiological effects. Studies have particularly looked at the potential for withanolides in ashwagandha to reduce inflammation and inhibit tumor growth
What is the link between Ashwagandha and Testosterone?
In order to compensate for the depleting level of testosterone, many men go for supplementations. Speaking of which, ashwagandha is one of the most primary ingredients that are looked up to.
Ashwagandha is often referred to as “Indian ginseng” and “Indian winter cherry,” or even Withania somnifera. This herbal plant has been part of numerous ayurvedic medicines, that are highly effective in curing various common ailments.
This herb is known to increase the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and protects the body from oxidative stress, which increases testosterone levels. Scientific studies prove ashwagandha improves testosterone levels in men. Ashwagandha also improves muscle recovery growth, reduces anxiety and stress, and supports brain health.
It has been found to have amazing anti-oxidant properties, which protect the body from oxidative damage. This means that it also protects the source of testosterone production- the testes, which in turn leads to improved levels of the hormone.
Ashwagandha is quite well known for reducing stress. It is often classified as an adaptogen, which basically refers to herbal pharmaceuticals that help to reduce stress and stress potential effects on the body. Chronic stress is quickly becoming a modern epidemic.
Stress has the potential to become an immensely negative effect on both physical as well as mental health; which obviously starts impacting a man’s sexual wellness as well. Mental and physical stress is one of the most common reasons behind most sexual problems like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, performance anxiety, etc in men.
Consuming ashwagandha extract showed to have increased levels of testosterone by about 15% on average and an 18% increase in DHEA (a hormone that helps produce other hormones, including testosterone).
In a study, participants were given ashwagandha twice a day. The findings showed much-improved testosterone levels, and improvements in muscle size, strength, and recovery in those participants. Ashwagandha actually increased testosterone to an all-time high in those men; which is about five times higher than those who didn’t take it.
Ways in which Ashwagandha may work to boost your Testosterone levels
- Curbs stress: High levels of stress hurt one’s ability to produce testosterone. Ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels, decreasing the stress load.
- Increase LH production: Ashwagandha improves the production of luteinizing hormone-a key hormone that triggers your testes to produce testosterone.
- Boosts DHEA-S levels: Ashwagandha is known to increase DHEA-S, a steroid hormone that converts estrogen into testosterone.
- Lowers oxidative stress: Oxidative stress puts strain on your testicles and may decrease your sperm count, damage sperm DNA, and cause infertility. Ashwagandha increases a key enzyme found in all living cells that fights oxidative stress and boosts your antioxidant levels.
How long does it take for Ashwagandha to increase Testosterone?
Ideally, one should take 3 to 5 grams (about one teaspoon) of Ashwagandha powder, per day for three consecutive months for visible results in the testosterone level.
However, it is better to consult a healthcare expert for more individual customized recommendations.
How to take Ashwagandha powder to increase Testosterone?
Ideally, one should take 3 to 5 grams (about one teaspoon) of Ashwagandha powder in a bowl, add one teaspoon of organic honey in the same bowl, and mix it thoroughly. In 1 to 2 minutes, it will turn into a thick paste, which can be consumed with a glass of warm milk.