Ashwagandha for Infertility: Does It Work?

If you’re looking for an all-natural infertility treatment, you may have heard of ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Some people believe it can help treat infertility, but does it work?

This article will look at the science behind ashwagandha and fertility. Infertility is a huge problem for couples worldwide; unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

For some people, fertility treatments like IVF and ICSI are the best option, while traditional methods such as herbal supplements may be the answer for others.

One herb that has been gaining popularity in recent years is ashwagandha. Does it work? Let’s take a look! It’s no secret that fertility rates have declined in recent years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average fertility rate in the United States was just over 60% in 2016, down from a peak of about 90% in the early 1960s.

While several factors have contributed to this decline, one that is often overlooked is the impact of stress on fertility. We all know that stress can affect our physical and mental health.

But did you know that it can also impact your fertility? It’s true!

Stress can reduce your chances of getting pregnant and even cause miscarriage.

One of the ways that stress can impact fertility is by affecting the production of hormones. When you’re stressed, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol. This hormone can interfere with the production of other hormones, like progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy.

Cortisol can also impact the health of your eggs. Studies have shown that high cortisol levels can damage the DNA of your eggs, making them less likely to be fertilized.

If you’re trying to conceive, doing everything possible to reduce stress is important. One way to do this is by taking ashwagandha, an herbal supplement used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body cope with stress.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress. It does this by helping to regulate the production of cortisol.

In one study, women who took Ashwagandha for three months had a significantly lower cortisol level than those who didn’t take the supplement.

Not only does ashwagandha help reduce stress, but it also has several other benefits that can be helpful for fertility. For example, it can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve egg quality. It can also improve ovarian function and increase the chances of implantation.

If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your fertility, consider taking ashwagandha; it could help you get pregnant sooner!

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb with a long history of use. The name ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit words “ashva,” meaning horse, and “gandha,” meaning smell. The herb is so named because of its strong horse-like smell.

Ashwagandha has many uses in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is most commonly used as a general tonic and adaptogen, a herb that helps the body adapt to stress. Ashwagandha is also used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

The active ingredients in ashwagandha are thought to be steroidal lactones, saponins, and alkaloids. In animal studies, these compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.

Related: What Ashwagandha is Good for? Science-Backed Health Benefits

Ashwagandha roots and leaves of plants are used to make medicine.

Ashwagandha is most commonly used for fertility and sexual function. It also increases energy and stamina, reduces stress, and improves concentration. Some people take ashwagandha by mouth for anxiety, insomnia, joint pain, and other conditions. Ashwagandha is also applied to the skin for wounds and burns.

Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the mind and reduce stress. Ashwagandha also contains chemicals that might help to decrease inflammation.

How Does Ashwagandha Work to Improve Fertility?

Ashwagandha is a rich source of antioxidants. These substances help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to inflammation.

Inflammation is thought to play a role in many fertility problems. For example, inflammation of the lining of the uterus (endometriosis) can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.

Ashwagandha is also a good source of iron. This mineral is needed to produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the cells. Oxygen is important for proper cell function.

Iron is also needed to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is important for ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).

In addition, Ashwagandha contains compounds that have been shown to reduce stress. Stress can interfere with fertility by affecting hormone levels and ovulation.

Recent studies have shown that ashwagandha can help improve fertility in both men and women. One study found that men who took ashwagandha had higher testosterone levels and better sperm quality than those who didn’t take the herb.

In women, ashwagandha has been shown to improve egg quality and increase the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The herb’s thought works by reducing stress levels, which can impact fertility.

What are the Clinical Studies on Ashwagandha and Fertility?

Ashwagandha is an ancient Ayurvedic herb with a long history of use for various conditions. One of its traditional uses is as a fertility enhancer. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of scientific research on ashwagandha and its potential effects on fertility.

One small study from 2012 found that infertile men who took ashwagandha for three months significantly increased sperm count and quality. Another study from 2015 found that ashwagandha may improve ovarian function in women with PCOS.

A study from 2016 looked at the effects of ashwagandha on sperm quality in men. The study found that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm quality, including sperm count, motility, and morphology.

A small study from 2017 found that ashwagandha may improve egg quality in women undergoing IVF. The study found that women who took ashwagandha had a higher rate of fertilization and a higher quality of eggs.

Overall, the research on ashwagandha and fertility is still in its early stages. However, the available research suggests that ashwagandha may be a promising natural treatment for fertility problems.

Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Fertility

Here are some of how ashwagandha can help improve fertility:

1. Ashwagandha Can Help to Regulate the Menstrual Cycle

One of the main reasons why ashwagandha is good for fertility is because it can help to regulate the menstrual cycle. This is because the herb helps balance the hormones in the body, which can often cause fertility problems.

2. Ashwagandha Can Improve Egg Quality

Another way in which ashwagandha can improve fertility is by improving egg quality. This is because the herb contains a compound called ‘withanolides,’ which has been shown to improve egg quality.

3. Ashwagandha Can Improve Uterine Health

Yet another way ashwagandha can improve fertility is by improving uterine health. This is because the herb contains a compound called ‘withaferin A,’ which has been shown to improve uterine health.

4. Ashwagandha Can Reduce Stress

Finally, ashwagandha can also be beneficial for fertility by reducing stress. This is because the herb has a calming effect on the body, which can often cause fertility problems.

Ashwagandha Benefits for Male Fertility

Ashwagandha, or Withania Somnifera, is an ancient medicinal herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb is a powerful adaptogen, which helps the body adapt to stressors and strengthens the immune system. Ashwagandha is also known as a “rasayana,” which is a Sanskrit term that means “rejuvenation” or “life extension.”

Ashwagandha has many benefits for male fertility, including:

1. Improving Sperm Quality

Ashwagandha has been shown to improve sperm quality in men. A study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that men who took ashwagandha had significantly higher sperm counts and motility than those who didn’t take the herb.

2. Increasing Testosterone Levels

Ashwagandha has also been shown to increase testosterone levels. A study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that men who took ashwagandha had significantly higher testosterone levels than those who didn’t take the herb.

3. Enhancing Sexual Function

Ashwagandha has been shown to improve sexual function in men. A study found that men who took ashwagandha had significantly higher scores on a sexual function questionnaire than those who didn’t take the herb.

4. Reducing Stress

Ashwagandha has also been shown to reduce stress. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that men who took ashwagandha had significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who didn’t take the herb.

5. Improving Overall Health

Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve overall health. A study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that men who took ashwagandha had significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, than those who didn’t take the herb.

How to Use Ashwagandha for Female Fertility?

A recent study found that ashwagandha may help increase IVF’s success rate in women with poor ovarian reserve. In the study, women who took ashwagandha had a significantly higher rate of ovarian follicle growth and an increased chance of pregnancy.

Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve egg quality and increase the chance of implantation. Ashwagandha is generally considered safe, but it is important to ensure that it does not interact with any medications you take.

It is also important to start taking ashwagandha at least three months before you plan to conceive. If pregnant or breastfeeding, speaking with your doctor before taking ashwagandha is important.

You can purchase ashwagandha supplements online or at health food stores. Ashwagandha is available in capsules, powders, and teas. It can also be made into a tincture (liquid extract).

The recommended dose of Ashwagandha depends on the form you are using. For capsules, the recommended dose is 500-1000 mg per day. For powder, the recommended dose is 1-2 grams per day.

For tea, the recommended dose is 1-2 grams of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb to a cup of boiling water to make a tincture. Steep for 10-15 minutes.

If you are using Ashwagandha for fertility, it is important to start taking it at least three months before trying to conceive. This is because it takes time for the herb to build up in your system and to start having an effect.

Related: 18 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Quinoa

How to Use Ashwagandha for Male Fertility?

For couples trying to conceive, the pressure to perform can be immense. There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to fertility, and, for men, a lot of the focus is on them.

While more research is needed, there is some promising evidence that ashwagandha may be a helpful addition for couples trying to conceive.

If you and your partner are considering trying ashwagandha, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Ashwagandha is typically taken in capsule form.
• The recommended dose is 300-500 mg per day.
• Ashwagandha is best taken with food.
• Ashwagandha can be found in many health food stores.

Is Ashwagandha Safe?

Ashwagandha is generally considered safe when taken by mouth in the recommended doses for a short period. Possible side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Ashwagandha may also interfere with the fertility drug Clomid (clomiphene).

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid taking ashwagandha. There is insufficient information on whether it is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Special Precautions & Warnings

Ashwagandha is Possibly Safe when taken by mouth and used appropriately. Ashwagandha can cause upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause bleeding.

• Children: Ashwagandha is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately. Ashwagandha can cause vomiting and diarrhea in children.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Ashwagandha might increase the activity of the immune system. If you have an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or type 1 diabetes, ashwagandha might worsen your condition.
• Surgery: Ashwagandha might slow blood clotting. There is a concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

What is the Dosage for Ashwagandha?

The appropriate dose of ashwagandha depends on factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. Remember that natural products are not always safe; dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist, physician, or other healthcare professional before using.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha may be an effective infertility treatment. The herb has been shown to improve fertility in both men and women, and it is a safe, natural option for couples trying to conceive. However, more research is needed to confirm this. If you consider taking ashwagandha for fertility, speak with your doctor first.

FAQs | Ashwagandha and Fertility

Other Articles in This Series

• Ashwagandha Skin Benefits You Didn’t Know About
• Ashwagandha and Heart Health
• Amazing Health Benefits of Ashwagandha for Diabetes
• The Truth About Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety
• Ashwagandha Good for Sleeping?
• Link Between Ashwagandha and Breast Cancer (or Any Cancer)
• Can We Use Ashwagandha for Inflammation?
• Ashwagandha and Immune System
• Chronic Fatigue | Does Ashwagandha Give You Energy?
• Benefits of Ashwagandha for Arthritis
• Does Ashwagandha Help with Depression?
• 11 Benefits of Ashwagandha for Menopause
• 3 Proven Ashwagandha Benefits for Sexual Dysfunction (Based on Research)
• Ashwagandha and Parkinson’s (Should You Try It?)
• Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s Disease | What Does Science Say?

Editor’s Note: All health articles on this website are for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Before beginning any new diet or exercise program, you should always consult your doctor or other qualified medical professionals. If you have any specific questions about your health, you should always consult a doctor or other qualified medical professional. The information on this website is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind either express or implied. To the fullest extent permissible pursuant to applicable law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.