Ashwagandha And Fertility: Ancient Herb, Modern Benefits

Key Takeaways:

• How Ashwaganda Can Potentially Support Fertility: Ashwagandha, an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, may help support fertility.*¹
• The Hormones Involved: This herb helps manage stress by supporting balanced levels of hormones such as cortisol.*¹ High cortisol levels, which can be caused by stress, may negatively affect reproductive health.¹* 
• Incorporating Ashwaganda Into Your Daily Routine: Ashwagandha can be easily incorporated into daily routines through supplements, teas, culinary uses, or tinctures, offering a natural approach to support fertility and overall wellness.* 

Are you trying to learn how to help your body prepare for having children and improve your overall health? Ashwagandha, a popular herb, has been used in traditional medicine for a long time.* While more research is still being done, it shows promise for people looking to conceive, potentially by supporting hormone levels and sexual health.*¹

At Wholesome Story, we want to give you the information and resources to support your bodies. Today, we're checking out ashwagandha—an ancient herb that's becoming a hot topic when it comes to supporting fertility.

In this article, we'll explore how ashwagandha works, what studies have found about how it affects fertility, and some easy ways you can add it to your daily life.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, also known by its scientific name Withania somnifera, is an herb that has been super important in ancient medicine for thousands of years. People use the root and berries of this plant to make supplements, powders, and teas. Ashwagandha may offer several wellness-supporting properties*, such as:

• Supporting sexual health²*
• Supporting healthy stress management³*
• Reducing occasional anxiety³* 
• Supporting energy and stamina⁴*
• Supporting healthy stress hormone balance¹*
• Supporting healthy sleep patterns³*

As we learn more about the benefits ashwagandha might offer, it's pretty clear that this ancient herb isn't just something from the past—it might be a great way to support your health today.*

How Ashwagandha Can Affect Hormone Levels

Ashwagandha, an ancient herb, has been gaining attention for its potential benefits in fertility and hormonal balance. But how exactly does it support your hormones?

Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties.⁵ That's a fancy term that means it helps your body deal with stress. And when you're less stressed, your body doesn't pump out as much cortisol.⁵ Too much cortisol can negatively impact your fertility, making it harder to get pregnant.¹ By keeping cortisol in check, ashwagandha can potentially help your body stay in a better state for making babies.* 

Ashwagndha may be able to support sexual health and satisfaction for some individuals, making the road to getting pregnant a little easier.²* This may help with couples who are trying to conceive, to further support reproductive health.

Supporting Fertility Health With Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an ancient herb used in traditional medicine, and some studies suggest it might support fertility.*¹ It could do this by supporting hormonal health and possibly libido as well.¹,²

Ashwagandha might also help lower the amount of a stress hormone called cortisol in your body. This could make you feel less stressed and more relaxed.¹* This could be helpful for people who want to have a baby because less cortisol can create a better environment for getting pregnant.¹

As we learn more, it seems ashwagandha might be more than just an ancient ingredient. It could be a helpful option for women who want to support their ability to get pregnant.*

How To Incorporate Ashwagandha Into Your Routine

Adding ashwagandha to your daily routine might be simpler than you think, and it has the potential to support your fertility health.* Here's how you can easily make this classic herb a part of your day:

• Capsules or Tablets: The simplest way to take ashwagandha is through capsules or tablets. They're easy to swallow and you can take them with a glass of water, just like your daily vitamins. 
• Powder Form: If you like smoothies or morning drinks, ashwagandha powder can work well for you. Just stir the suggested amount into your smoothie, coffee, or tea. It's an easy way to get it into your system while you enjoy what you're drinking. 
• Tinctures: If you prefer liquid supplements, ashwagandha tinctures are a good choice. You can put a few drops under your tongue or mix them into a drink. Just be sure to follow the directions on the bottle. 
• Tea: If you're a tea lover, you can find ashwagandha tea bags or make your own by steeping the root in hot water. It's a soothing way to end your day and can help you relax before bed.* Brew a cup and enjoy the calming effects.*
• Cooking: Yes, you can even cook with ashwagandha! Add the suggested amount (according to the label on the product) of the powder to soups, stews, or baked goods. It's a unique way to work it into your diet and can add a subtle, earthy flavor to your meals.

Safety And Side Effects Of Ashwagandha

When it comes to using ashwagandha for fertility*, it's important to know what you're getting into. This ancient herb has been used for centuries*, but that doesn't mean it's without its risks.

• Is Ashwagandha Safe? Generally, ashwagandha is considered safe for most people when taken in appropriate doses.* But, like any supplement, it can have side effects.⁶ It's all about listening to your body and figuring out what works for you.
• Those On Medication: If you're on medication, especially for thyroid issues, blood pressure, or diabetes, you'll want to be extra careful. Ashwagandha can affect how these drugs work, so it's a good idea to chat with your doctor before starting any new supplement.⁷
• Those Who Are Pregnant: People should discontinue their use of ashwagandha as soon as they discover that they’re pregnant.⁷ There isn't enough solid research to say whether ashwagandha is safe during pregnancy, so it's best to play it safe and avoid it until more is known. Again, it’s always smart to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement. 

Final Thoughts 

If you're looking for ways to support your health and fertility, ashwagandha can potentially be a good choice.* It might support your fertility by helping to balance stress hormones, promoting healthy sleep, and supporting sexual health.¹* 

At Wholesome Story, our goal is to give you helpful options that combine old traditions with new ideas. We carefully create our clean Fertility Support For Her* supplements and have them third-party tested to make sure they're clean.* We want to support you on your health journey. Remember, your experience is your own, and we're here to help you move forward feeling cared for. When you choose Wholesome Story, you're not just picking a product; you're joining a group that cares about your health and happiness.

Read also:

• Will Birth Control Mess Up My Fertility In The Future?
• Fresh and Local: 10 Reasons Why Buying Locally-Produced Food is Important
• Life In Rhythm: The Biological Calendars By Which We Live And Thrive
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Ashwagandha And Fertility

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that's been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.⁵ It's known for its adaptogenic properties, which means it can support your body’s stress management and promote overall wellness.*⁵ At Wholesome Story, we believe in the powerful potential of this herb to support your health and fertility journey.* 

How can ashwagandha affect fertility?

Research is ongoing, but studies suggest that ashwagandha may help with fertility by lowering stress, improving sleep, and supporting your sexual health.¹* 

Is ashwagandha safe for most people?

While ashwagandha is considered generally safe for most people, at least in the short-term*, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.⁶ Women who are trying to conceive should discontinue ashwagandha when they discover that they’re pregnant.⁷

What are the modern benefits of ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha can help to support healthy stress management*, reduce occasional anxiety*, support athletic energy and stamina*, support healthy sleep patterns*, and also support sexual health*.¹,²,³,⁴

How does ashwagandha work within the body?

Ashwaganda works within the body by helping to regulate cortisol, boosting energy and stamina, and supporting healthy sexual desire in both men and women.¹

Is ashwagandha effective for men when it comes to fertility?

Yes, Ashwagandha may help support male fertility.* Some research suggests it supports better stress management, hormone balance, and sperm health.⁸* Shop our Male Fertility Support Supplements to get the support of ashwagandha.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer

Sources:

1. Cronkleton, E. (2023, September 21). Does Ashwagandha Make You Fertile? 7 Things to Know About This Herb. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-ashwagandha-make-you-fertile
2. Dongre, S., Langade, D., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2015). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. BioMed Research International, 2015, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/284154
3. Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, Debnath K, Ambegaokar D. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Cureus. 2019 Sep 28;11(9):e5797. doi: 10.7759/cureus.5797. PMID: 31728244; PMCID: PMC6827862.
4. Wankhede, Sachin et al. “Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 12 43. 25 Nov. 2015, doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9
5. Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019 Dec 25;11(12):e6466. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6466. PMID: 32021735; PMCID: PMC6979308.
6. Office of Dietary Supplements. Ashwagandha: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health, 2 Nov. 2023, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/#h5. 
7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ashwagandha. National Institutes of Health, 2 Feb. 2024, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha#:~:text=
   Ashwagandha%20should%20be%20avoided%20during,have%20autoimmune%20or%20thyroid%20disorders.
8. Chauhan S, Srivastava MK, Pathak AK. Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well-being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial. Health Sci Rep. 2022 Jul 20;5(4):e741. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.741. PMID: 35873404; PMCID: PMC9297375.