From Menstrual Health to Skin Care: Ashwagandha Benefits for Women The West has a history of belittling India's knowledge and heritage. Only now do they acknowledge and embrace the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and, along with it, Ashwagandha. For over 6,000 years since the founding of Ayurveda, Ashwagandha has been used as a Rasayana, which means nourishment at all levels, from macro to micro-cellular. This revered herb is renowned for its profound influence on women's wellness, from balancing hormones to promoting mental well-being and vibrant skin — Ashwagandha's benefits for females are particularly notable, making it a valuable addition to women's health regimens. This blog will cover everything you need to know about using Ashwagandha for women, including guidance on avoiding adverse side effects. But before we delve in, shall we understand more about this Indian superfood? Why is Ashwagandha so popular? As we discuss Ashwagandha's benefits for women, let’s learn a little about its name and origin. It’s often called "Indian ginseng" or "winter cherry" and is a small shrub with yellow flowers native to India and North Africa. Its roots and berries are used for medicinal purposes. The name "Ashwagandha" comes from the Sanskrit words "ashva," meaning horse, and "gandha," meaning smell, reflecting the root's pungent aroma and the strength it is believed to impart. According to Ayurvedic scriptures, Ashwagandha is a rejuvenator that enhances longevity, vitality, and happiness. Traditionally, it has been used to strengthen the immune system after illness, improve energy levels, and promote overall well-being. It was even used alongside other drugs to treat snake venom and scorpion stings, providing a rich historical context to its medicinal properties. Its benefits are not only limited to women but also to men, children, and even elders. Ashwagandha contains several bioactive compounds, including withanolides, alkaloids, and saponins. Withanolides are mainly known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-stress properties, making Ashwagandha a reassuringly health-promoting herb that can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine… But is it safe for you? Is Ashwagandha 100% Safe? Can I take Ashwagandha during periods? Yes, ashwagandha helps in alleviating menstrual discomfort and cramps by balancing hormone levels and reducing inflammation. It also helps relieve stress, which can worsen the painful effects of periods. Can I take Ashwagandha at night? Certainly, Ashwagandha is often taken at night due to its calming effects, which can promote better sleep and relaxation. What are Ashwagandha’s side effects for females? While generally safe for most people, some may experience side effects like stomach upset, diarrhoea, or allergic reactions. It's essential to start with a low dose and consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying ailments. Who should avoid Ashwagandha? While generally considered safe, Ashwagandha may have potential adverse effects if you have liver or thyroid disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have prostate cancer, connect with your doctor before consuming Ashwagandha supplements. How much Ashwagandha per day is safe for females? The recommended dosage varies based on the form of Ashwagandha and individual health needs. Generally, 250-500 mg of a standardized extract taken twice daily is considered effective and safe. Hormonal health with Ashwagandha How does Ashwagandha help balance hormones? A study published in 2019 found that Ashwagandha supports the endocrine system, helping to regulate hormone production and balance. It reduces cortisol levels, thereby mitigating stress-related hormonal imbalances. Ashwagandha and periods Ashwagandha is beneficial for managing various factors that affect the menstrual cycle, such as stress, inflammation, and hormone irregularities. It helps by balancing reproductive hormones like serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropins, as well as maintaining a better balance of the stress hormone cortisol, which can improve menstrual cycle regularity. PMS relief Some common root causes of irregular menstrual cycles, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can be managed by Ashwagandha's phytoestrogens, which may help restore balance and regulate the cycle. Menopause support Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera extract) has the potential to ease issues like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances for women going through menopause by helping to maintain hormonal balance. In addition, Ashwagandha's cortisol-reducing effect can help prevent high stress, which could aggravate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. It can also relieve cramps, reduce exhaustion, and improve sleep quality. Its anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate fluid retention, breast soreness, and lower back pain. Reproductive health and Ashwagandha Enhancing fertility Ashwagandha supports fertility by improving reproductive hormone levels and reducing oxidative stress. Ashwagandha's role in improving libido The herb acts as a natural aphrodisiac, enhancing sexual desire and performance by reducing stress, improving mental health, balancing hormones, and increasing energy levels. A recent study from 2022 shows daily consumption of 300mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily can enhance sexual wellness. Is it safe to take during pregnancy? It's important to remember that Ashwagandha is not an FDA-approved drug, and limited research is available on its dosage and safety during pregnancy. While some studies suggest that Ashwagandha can support overall reproductive health, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using it to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Mental health and stress relief Stress is often caused by an imbalance of Vata dosha, which can lead to symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and anxiety. By balancing Vata, Ashwagandha powder helps alleviate these stress-related symptoms. Adaptogenic Properties of Ashwagandha One of Ashwagandha's benefits for women includes its adaptogenic properties that help in reducing stress and anxiety, thereby promoting overall mental well-being. Ashwagandha's benefit for the ladies is particularly notable in this regard. Reducing Anxiety and Depression Research suggests Ashwagandha can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by balancing brain neurotransmitters and improving mental clarity. In a study, participants with schizophrenia experienced more significant reductions in symptoms after taking 1,000 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 12 weeks compared to those who took a placebo. Improving Sleep Quality Ashwagandha has soothing properties that can enhance the quality of sleep, making it easier to both fall asleep and remain asleep. For instance, a study of 50 adults adults revealed that the daily intake of 600 mg of Ashwagandha root substantially boosted sleep quality and mental alertness upon waking. Physical health and vitality Ashwagandha for energy and reducing fatigue It enhances physical stamina and reduces fatigue by increasing energy production at the cellular level and improving overall vitality. Ashwagandha's benefits for women include reducing overall fatigue and boosting energy levels. Enhancing athletic performance and recovery Athletes benefit from Ashwagandha's ability to improve strength, endurance, and recovery time, making it a popular supplement for enhancing physical performance. Studies have shown increased speed, strength, muscle power, weight loss & lower body fat percentage, and reduced cholesterol levels with Ashwagandha consumption. Supporting weight management By reducing stress-related eating and balancing hormones that affect metabolism, Ashwagandha aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Skin and hair care with Ashwagandha Ashwagandha for skin Ashwagandha promotes healthy skin by increasing collagen production, reducing inflammation, and combating oxidative stress, leading to a more youthful appearance. Anti-Ageing benefits and glowing skin Ashwagandha's antioxidant properties protect the skin from environmental damage, slow ageing, and impart a natural glow. Studies have shown a skin rejuvenation effect in individuals with sun-damaged skin. Ashwagandha’s hair benefit By improving scalp circulation and providing essential nutrients, Ashwagandha strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair loss, and promotes healthy hair growth. By reducing inflammation, Ashwagandha can improve the overall appearance of hair and help with dandruff, psoriasis, and scalp itch. If you face stress-related hair fall, this miracle herb can help alleviate the condition by reducing stress and anxiety. Immune System Support Enhancing immune function Ashwagandha supports the immune system by enhancing the activity of white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes and macrophages, increasing the body’s ability to fight infections and illnesses. Reducing inflammation and chronic Illnesses Its anti-inflammatory properties help manage chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and allergic asthma, reducing pain and improving quality of life. Ashwagandha for general wellness Ashwagandha extract can upregulate both innate and adaptive immunity and since our immune system is tied up with other crucial biochemical process, it can help improve overall health. Here are some tips for choosing high-quality Ashwagandha products: Select the right formDifferent forms of Ashwagandha are available, such as capsules, powder, and liquid extract. Choose based on your preferences and needs. Check for quality & purity.Always choose Ashwagandha products that have been third-party tested to ensure they are pure and high-quality. Look for precise information about the ingredients and their quantities on the product labels. Balance Ayurveda products are AYUSH, GMP, and ISO certified; check out our Balance Ashwagandha capsules here. Evaluate withanolide contentWithanolides are the active compounds in Ashwagandha. Look for products with a specified percentage of withanolides, typically 3% to 5%. Avoid additivesChoose products free from unnecessary fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients to ensure purity and effectiveness. Consider allergen information If you have known allergies or sensitivities, check the product label for allergen information, such as the presence of common allergens like gluten, soy, or dairy, to avoid any adverse reactions. Conclusion Whether seeking hormonal balance, stress relief, or glowing skin, Ashwagandha offers a natural path to wellness. Incorporating Ashwagandha into your wellness routine can significantly improve overall health and quality of life, bringing you one step closer to achieving holistic health. FAQs About Ashwagandha Benefits for Females Is Ashwagandha good for females? Rest assured, Ashwagandha offers numerous benefits for females, including hormonal balance, improved reproductive health, and reduced stress. These benefits make it a valuable addition to any woman's wellness routine. What are the 10 benefits of ashwagandha? Balances hormones Enhances reproductive health Reduces anxiety and depression Improves sleep quality Boosts energy levels Enhances athletic performance Supports weight management Promotes healthy skin Strengthens hair Boosts immune function What happens when you take Ashwagandha daily? Daily use of Ashwagandha can reduce stress, improve energy levels, improve hormonal balance, and enhance overall health. Is Ashwagandha good for hair? Yes, Ashwagandha strengthens hair, reduces hair loss, and promotes healthy hair growth by improving scalp circulation and providing essential nutrients. What is the best time to take Ashwagandha? Depending on your specific health goals, Ashwagandha can be taken in the morning for energy or at night for better sleep. Is Ashwagandha safe for the kidneys? Ashwagandha is generally safe for the kidneys when taken in recommended doses. However, individuals with kidney issues should consult a healthcare provider. Is Ashwagandha good for the heart or not? Ashwagandha can benefit the heart by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving cardiovascular health. However, more research is required here.
