Top 8 Benefits of Ashwagandha for Women

Health & Wellness February 21, 2024

Women in the twenty-first century are exposed to high levels of stress and pressure, both in the workplace and in their personal lives. The modern lifestyle, which is characterized by a rapid pace of life and a focus on status, has a negative impact on one's health. Women commonly report symptoms of inflammation, weakened immunity, stress, irregular periods, and hormonal imbalances.

In the quest for better health and wellness, women have always looked to nature to guide them through life’s complex path. The ancient herb of Ashwagandha, which is rooted in the Ayurvedic tradition, has proven to be a powerful ally in this quest, offering a wide range of benefits that are uniquely suited to the woman’s experience.

As we dive into this in-depth guide to the benefits of this herbal remedy for women, let’s start with some eye-opening statistics that demonstrate the incredible impact this herb has on women’s health.

What Is Ashwagandha?

The ancient medicinal plant, Ashwagandha, is also referred to as "Indian winter cherry," or "Indian ginseng". It is classified as an adaptogen and has been used for centuries for a variety of medicinal purposes, including diuretics, anthelmintics, astringents, stimulants, and aphrodisiacs, as well as a thermogenic compound.

Ashwagandha is a small shrub native to India, the Middle East, and some parts of Africa. For over 3,000 years, Ayurvedic practitioners have utilized the shrub for women as a powerful immune booster, nervous system relaxant, and an agent of longevity and vigor.

Benefits of Ashwagandha for Women

Ashwagandha roots have traditionally been used in the treatment of a range of ailments and conditions, including insomnia, constipation, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, nervous disorders, and stress. In addition to the roots, its leaves and fruits have been used in the treatment of various conditions. Here are some of the primary benefits of Ashwagandha for women.

1. Help Relieve From Stress and Anxiety

As a form of adaptogen, it helps the body to manage stress. Studies have indicated that it modulates stress mediators, such as cortisol, and heat shock proteins, which act as the first line of defense against stress hormones.

Women can experience considerable relief from long-term stress-related conditions, such as extreme tiredness, insomnia, and so on. Additionally, Ayurveda suggests the use of Ashwagandha to reduce tension, fatigue, and pain in the body.

2. Reduces Symptoms of Menopause

The onset of menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. This process involves a gradual reduction in progesterone and estrogen production, resulting in a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, sweats, mood changes, and sleep disorders.

These symptoms can have a significant impact on both an individual's emotional and physical well-being. Studies have demonstrated that menopause-related symptoms can be alleviated with the use of Ashwagandha.

3. Enhances Fertility

In addition to its efficacy in improving menstrual cycle frequency, the use of Ashwagandha also has the potential to improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As per a study, women with PCOS revealed a significant improvement in menstrual cycle frequency, as well as a decrease in certain hormones that are known to affect fertility.

Another study revealed that the intake of Ashwagandha significantly improved certain reproductive markers, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which are essential for ovulation.

4. Promotes Weight Loss

Being overweight is one of the most common health issues among women. It could be due to hormonal imbalance or stress. Not only does it cause you to gain weight, but it also makes it hard for you to lose. The anti-stress property of Ashwagandha has been proven to reduce cortisol levels in your body, which can lead to weight loss.

It also prevents weight gain caused by stress eating. Ashwagandha’s antioxidant properties increase metabolism, reduce inflammation, and eliminate toxins from your body. This helps in weight loss and helps avoid weight gain.

5. Ashwagandha Benefits for Skin

Ayurvedic herbs such as Ashwagandha have been found to have a positive effect on skin health and texture, as they are known to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, their high antioxidant properties can help combat acne, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, and provide alkaloids to the nervous system, allowing for a more relaxed and radiant complexion.

Ashwagandha's WA (Withanolide A and Withaferin A) compounds assist in the removal of impurities and dirt and help provide profound relief from dry skin. Enhanced cleansing helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged and acne from developing.

It increases the production of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone responsible for the production of estrogen hormones. Additionally, it stimulates the production of proteins necessary for the skin to remain hydrated. Both DHEA and estrogen play a role in maintaining the skin's youthful appearance, while also helping produce natural oil and collagen.

6. Reduces PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a widespread issue among women of reproductive age, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms include mood swings, irritability, abdominal bloating, breast sensitivity, and fatigue.

Research has indicated that the use of Ashwagandha may have the potential to reduce the intensity of PMS symptoms. It works by regulating hormone levels in the body and balancing the endocrine system, which can have a balancing effect on PMS symptoms. For instance, it is an anxiolytic agent, which can help to reduce the frequency of mood swings. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the intensity of pain related to PMS.

7. Balances Hormone Levels

The endocrine system is responsible for the regulation of hormones, which can have a significant impact on a variety of aspects of women's health, including menstrual cycle, reproductive health, and menopausal health.

According to 2019 research, the balance of hormones can be especially beneficial for women, as it can help to reduce anxiety and depression, as well as sleep issues. Additionally, due to its antiretroviral properties, it may be able to reduce the intensity of PMS pain.

8. Help Improve Memory and Focus

Research suggests that Ashwagandha can have a positive effect on cognitive functioning, which can lead to improved concentration and focus. In elderly adults, it has been found to be effective in treating mild cognitive impairment and schizophrenia.

This improved cognitive functioning has been linked to improved performance on cognitive tasks, increased attention, and improved reaction time. Additionally, early intake of Ashwagandha has been found to improve attention spans and memory and normalize bodily imbalances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ashwagandha balance female hormones?

Ashwagandha is beneficial in the regulation of female hormones. Studies have indicated that it can help to normalize the levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones in the blood, as well as regulate reproductive hormones, which can be beneficial in the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and menstrual cramps.

Additionally, it has been found to provide pathways to the brain, which is responsible for the production and regulation of hormones.

Is Ashwagandha good for PCOS?

Yes, Ashwagandha can help treat PCOS. It helps treat PCOS symptoms by regulating stress hormones like cortisol that cause weight gain. It also helps balance the body’s hormones and reduces anxiety and depression. It can also reverse PCOS symptoms, reduce insulin resistance, and treat thyroid imbalance. It helps to relieve PCOS symptoms, support the reproductive system, and regulate stress hormones.

Is Ashwagandha good for female fertility?

Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that may have the potential to improve fertility. Additionally, it may be beneficial in reducing stress, increasing energy levels, and increasing immunity. This herb may have properties that can affect various aspects of fertility, including hormone regulation and sperm production.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha, an ancient herb with a wide range of health benefits, has been used as a traditional remedy for centuries in many cultures and civilizations around the world. If you make it an integral part of your life, you will experience a more energetic and stress-free lifestyle. Ashwagandha has a cardioprotective effect due to its anti-apoptotic properties and due to its restoring of the oxidative balance.

As you know, Ashwagandha for women has several advantages and is a powerful herb. It is generally considered safe and effective and can be taken as a supplement or added to your meals. But it is not a replacement for any medical treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult with your healthcare professional before taking this herb.