You might have heard of Ashwagandha’s ability to balance hormones. But how does it do this? Will it work for you? You’re sick of your imbalanced hormones – the acne, the fatigue, the insomnia, depression, anxiety etc. The list can go on. You’re looking for a way out – and you’ve heard of this herb called Ashwagandha. Well it could be the golden ticket! Word of warning – this article goes deep into the world of Ashwagandha so be prepared to get schooled!
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is not a new thing! It’s an age-old herb that has been been in use in India since 6000 BC. It is generally used as a tonic and is also known as “Indian Ginseng” or “Indian Water Cherry”. Ashwagandha is still predominantly used in Ayurveda, the ancient tradition of medicine.
The method of preparing the tonic is called Rasayana and it “promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health and expands happiness”.
Dr Narendra Singh
Ashwagandha is still the most popular herb used in Ayurveda medicine, and is now commonly available in a powder form that can be mixed into a drink. It is an adaptogen, which means it is great in helping your body to handle stress by working to maintain balance in the body.
What are the health benefits of Ashwagandha?
In Ayurveda medicine, they refer to Ashwagandha as being a ‘rejuvenator’. This is due to the amazing health benefits it has for our central nervous system, immune system and reproductive system. This is due to its amazing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hormone-balancing properties.
An in-depth analysis of how Ashwagandha works:
To expand on the graphic above, below are explanations on exactly how Ashwagandha does the magic it claims to do.
Improves Memory
Ashwagandha improves memory by working on the neurodegenerative effect that normal ageing, and exposure to oxidative stress can have on our body. Scientists believe that this is due to the GABA-mimetic activity of Ashwagandha. And why do we care about the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA? Well, GABA plays a major role in preserving memory, as it slows down the rate at which neurons fire, preventing overstimulation.
Enhances function of the brain and nervous system
Ashwagandha is claimed to be ‘neuroprotective’. This is because of the calming effects that the herb has on our neurological system. By reducing cortisol and overall stress levels in our body, we are able to focus and sleep better, preventing cellular degeneration. Ashwagandha is great for people suffering from anxiety, with one study showing that it reduces anxiety by up to 80% as self-reported by participants in the study.
Balances Hormones
Ashwagandha balances hormones in women by increasing oestrogen levels, while decreasing FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH levels (luteinizing hormone). It is great for boosting female hormones when they may have depleted or been outbalanced by male hormones. Because of this, it is used as a remedy for many hormonal imbalances such as hormonal acne, low libido, hypothyroidism and much more.
Reduces Cortisol Levels
You would be spot on to assume that this is one of the biggest benefits of taking Ashwagandha. There are many studies supporting the claim that this herb improves the bodies ability to deal with stress. In fact, in one study it reduced cortisol levels by 26% on average. Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels in the brain, therefore being a great natural relaxant.
Improved ability to fight infection
Protecting our immune system is vital, as it literally saves our lives on the regular. Ashwagandha has the added bonus of being a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This means it fights against free radicals in your body and strengthens immunity by suppressing inflammation. For more tips on how to boost your immunity, click here.
What hormonal imbalances does Ashwagandha help with?
Ashwagandha is highly regarded for its success in helping women with various hormonal imbalances due to its anti-inflammatory and hormone regulating abilities. Naturopaths and non-conventional medical doctors all around the world have been using Ashwagandha for their clients and have had great results. So it’s not a question of can Ashwagandha balance hormones – its what specifically does it help with!
Hypothyroidism
There are only a few studies showing the positive influence that Ashwagandha has on hypothyroidism, however they are very promising. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive, therefore affecting how much hormones are secreted into the bloodstream. When the thyroid is underactive, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) rises in an attempt to restore normal function. In a study performed in India, patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were given 600mg Ashwagandha daily. It was proven in this study that Ashwagandha improved the subjects serum TSH and even normalised levels in >80% of the patients.
PCOS
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal imbalance that causes the body to produce higher-than-normal amounts of the male hormone, testosterone. For women with PCOS, they have a high level of stress and inflammation, causing all sorts of hormonal issues like irregular and/or heavy periods, weight gain, ovarian cysts, and thyroid issues just to name a few. Ashwagandha helps to lower stress levels and balance the thyroid hormones – which helps to treat PCOS.
Hormonal Acne
Ashwagandha is often recommended in treatment for hormonal acne. It is most effective when the specific hormonal imbalance is known. Some people with lower-producing female hormone levels, the male hormones can rise up and dominate. This produces side effects such as hormonal acne. Ashwagandha boosts the production of the female hormones to help recorrect hormonal balance in women.
Low libido and Sexual Arousal
Ashwagandha is known as the “love drug” in some places! The herb’s amazing stress reducing & relaxation properties help to increase sexual arousal and libido. Quite often, it is stress that has a negative effect on libido. A study showed that women taking Ashwagandha daily for a month were able to have more ease in achieving sexual arousal and having orgasms. It is even safe for men to use and is claimed to improve sperm count and motility as well as erectile dysfunction.
Risks of taking Ashwagandha to balance hormones
Of course, you shouldn’t just go ahead and buy Ashwagandha based off something you googled! Talk to your doctor or naturopath to see if it can benefit you. It is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women to use this herb. If you have any of the following conditions, please consult your doctor before taking Ashwagandha:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Thyroid issues
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Bleeding Disorders
- Ulcers
Be mindful of any regular medication you take as it could interact, especially sedatives, anti-depressants, blood thinners and diabetes medication.
Talk to an expert about how Ashwagandha can balance your hormones and help improve your quality of life. Don’t let your hormonal imbalance rule your life. It is always manageable – it’s just finding the right thing that works for you!
