Aphrodisiac’s have long held near-mythical standing; we’re never quite sure what to believe is valid. This Ayurvedic herb, however, is backed by science.

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—This article was originally published by our friends at elephant journal; we’re republishing (with permission!) because we love it… and them. Enjoy.— 

Editor’s Note: This website is not designed to, and should not be construed to, provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion or treatment to you or any other individual, and is not intended as a substitute for medical or professional care and treatment. Always consult a health professional about health care changes before trying out new home therapies or changing your diet.

Ashwagandha, also called “Winter Cherry” or “Indian Ginseng,” is a well-known adaptogenic herb that has been shown to help people cope with stress.

Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol levels during stressful times and support healthy adrenal function. Ashwagandha has also been shown to balance out the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous system, which can overreact to stress. (1)

Traditionally, it has been commonly used for boosting strength and endurance, thus keeping up with one of its nicknames, “strength of ten horses.” Beyond helping the body cope with stress and body strength, it has been used as an aphrodisiac of sorts.

Studies have shown that ashwagandha root has been used to treat sexual weakness, secondary erectile dysfunction, and performance anxiety in men and increase sexual desire in women caused by many forms of sexual dysfunction. (3-5)

In a recent study, 50 women were split into two groups. One group received 300 mg of ashwagandha root twice a day and the other group received a placebo for eight weeks. The study measured sexual function in the areas of sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, sexual encounters and painful intercourse.

The women who received the ashwagandha supplementation saw significant improvements in sexual function relating to improved sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction. (2)

 

 

Follow us to elephant journal to continue reading “Ayurveda’s Aphrodisiac: Strength of 10 Horses” and have a happy day.

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About the Author

John Douillard, DC, is a regular contributor to elephant journal and has published over 500 health videos and articles that are available on his website. Receive these valuable health reports in your inbox – sign up for free! He has written six books, produced numerous health DVDs and CDs, and has formulated his own line of organic health care products. He is the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team. He has been featured on the Dr. Oz Show, in Woman’s World Magazine and in Yoga Journal. He currently directs the LifeSpa Ayurvedic Center in Boulder, CO, where he lives with his wife and six children. Join Dr. John for the (Free!) 3 Season Diet Challenge for 12 months of seasonal guidance.