Modern View: Yes, Ashwagandha can help manage your weight by lowering the cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the ‘stress hormone’ because adrenal glands release it in response to stress. Elevated cortisol levels increase hunger and craving for sweets, fried food, and soft drinks. These cravings result in increased calorie consumption leading to weight gain.

Ashwagandha reduces the level of cortisol and decreases stress-induced cravings. This helps in better weight management.

Ayurvedic View: – An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu thus resulting in obesity. Ashwagandha leaves are useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Kapha balancing property. It also balances Meda dhatu and thus reduces obesity.

Tip:

Take 1-2gm Ashwagandha leaf powder twice a day with lukewarm water after taking a light meal.

Modern View: – Ashwagandha helps to manage stress-induced hair loss. Stress is known to increase the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which in turn increases the cortisol levels in the body. Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen that improves an individual’s ability to deal with this stress. It normalizes the functions of the body and helps the body adapt to changes. Ashwagandha powder reduces the level of serum cortisol and also helps to reduce stress and stress-related problems like hair loss.

Ayurvedic View: – According to Ayurveda, the reason behind hair fall is aggravated Vata dosha in the body and Ashwagandha acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. Moreover, Ashwagandha also gives oiliness to the scalp due to its Snigdha (oily) property. This helps prevent breakage of hair.

Tip:

Use Ashwagandha based hair oil preferably at night 3 times a week for at least six months for better results.

Modern View: – Although there is no scientific evidence to state that Ashwagandha increases height; it does help maintain good bone health and prevent bone damage. It helps in improving body composition and increases muscle mass and strength.

Ayurvedic View:- Ashwagandha is a Rasayana herb, which means that it increases the essence of each Dhatu (tissues) starting from Rasa, Rakta (blood), Mansa (muscles), Medha (fat), Asthi (bones) Majja and Shukra. Taking Ashwagandha can improve the size of bones (Asthi) but the result depends on various other factors like Prakriti (body type), age of the person, the strength of Pachak Agni (digestive fire).

Modern View: – Yes, Ashwagandha might improve the level of testosterone hormone. It helps increase testosterone levels in stressed individuals by decreasing the level of stress hormone, Cortisol. Ashwagandha being a potent aphrodisiac also helps in the development of testes thereby improving testosterone synthesis. Apart from this, Ashwagandha helps to fight against the free radicals, reduces the damage and death of sperm cells. Thus, Ashwagandha not only increases testosterone but is also good for other male sexual disorders.

Ayurvedic View: – According to Ayurveda, Rasayana herb increases all types of Dhatus in the body. Since Ashwagandha is a Rasayana herb it increases all dhatus including Shukra dhatu (similarity with semen) in the body.

Tip:

For best results, take 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha Avaleha two hours after meals twice a day for at least 3 months.

What are the benefits of Ashwagandha for men?

Modern View: – Some of the benefits of Ashwagandha for men are:

1. Helps in stress management
2. Helps cope with anxiety
3. Known to increase strength and stamina

Apart from these benefits, Ashwagandha being a potent aphrodisiac helps to enhance male infertility by improving the sperm count, sperm movement, semen quality and hormonal imbalance. It not only helps in the development of testes but also improves testosterone synthesis. Due to its antioxidant property, Ashwagandha helps to fight against the free radicals. This prevents damage and death of sperm cells. Thus, Ashwagandha not only helps in male infertility but is also used in other male sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction.

Ayurvedic View: – In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is said to have multiple benefits for men like Vajikarna (increases sexual desire), as a Rasayana herb (rejuvenates the body), increases Balya (strength), improves the quality and quantity of Shukra dhatu (similarity with semen) and reduces Tanav (stress).