What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, commonly referred to as winter cherry or withania somnifera, is an evergreen shrub with yellow flowers, grown in India, parts of North Africa and the Middle East [1]. It is the most important of the Rasayana or ‘rejuvenation’ herbs in Ayurveda, a tradition of healing based on the Indian concept of establishing a health system attuned to the laws of nature [2]. For thousands of years, Ashwagandha has been used to treat diseases, including stress, improve concentration, and give energy [3]. The name refers to Sanskrit for ‘smell of the horse’, referring to the plant’s scent and potential ability to increase strength. A huge range of benefits have been claimed for this plant. However, in this blog post, we will understand if Ashwagandha can be used to increase penis size.
Can Ashwangha increase penis size?
Currently, there is limited evidence to suggest that Ashwangha can increase your penis size, despite what people aiming to sell it to you might claim. This assertion might have originated from studies indicating that eating Ashwagandha could augment your testosterone. One 2019 study involving 43 overweight men older than 40, and saw a 14% boost in testosterone in comparison with a placebo. [4]. In 2010, another study of 150 infertile and fertile men reported a marked rise in testosterone (as well as an increase in luteinising hormone, which stimulates testosterone production).
Other studies, however, have found this or no apparent increases even and a decrease in some cases. And also, unfortunately for those hoping for inches, a 2011 and 2014 study concluded it had little influence on penis size or erectile dysfunction rates [5, 6].
Are there any risks with taking Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha has relatively few risks associated with it. One advantage of Ashwagandha is that it has been used for centuries, making individuals aware of possible side effects [1]. These typically include drowsiness, gastrointestinal problems or diarrhoea, though many report no side effects. People who are pregnant or taking any of the following: barbiturates, benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants, should avoid taking ashwagandha. We do know that it wouldn’t be classed as a medicine in the UK, and its use would not be subject to strict regulations that you would expect. So, if you try a supplement, you have to be careful that it’s not missing the active ingredient or is not as high a purity as expected. For this reason, make sure you buy from a reputable pharmacy chain such as a well-established one.
Are there any other benefits of taking Ashwagandha for sexual health?
Though it won’t make your penis any more significant, numerous other advantages, including enhanced sporting performance and reduced anxiety, have been touted. One review of 12 studies of those taking the herb ashwagandha found that it could boost strength and the amount of oxygen the body can use during exertion [7]. Regarding male-specific matter, one study in 2015 tested Ashwagandha at 600 mg per day for eight weeks in conjunction with resistance training, which increased muscle strength and size versus placebo [8]. Furthermore, although an appropriate dose is not precise yet, the benefits of Ashwagandha for anxiety are well-established, which can be beneficial for your sexual health [8]!
Ashwagandha and penis size: A summary
Although Ashwagandha cannot promise to increase your penis, it does have many other benefits associated with sexual health, which can prosper health and well-being [8]. Furthermore, Ashwagandha has a range of different benefits, such as increased muscle building that could aid with confidence, and if you are anxious about this, it may help with dealing with the mental side of this.