An age-old medicinal herb, ashwagandha is a widely used medicinal herb, which finds a prominent place in India’s age-old holistic medicinal system of Ayurveda. Although largely associated with strength and stamina, this herb’s utility stretches much beyond that. And, although it can be consumed by both men and women, its certain properties greatly benefit men. And to know some such benefits, Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr Kamini Sehra, who is an Ayurvedic practitioner for the past 27 years.
Ashwagandha Benefits For Men
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The benefits of Ashwagandha are myriad that can be reaped by men, women, and children alike. However, when it comes to men, there are some specific benefits they get from this herb.
- Stamina: The term Ashwagandha is derived from two words -- ‘ashwa’ that means horse and ‘gandha’ that means odour. It also means one that gives you horse-like strength. Hence, stamina is one of the primary health benefits that ashwagandha provides. Earlier, the field of sports was completely dominated by men. This particular activity requires a great deal of strength and stamina. Hence, ashwagandha has been like a tonic for them.
- Stress: Although this one is faced by both males and females, how much it has been normalised is still contested. Men are still not as forthcoming about speaking about their troubles and mental health as females are. One of the things that can help them ease stress is ashwagandha, which they can have not just for stress but mood swings too.
- Fertility: Another utility of ashwagandha is regarding fertility as this Ayurvedic herb is used to improve both sperm count and its quality, thus helping with fertility. Hence, those whose testosterone levels are disturbed or are suffering from infertility can try ashwagandha.
How To Use Ashwagandha?
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There are various forms in which ashwagandha comes in and you can choose from them as per your state of health.
- Ashwagandha Churna: Those wanting to improve their stamina can have the ashwagandha churna as it is, or with milk.
- Ashwagandha Avaleha: Chyawanprash, which is an Ayurvedic supplement, is widely consumed in large parts of India. In line with that, there is ashwagandha avaleha, which is just like chyawanprash, but it has ashwagandha in higher amounts. Those with a weak physique, or have trouble gaining weight or have very low muscle mass, can have ashwagandha avaleha, Dr Sehra said.
- Ashwagandharishtha: Now for those whose ‘agni’ is weak, who don’t get hungry, they can have ashwagandharishta as it’s in liquid form and is easily digestible.
- Oil: Ashwagandha cannot be given to babies. However, ashwagandha oil can be used to massage the baby’s muscles to make them stronger. It’s often used on babies whose muscles are weak or have paraplegia, which is a type of paralysis affecting the lower body, which makes it difficult for the person to move.
Things To Keep In Mind While Using Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb and not a food item, specifies Dr Sehra, and hence should be used as one. If it was something that could be included in the daily diet, then just like other herbs and spices, it would have been found readily in our kitchen counters, she adds. Here are the things you should keep in mind while consuming ashwagandha:
- First of all, we need to understand that Ayurveda expounds that there are three ‘doshas’ in the human body, which determine your physical, mental, and emotional health. Vata, pitta, and Kapha are the three doshas. Dr Sehra says those with pitta and Kapha should steer clear of ashwagandha.
- Those with Vata dosha, who are weak and are generally stressed out, can be given ashwagandha.
- Overweight and obese individuals should avoid having it as it has more downsides for them than benefits.
- Those suffering from stress can consume this herb regularly for three to six weeks and then stop for a certain period.
Although the benefits of ashwagandha are many, you should never overdo it. If you have symptoms of gastritis or have nausea, that means you have gone too far and should stop using it. In the end, it’s a medicinal herb and not a food item, and should be taken on the doctor’s advice and with ample caution.
(With inputs from Dr Kamini Sehra, an Ayurvedic practitioner with 27 years of experience)
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