Does Ashwagandha Make You Fertile? What Studies Reveal
A lot of people — does ashwagandha make you fertile?
This age-old Ayurvedic herb has been used for centuries to promote balance, alleviate stress, and help maintain overall health.
But science is now catching up with tradition, investigating how ashwagandha may affect hormones, reproductive health, and even fertility in men and women.
Whether you’re actively trying to get pregnant or just hoping to keep your reproductive health in check, the guide will walk you through the research, potential benefits, and safe ways to use ashwagandha.
What Is Ashwagandha and How Does It Work With Your Body?
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is an adaptogenic plant.
Adaptogens are cortisol-balancing stress support for your body and nervous system.
In Ayurveda, it is frequently referred to as “Indian ginseng” due to its energizing, mood-lifting, a nd stamina-enhancing effects.
Stress is a large enemy to fertility.
When you are under chronic stress, your body churns out higher levels of the hormone cortisol (so-called “the stress hormone”), which can suppress reproductive hormones and impact ovulation or sperm quality.
Ashwagandha supports the normal function of the HPA axis (1) (the system responsible for ensuring fine-tuned stress responses), helping to promote balance, a calm mind, and maintain overall health.
Ashwagandha decreases prolonged stress and provides better circumstances for getting pregnant.
How Ashwagandha Could Help Fertility in Women
As for women, the query whether “can ashwagandha make you fertile?” is all about hormones and cycle harmony.
There are several ways Ashwagandha may support your fertility — hormonal balancing, lowering stress hormones, and increasing libido and sexual energy.
Regulating Hormones Naturally
Research indicates that ashwagandha can help regulate cortisol levels (2), which in turn can promote the balance of estrogen and progesterone.
Balanced hormones will also result in regular ovulation, healthy egg quality, and better chances of getting pregnant.
It can also support thyroid health (thyroid imbalances are tied to reproductive issues).
Increasing Quality of Your Eggs and Menstrual Health
Ashwagandha is a potent, antioxidant-rich herb that can help protect male and female reproductive cells from oxidative stress (3).
This shield helps protect egg quality and support a healthy menstrual cycle.
And there’s early evidence that women who take ashwagandha have better energy, mood, and more predictable cycles.
Supporting Libido and Energy
Fertility is not just about hormones — it’s also about connection and desire.
Ashwagandha improves libido and sexual function by increasing blood flow, vitality, and supporting a wide range of health benefits.
And when you are in balance and filled with energy, conception happens almost effortlessly.
You can support these effects with Ashwagandha Root Powder, which is crafted using sustainably sourced roots for purity and potency.
How Ashwagandha Could Help Fertility in Men
And ashwagandha isn’t just a ladies’ supplement — research has uncovered significant fertility benefits for men, too.
Improving Sperm Count and Motility
Clinical trials have also demonstrated that supplementation with ashwagandha can lead to impressive increases in sperm count, sperm motility, and ejaculate volume.
In one study, men who received 675 mg of ashwagandha daily for 90 days experienced a significant increase in sperm quality and testosterone levels.
These benefits are related to reduced oxidative stress and improved hormone synthesis.
Physically Fight Oxidative Stress in Reproductive Organs
The antioxidants present in ashwagandha shield the sperm from damage caused by free radicals, one of the primary causes of infertility in men.
This natural protection not only increases fertility but also reproductive health in general.
Men support vitality by supplementing their diet with Wild Foods Adaptogen Stack for stress resilience and hormone balance.
Studies and Clinical Trials on Ashwagandha for Fertility
Whether ashwagandha makes you fertile has been checked in dozens of human and animal studies.
In a 3-month study, 46 men with infertility were treated with ashwagandha root extract (4).
The men receiving clomiphene had significantly higher sperm counts, increased rates of motility, and better hormonal parameters than those assigned to placebo.
In females, initial evidence suggests that ashwagandha can help improve sexual function, reduce stress, and promote normal menstrual cycles.
Although more large studies are required, existing evidence indicates that ashwagandha could promote fertility via hormonal and psychological mechanisms.
Limitations and Future Research Directions
Most studies to date are conducted with small groups of participants, and results may depend on dosage and which type of extract is used.
Nonetheless, the available evidence speaks to ashwagandha’s potential role as a natural fertility booster alongside other healthy lifestyle factors.
How to Use Ashwagandha for Fertility
If you’re thinking of adding ashwagandha to your fertility protocol, keep in mind that consistency is key.
Recommended Dosage and Form
Do most studies use daily doses of 300–600 mg of standardized root extract?
You can use it as a capsule, powder, or tincture.
Wild Foods has the good stuff on their Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder – great to mix into smoothies, teas, or adaptogenic lattes.
When to Take It and How Long It Takes to Work
Ashwagandha is not a band-aid.
Effects on energy, mood, or reproductive health are generally noticed after 8 to 12 weeks of daily use.
It’s best to take it in the morning or early afternoon with food for better absorption.
Using Ashwagandha with a Proactive Fertility Lifestyle Approach
Even while utilizing Ashwagandha, it is still best to avoid unhealthy lifestyle practices such as smoking cigarettes in order to improve your chances of an optimal pregnancy.
Ashwagandha is most effective as a component of a comprehensive strategy.
Nourish your fertility through focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods, gentle movement, and restful sleep, as well as being mindful of how you handle stress.
This “reWild” system—plugging into nature and real nutrition—is at the core of what we try to do at Wild Foods.
Adverse Effects and Safety Concerns
Ashwagandha is likely safe for most people when used in accordance with its suggested use.
But pregnant and nursing women should check with a health care provider before using it.
Those with thyroid or autoimmune disorders should also consult a doctor before trying fasting.
Begin with a small dose and see how your body feels.
Always opt for 100% pure and organic-sourced roots with no added fillers.
Final Thoughts
So, can ashwagandha make you fertile?
Although it won’t perform miracles, there is evidence that ashwagandha can help support the hormonal and emotional homeostasis on which fertility relies.
By reducing stress, addressing reproductive function, and increasing vitality, it supports your body's ability to find its natural rhythm.
That is to say, it does not “enforce” fertility — it gives the condition for it.
At Wild Foods, they think nature encapsulates all we require to be balanced and powerful.
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FAQs About Ashwagandha and Fertility
Is ashwagandha good for pregnancy?
Yes. Ashwagandha might help by regulating hormone levels, decreasing stress, and improving the quality of eggs and sperm to boost fertility potential.
How long does it take for ashwagandha to work for fertility?
You will typically need to take it for 8–12 weeks before you see noticeable mood, energy, and reproductive health changes.
What is the effect of ashwagandha on a woman?
It also helps regulate menstrual cycles, support thyroid and adrenal health, and improve libido and mood.
How to use ashwagandha for fertility in women?
Take 300–600 mg of extract per day with food to begin, and consult a healthcare professional for individualized dosing.
Is ashwagandha good for male fertility, also?
Yes. In studies, it has been shown to increase sperm count, testosterone, and motility, while decreasing stress and oxidative damage.
Related Studies
1. Title: An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological effects of Ashwagandha
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Ashwagandha reduces morning cortisol and DHEA-S levels by moderating HPA axis activity, thereby lowering stress response.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6750292/
2. Title: Can Ashwagandha Benefit the Endocrine System?—A Review
The review highlights Ashwagandha’s ability to reduce cortisol via effects on the HPA axis, which is crucial for reproductive system function and balance of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10671406/
3. Title: Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Oligospermic Men
In a clinical trial, Ashwagandha treatment significantly increased sperm count by 167%, motility by 57%, and ejaculate volume by 53% in infertile men after 90 days.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3863556/
4. Title: The benefits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for antioxidant response
Summary: The study documents Ashwagandha’s rich antioxidant content and ability to reduce oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species, protecting reproductive cells from oxidative stress.
Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1439294/full
