Dietary supplements are hotter than ever — especially for those looking to outsmart Father Time.
Just ask Dave Asprey, the self-proclaimed “father of biohacking,” who told The Post he spends a jaw-dropping $3,000 a month on brain-boosting, body-hacking pills and potions to keep aging at bay.
In the US, one ancient herbal supplement has exploded in popularity among both longevity junkies and the general public. But Asprey’s got a word of warning: if you’re hoping to get lucky, it might just leave you high and dry.
What is ashwagandha?
It may be the new darling of the wellness world, but ashwagandha has been around long before green juices and collagen powders hit the scene.
A powder made from the roots of the small shrub, native to Asia and Africa, has been a staple of Ayurvedic medicine — India’s ancient healing system — for more than 3,000 years.
“Ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to increase energy, improve overall health and reduce inflammation, pain and anxiety,” Dr. Yufang Lin of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative Medicine, said in an interview.
What are the benefits of ashwagandha?
Most of the buzz around ashwagandha centers around its potential to reduce stress and anxiety.
When your body is stressed, it activates the fight-or-flight response, causing your heart rate to spike, blood pressure to rise, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and a surge of stress hormones like cortisol.
A growing body of research suggests the ancient herb can help regulate this stress response, particularly by normalizing cortisol levels.
For example, a 2021 analysis of seven studies found that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels, while also improving sleep quality and fatigue compared to a placebo.
In 2022, a clinical trial by the University of Colorado involving 60 students revealed that participants who took ashwagandha root extract for 30 days reported improved well-being, a sense of calm, better energy levels and heightened mental clarity.
Other studies have shown that ashwagandha may help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, boost cognitive abilities and even enhance athletic performance.
Sex boost or bust
The ancient herb, long used as a natural aphrodisiac in Ayurvedic medicine, is increasingly being backed by modern science for its benefits in the sack.
For men, research suggests that ashwagandha may help increase testosterone levels and fire up the libido, according to Verywell Health.
One 2022 study found that men with low sex drive who took 600 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha daily saw their testosterone spike by 17% — and the heat didn’t stop there. They also reported stronger desire, better arousal, more satisfying orgasms and an overall uptick in bedroom performance compared to a placebo group.
Ashwagandha seems to improve sexual function in women too, according to Healthline.
In a 2015 study, healthy women who took 300 mg of the supplement twice daily for 8 weeks reported major improvements in arousal, lubrication and orgasm. Researchers theorized that the herb’s stress-reducing powers might be behind these benefits.
But before you double-dose ahead of date night, be aware: Overdoing it could backfire in the bedroom.
“Ashwagandha is really powerful … but too much can reduce your ability to reach orgasm,” Asprey told The Post. “So maybe don’t take it before a hot date, unless you’re nervous.”
While there are no official dosing guidelines, most study participants take between 300 mg and 1,000 mg daily for up to three months, according to Health.com. A doctor can help you fine-tune your dose based on your personal needs.
Other side effects can be a buzzkill too
In addition to potentially stymying your orgasm if you overdo it, Lin said ashwagandha can also cause stomach discomfort, drowsiness, diarrhea and vomiting.
There’s limited research on the safety of ashwagandha for pregnant women, so it’s usually recommended they skip it — especially since high doses could raise the risk of miscarriage.
If you’ve got hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, are breastfeeding, or are on meds like benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, or barbiturates, ashwagandha’s probably not for you. It’s also a no-go for anyone about to undergo surgery or dealing with autoimmune, thyroid or liver issues.
