Ashwaganda is a sexual "grounding" herb that reduces the frequency of premature ejaculation and increases sexual stamina. ⁽¹⁾ It is often touted as the Indian version of ginseng because, like ginseng, ashwagandha is revered as , an adaptogen that is used alone or in combination with other herbal compounds designed to target a diminished sexual drive.

The plant acts as a mild sedative, an anti-inflammatory and a libido booster. The chemically active ingredients in ashwagandha, withanolides, appear to have a steroid like effect, meaning that they indirectly increase activity of steroidal hormones like testosterone and progesterone. Because of testosterone's effect on sex drive, this could be what is behind ashwagandha's longevity-enhancing and sexually stimulating effects. ⁽²⁾

Ashwagandha also relaxes blood vessels and stimulates circulation. Researchers speculate the anti-anxiety action of ashwagandha stems from something in the herb that mimics gamma-amino-butytric acid (GABA), a naturally occuring substance in the brain whose role is to decrease the effect of stimuli that reach the brain. As with other herbs, expect to take this daily for 2-4 weeks before you begin to feel it's beneficial effects.