By Linda Woolven and Ted Snider, The Natural Path
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. About 40% of women will experience some form of sexual dysfunction in their lifetime. A combo of shatavari and ashwagandha could be the answer.
This 8 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 135 women between 18 and 55. Half were given a placebo and half were given a combo of 300mg shatavari root extract and 250mg of ashwagandha root extract.
At the end of 8 weeks, compared to placebo, the herbal combo was significantly superior on total Female Sexual Function Index score as well as specific scores for desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm.
Women who took the herbs engaged in sexual intercourse significantly more often than women in the placebo group.
Female Sexual Distress Scale scores improved significantly more in the herbal group. Sexual distress is a key sign of sexual dysfunction. Scores on the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire were also significantly better on the herbal combo.
There were no serious adverse events, and the herbal combo was safe and well tolerated.
This study suggests that a herbal combination of shatavari and ashwagandha can improve sexual function in women.
Source
Int J Womens Health. 2026 Feb 10;18:561213.
Find it at Nutrition World
Ashwagandha from several brands:
- Ashwagandha capsules: Solgar SFP Ashwagandha, Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root Liquid Phyto-Caps and Terry Naturally Ashwagandha EP35 Xtra (three popular capsule options for this traditional root)
Looking for shatavari? Ask us in the store and we'll help you find it.
Browse the full women's health collection, or stop by the store at 2401 PGA Blvd in Palm Beach Gardens and we'll help you compare labels. Questions? Call (561) 626-4377.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.