Dietary supplements are hotter than ever — especially for those looking to outsmart Father Time.

Dave Asprey, known as the “father of biohacking,” admits to spending an astonishing $3,000 per month on supplements to enhance his brain function and overall health to combat aging. He is a firm believer in the power of these pills and potions.

One herbal supplement, dating back thousands of years, has gained massive popularity in the US among those interested in longevity and the general population alike. Asprey cautions that this supplement may not have the desired effects for everyone.

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.

This supplement is derived from the roots of a small shrub found in Asia and Africa, and has been a fundamental element of Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient healing system originating in India, for over 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.