If you are looking for natural medicines to keep your body healthy, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are some options. These two powerful adaptogenic herbs used in traditional medicine have recently gained popularity.
Indeed, many individuals are turning to these natural remedies to manage stress, boost energy, and enhance their overall well-being. However, is it okay to combine and take them together? Read on to find out.
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Ashwagandha And Rhodiola Differences
Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are adaptogenic herbs. Both are known for their ability to enhance physical and mental well-being. They have also been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Despite some similarities, they also come with their unique characteristics. Thus, before considering taking either one of the two or combining them, it’s essential to understand their differences. So, let us delve into how these two herbal supplements differ from each other.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is also called Withania somnifera as its scientific term. It is an ancient medicinal herb that originated in India. It is best known for its ability to reduce stress, improve sleep, and support adrenal health.
Because of this, it’s often associated with calmness. It is also often linked to a treatment or enhancement for relaxation. [1][2]
What is Rhodiola?
Rhodiola, on the other hand, is also known as Rhodiola Rosea as its scientific name. Its origin is from the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It became popular due to its energy-boosting properties and mood-enhancing effects.
Because of such wide benefits, people also call it the “golden root.” [3]
Ashwagandha And Rhodiola Benefits
Both Ashwagandha and Rhodiola offer a range of health benefits. Thinking which is better or which one you should take may depend on your goals.
Ashwagandha Benefits
Ashwagandha comes with adaptogenic properties. Such properties help your body adapt to stress. Specifically, it helps reduce cortisol levels (a human hormone related to stress).
Thus, it is said to be helpful for people with depression and anxiety. It may also enhance cognitive function and support thyroid health. [4][5]
Rhodiola Benefits
Rhodiola is praised for its fatigue-fighting abilities. Taking it will help you combat physical and mental exhaustion. It also promotes better endurance.
Like Ashwagandha, however, it can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of mild depression. [6]
Can You Take Ashwagandha And Rhodiola Together
Given that Ashwagandha And Rhodiola come with different sets of benefits, you may want to take them together. Thankfully, you can do it, but you need to practice some precaution.
While combining Ashwagandha and Rhodiola can potentially enhance their overall effects as stress-reducing and energy-boosting benefits merge, starting with low doses is essential. Monitor how your body reacts, too, because it’s not for everybody.
Consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Taking either of these two adaptogens with other medications may produce unpleasant interactions.
How To Take Ashwagandha And Rhodiola Together
If you want to take Ashwagandha and Rhodiola together, here are some suggested tips for you.
Start Slowly
Begin with the recommended dose of each herb. Instructions are usually found on the product label.
Monitor Your Bodily Reactions
Pay attention to how you feel after taking such. Notice any changes (both positive and negative). Observe your energy levels, mood, or sleep quality.
Adjust as Needed
Depending on your body’s reactions, you can gradually increase or decrease the dosage. Decrease if you experience side effects; increase if no change is happening.
Consult a Professional
Always consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements or herbs, especially if you have health concerns or are on medications. This is to avoid unexpected unpleasant effects.
Timing Matters
Some people say that taking Ashwagandha and Rhodiola in the morning may help boost energy and resilience throughout the day. However, further investigation for such is still needed.
Experiment with Timing
This one seems to be contradicting the previous tip. Some people advise taking the herbs at different times to not become overly stimulated.
For example, you can take Ashwagandha in the evening for relaxation purposes. Meanwhile, you may take Rhodiola in the morning to boost your energy during the daytime.
What Is Ashwagandha And Rhodiola Good For?
Aside from stress reduction and increased energy levels, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola offer some other potential benefits too. These are:
- For Ashwagandha, you may experience improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety symptoms, enhanced muscle strength, and better immune function or immune system support.
- For Rhodiola, you may experience increased alertness, improved exercise or workout performances, enhanced memory or improved cognitive abilities, and potential weight loss support.
- Combining the two is expected to give you a combination of the mentioned benefits.
Conclusion
In the natural or herbal supplements industry, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are the most outstanding. People praise them because of their adaptogenic properties. These natural remedies have been said to have some health benefits.
Overall, it helps in enhancing your physical and mental well-being. While you can take them together to maximize their benefits, it is still important to do it with care. Consult a healthcare professional, especially for those with ongoing treatment.
FQAs
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
- Ivanova Stojcheva, E., & Quintela, J. C. (2022). The effectiveness of rhodiola rosea L. preparations in alleviating various aspects of life-stress symptoms and stress-induced conditions—encouraging clinical evidence. Molecules, 27(12), 3902. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123902
- O’Connor, J., Lindsay, K., Baker, C., Kirby, J., Hutchins, A., & Harris, M. (2022). The impact of ashwagandha on stress, Sleep Quality, and Food Cravings in college students: Quantitative Analysis of a double-blind randomized control trial. Journal of Medicinal Food, 25(12), 1086–1094. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2022.0040
- Singh, N., Bhalla, M., De Jager, P., & Gilca, M. (2011). An overview on ashwagandha: A rasayana (rejuvenator) of ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 8(5S). https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5s.9
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020, October). Rhodiola. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/rhodiola
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, March). Ashwagandha. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha#:~:text=Ashwagandha%20is%20an%20evergreen%20shrub,anti%2Dinflammatory%20and%20antioxidant%20effects.