When it comes to medicinal herbs or natural medicine and brain health, Ashwagandha and CBD may stand out. Both are being marketed as good support for relaxation, fighting stress, and regulating anxiety symptoms.
However, there is more that you need to know when we talk about Ashwagandha vs. CBD. Which is better between them? What are their side effects, and how does the body benefit from each? Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
What Are Ashwagandha And CBD?
Ashwagandha and CBD are considered natural medicines coming from plant compounds. Both are often highly associated with the health and wellness industry. Featuring several benefits, they are now available in many stores, both online and offline.
While they share similar benefits, they also come with differences. One such is their origin. Here are some little details about these two natural compounds.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the well-known ancient medicinal herbs used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine – a medical system that originated in India. Its other names are “Indian ginseng” and “winter cherry.”
In herbal medicine, it is described as something that primarily helps people adapt to stress, thus balance is achieved. It is available in various forms like powder, capsules, or teas. [1]
CBD
CBD is a short term for cannabidiol. This is a compound derived from the family of cannabis plants. It has its counterpart known as THC. Contrary to what many people think, CBD doesn’t get you high.
To ensure that you get the best CBD extract, manufacturers derive the products from hemp rather than deriving them from marijuana. This is because hemp contains lower THC and high CBD contents, while marijuana contains the opposite.
Like Ashwagandha, CBD is available in various forms like vapes, edibles, and oils. It is also available in various formulas. Some contain pure CBD, while others contain some amounts of other cannabis compounds for additional benefits. [2]
Ashwagandha Vs. CBD: Differences
Both CBD and Ashwagandha are known for their benefits on the brain and mind. Nevertheless, they may still have differences in terms of the way they affect the body, as well as their side effects. Here are some.
Ashwagandha Vs. CBD: Benefits
There are a lot of benefits that ashwagandha and CBD have to offer. We’ve compiled them below:
Anxiety
According to research, both Ashwagandha and CBD may potentially reduce anxiety. However, the way they do the job is a little different. For instance, Ashwagandha is said to contain adaptogenic properties. These properties help the body adapt to stress and respond to it calmly.
More specifically, it helps the body regulate its physiological responses. It also helps regulate cortisol, allowing the person to feel more relaxed. Lastly, it is also found to interact with GABA Receptors, which are also associated with stress and relaxation.
Meanwhile, CBD is widely known for its anxiolytic properties, promoting relaxation. More importantly, however, it directly interacts with the human Endocannabinoid System. This system affects mood and stress-related responses.
When CBD comes to interact with such, anxiety may decrease. Overall, its neural regulation activities result in better responses to anxiety-inducing stimuli. [3][4]
Cognitive Support
As for cognitive support, both Ashwagandha and CBD still play a role. Experts hypothesize that Ashwagandha’s effect on cognitive functions is still rooted in its adaptogenic properties.
Since Ashwagandha contributes to a better response to stress, improved cognitive functioning becomes the secondary benefit. However, this may only be true for healthy adults. [5]
Meanwhile, in studies regarding CBD, researchers found that it may positively affect people with various mental disorders. This is because CBD affects blood flow, including the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and other cognitive processes. [5][6]
Anti-inflammation
Both Ashwagandha and CBD feature anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may also help reduce pain. However, as for Ashwagandha, the evidence is insufficient to conclude that it can heal chronic pain.
Meanwhile, CBD was found to have various benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Experts report that CBD’s anti-inflammatory substances also contribute to how its mood-regulatory mechanisms work. Moreover, it is effective in managing pain. [7]
Ashwagandha Vs. CBD: Side Effects
Like other supplements and herbal medicines, Ashwagandha and CBD also have various side effects. However, these side effects may only be experienced when taken with a higher dosage.
Normally, when side effects are experienced, lowering the dose eliminates these negative effects.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
Ashwagandha side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal Distress like nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea
- Sedation or drowsiness
CBD Side Effects
CBD side effects include:
- Dry Mouth
- Appetite changes
- Gastrointestinal Issues like nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea
- Fatigue
Ashwagandha Vs. CBD: Which Is Better?
The answer to such a question ultimately depends on what the person wants to achieve. For instance, if your concern is stress, cognition, and mood, Ashwagandha is already enough, while CBD can still be your choice.
However, if you want to address other issues, such as pain, CBD is found to be more effective. It also has other benefits for seizures and other neurological-related issues. [8]
Upon deciding, you may also consider the formula. Ashwagandha is available as capsules, powders, teas, and extracts. On the other hand, CBD is available as oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals, vapes, and many others.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha and CBD are two natural supplements that people consider to be helpful in managing mood and stress-related issues. They also come with certain side effects. However, when taken with the right dosage, both are generally safe to use.
Concerning which is better the two, it depends on your goal and preference. Nevertheless, consulting your health provider is advised.
FAQs
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021
- Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 8). CBD: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/featured-topics/CBD.html
- 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
- Osborne, A. L., Solowij, N., & Weston-Green, K. (2017). A systematic review of the effect of Cannabidiol on cognitive function: Relevance to schizophrenia. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 72, 310–324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.11.012
- 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
- Villanueva, M. R., Joshaghani, N., Villa, N., Badla, O., Goit, R., Saddik, S. E., Dawood, S. N., Rabih, A. M., Niaj, A., Raman, A., Uprety, M., Calero, M., & Khan, S. (2022). Efficacy, safety, and regulation of Cannabidiol on Chronic Pain: A systematic review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.26913
- Xing, D., Yoo, C., Gonzalez, D., Jenkins, V., Nottingham, K., Dickerson, B., Leonard, M., Ko, J., Faries, M., Kephart, W., Purpura, M., Jäger, R., Sowinski, R., Rasmussen, C. J., & Kreider, R. B. (2022). Effects of acute ashwagandha ingestion on cognitive function. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 11852. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911852
