Ashwagandha and Bacopa have played a big part in Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional Hindu medicine system, for well over 3000 years. Both have traditionally been taken as a Rasayana (tonic) due to the wide range of purported health benefits they both contain.
Find out exactly how using these two supplements could potentially help you with all manner of conditions. These include stress relief, improving cognitive performance, helping treat anxiety, aiding overall brain health, boosting the immune system, reducing depression, improving energy production, and much more.
But first, let's look at what exactly they are.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is revered as an adaptogen, meaning that it can support the body in adapting to both environmental and psychological changes – specifically stress on the body.
Some studies also show the benefits of Ashwagandha as potentially being anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, as well as having rejuvenating properties on the body.
Related: Best Ashwagandha supplements
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri has long been used in herbal medicine as a memory-enhancing, anti-inflammatory analgesic, alongside being a sedative.
Bacopa contains many different active chemicals which are believed to improve both learning and memory.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Both Ashwagandha And Bacopa Together?
So, what are the possible benefits of taking these two supplements together?
There are several main ones that we will look at below:
Improve learning, memory, and brain function
Studies have shown that both these supplements can profoundly impact cognitive health and mental performance, improving both memory impairment, the ability to retain information, and spatial learning.
One particular study observed that taking Bacopa daily significantly improved the speed of processing visual information and learning rate compared with a placebo treatment.
Supports restful sleep
Bacopa on its own is said to be great at promoting an excellent night's sleep, and both herbal treatments are known to be effective at lowering cortisol levels. This makes it easier to switch off at night time. Some people prefer to take both
supplements just prior to going to bed for this very reason.
Related: Does Ashwagandha make you sleepy
Reduces stress
Both Ashwagandha and Bacopa are renowned for their adaptogenic properties that fight to repeal high levels of the stress response hormone. This in turn increases the body's overall resistance to stress, potentially bringing about numerous psychological and physiological benefits.
Remember that chronic stress doesn't just hurt your mental health; over a period of sustained stress, it can slowly begin to impair your physical health too.
Helps with anxiety and depression
Some small randomized controlled trials have shown that Bacopa, in particular, is just as effective as anti-anxiety medication in treating anxiety symptoms in some individuals.
Antioxidant activity
Both also possess high levels of antioxidant capabilities and, in studies in rats, have been shown to improve antioxidant activity within the brain.
Calms emotional turbulence
Even if you don't suffer from anxiety or depression, you might find that both Ashwagandha and standardized Bacopa Monnieri extract can help you in difficult emotional times. These natural remedies can make tasks that feel overwhelming a little bit easier.
And, they can also give you a boost of energy when you need it most.
FAQs
When taking Ashwagandha and Bacopa together, what is the correct dosage to take?
Ashwagandha extract dosages can vary greatly depending on what ailment you are taking it for. The same goes for Bacopa. When taken together, these dosages may need to be amended.
However, you can get both herbs in a combined tablet form or how I prefer in a powdered greens supplement, where the correct dosage for that particular brand will be stated clearly on the label.
If you are in any doubt about what dosage is correct for you, speak to a medical professional who will be able to advise you.
When is the best time of day to take Ashwagandha and Bacopa together?
It's perfectly ok to take both herbs at any time of the day, although many people prefer to take them in the morning alongside their breakfast.
Ultimately, the choice is yours.
However, some people find that both supplements can make them feel tired, and understandably this is probably the very last way you want to start your day. If this happens to you, it's recommended that you take them at bedtime or half an hour before to promote a blissful night's sleep.
Take a look at my best time to take Ashwagandha article.
Is it safe to take Ashwagandha and Bacopa daily?
While it is generally considered safe to take both Ashwagandha and Bacopa daily, you must consult your doctor before taking either, or both, of these herbs. One reason for this is because, as with any herbal supplement, there is a small risk of interaction with prescription medications.
Even if you aren't on any doctor-prescribed medication, it's always best to get a professional opinion before making any changes or additions to your diet.
How long does it take Ashwagandha and Bacopa to work?
Some people claim they can feel the benefits of both supplements working within as little as two-three days. Others say they don't feel any noticeable benefits for a few weeks.
Generally, it depends on what ailment you are taking these herbs for and how high a dosage you consume daily.
The Bottom Line
The benefits of these herbs have long been touted as nothing short of astonishing, with several human studies seemingly showing some pretty impressive advantages each when taken separately.
When taken together, it is claimed Ashwagandha and Bacopa can: reduce depression, provide cognitive enhancement, improve mental focus and working memory, protect brain cells, reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and keep stress levels in check, improve overall well-being, and much more!
I save time, and certainly money, by consuming Ashwagandha and Bacopa in one supplement – Supergreen Tonik. Each serving provides the recommended dosage of each herb in one tasty drink.
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