Many individuals supplement with Rhodiola and Ashwagandha for the wide range of health benefits they provide, and they're swiftly becoming the most popular supplements for a good reason!
Adaptogens work with the nervous system and regulate hormones to help the entire body perform at its best. This provides individuals with numerous advantages, including stress relief, cognitive enhancement, and increased energy.
We will discuss the benefits of Rhodiola and Ashwagandha together, and why you should combine the two for the best outcomes.
But firstly, a short introduction to adaptogenic herbs!
What Are Adaptogenic Herbs?
Adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and Rhodiola have been used for thousands of years as medicinal plants to help improve health and wellness but are only just starting to be picked up and used in supplements.
Adaptogens are herbs and roots that help the body adapt, hence the name, to stressors. This includes psychological, chemical, and physical stress.
Rather than just reducing the symptoms that are caused by these stressors, adaptogens change the way that the body deals with them, benefiting long-term health and wellbeing.
Different adaptogens provide unique health benefits, but overall, all adaptogens reduce stress and improve health. Some of these are more powerful, and therefore more popular than others.
Rhodiola and Ashwagandha are best known for their adaptogenic properties.
How do these herbs help with stress?!
Researchers have found they have several effects on the body:
- Helping us stay in the “resistance” phase of the stress response for longer, allows us to soldier on through a stressful situation before succumbing to mental exhaustion.
- Stress hormones like cortisol, which can wreak havoc on the body if they're out of control, can be reduced.
- Indirectly assisting with various health problems such as pain, insomnia, and digestive problems
They also improve mental work capacity, attentiveness, and stress and tiredness prevention.
Now, let's have a look at two of the most effective adaptogenic herbs.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is rightfully regarded as the king of Ayurvedic herbs, which is a traditional form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.
This herb is not just one of the most powerful adaptogens, but there are Ashwagandha benefits based on real scientific research:
- Reduces Depression, Anxiety, and Stress. Ashwagandha is known for its anxiolytic qualities, which means it can help people who have persistently stressed lower their stress and anxiety symptoms.
- Regulates Cortisol. In the same scientific study, it has been shown that cortisol levels are significantly reduced upon supplementation of Ashwagandha (the body's stress hormone).
- Boosts male fertility. This adaptable herb has also been demonstrated to promote male fertility by raising testosterone production and improving the quality and concentration of sperm in infertile men.
These are some of the most important ashwagandha advantages, which explain why it's utilized not just as a nootropic but also as a testosterone booster!
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Rhodiola Rosea: The Super Herb
Rhodiola Rosea has been found to have over 140 bioactive chemicals. These include rosavin, rosin, and salidroside, which are powerful antioxidants and chemicals that fight free radicals.
While Ashwagandha is a more soothing herb, Rhodiola is a considerably more energizing one.
- Lower Stress – Rhodiola is an adaptogen that improves how your body handles stressors and helps people recover from burnout.
- Increases Energy – The good news is that it's better than caffeine. Rhodiola Rosea can help you regain your natural vitality by lowering stress levels and allowing the body to focus on manufacturing essential energy metabolites.
- Improves Mental Focus and Concentration – In a review of 36 studies, it was concluded that Rhodiola can improve learning and memory.
How does Ashwagandha And Rhodiola Work Together?
They are similar due to their shared adaptogenic properties.
By blending Ashwagandha And Rhodiola together they can offer you calm, focused, and stable energy throughout the day.
There's also some debate about whether one herb is superior to the other, but that's like comparing apples and pears. They are both remarkable and effective herbs alone, and even more so when taken together.
Some people prefer one over the other depending on their own biochemistry or purpose of use.
Are Ashwagandha and Rhodiola a Good Combination?
So, what are the potential advantages of combining these two supplements?
Many people choose to combine Ashwagandha and Rhodiola since they both have good adaptogenic qualities. They provide the soothing yet concentrated mental energy that comes from combining the two supplements.
Adaptogens make excellent supplements for supporting mental health because they encourage balanced brain chemistry.
Researchers believe that Rhodiola can balance neurotransmitters in your brain – a job typically accomplished by antidepressant medications.
Ashwagandha is particularly well researched for its anti-anxiety and anti-depression qualities. When people with chronic stress took ashwagandha for a study, they reported a 60% reduction in symptoms, including insomnia.
While they are both beneficial as stand-alone herbs, when taken together, they are considerably more so.
When Taking Ashwagandha And Bacopa Together, What Is The Correct Dosage To Take?
The dosage of Ashwagandha extract varies greatly depending on the condition being treated. Rhodiola is the same way. These dosages may need to be adjusted when taken together.
However, you can get both herbs in a combined tablet form or as 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 Rhodiola Together?
Since Rhodiola is also a moderate stimulant along with being an anxiolytic, the best way to combine the two herbs would be to take Rhodiola Rosea and Ashwagandha in the evening.
Since you will be combining the two herbs, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, it’s best to use lower dosing than what is typically recommended if you were using either on its own supplementation.
Another consideration is to limit caffeine because Rhodiola can be stimulating enough, and adding stimulants like caffeine may increase anxiety.
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.
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How Long Does It Take Ashwagandha And Rhodiola To Work?
Generally speaking and depending significantly on the person, Ashwagandha will take anywhere from 2 weeks to 45 days to provide genuine results.
The biggest differences lie in the quality of the Ashwagandha itself and your unique health profile.
After 6 weeks of treatment, taking Rhodiola on a daily basis significantly reduced symptoms of mild to moderate depression, as well as overall symptoms, emotional instability, and insomnia.
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FAQs
Can I Take Rhodiola and Ashwagandha Together?
Two of the most well-studied adaptogenic herbs are Ashwagandha and Rhodiola.
Numerous studies have demonstrated their remarkable capacity to enhance the body's stress response, so reducing fatigue and improving mood and attention, among other benefits.
You don't have to choose between these two amazing herbs, though. They can be used together to maximize the benefits.
Which Supplements Should Be Avoided When Taking Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha might interact with supplements that cause sleepiness like Valerian and others.
When should I Avoid taking Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea?
While most people tolerate Ashwagandha or Rhodiola well, if you have any health issues like thyroid difficulties, cancer, or bleeding disorders, you should talk to your doctor about supplementing. Both have the potential to interact with certain medications, such as thyroid and anti-anxiety medication.
Is it safe to take Ashwagandha with Rhodiola on a regular basis?
Both Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are safe to use on a daily basis and have few side effects.
While it is generally considered safe to take both Ashwagandha and Rhodiola daily, you must consult your doctor before taking either, or both, of these herbs.
Can Rhodiola And Ashwagandha Help You With Weight Loss?
Both adaptogens can aid weight loss by lowering anxiety and thus preventing stress eating. In fact, Ashwagandha, but not Rhodiola, has been shown to have this effect.
Ashwagandha also helps to speed up your metabolism by increasing thyroid activity.
Rhodiola is good for fueling exercise, especially in the afternoon, because it provides energy with less sleep impairment than caffeine (though not completely). Caffeine in the morning, especially if you work out in the mornings, could be a good addition to this stack for added energy and fat burning.
The Bottom Line
Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are two of the most powerful adaptogenic herbs.
These herbs are commonly used as stress relievers and can be included in nootropic stacks or performance-enhancing supplements.
While they are both beneficial as stand-alone herbs, the two of them offer you a multitude of synergistic benefits when taken together.
The two adaptogens combination produces brain-boosting cognitive performance, such as better cognition and mental function, hormone control, and effective stress and anxiety management throughout the day without the use of any stimulants.
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