Can You Take Rhodiola And Ashwagandha Together?

When things change inside you, things change around you. Start the change by reading about the benefits of Ashwagandha and Rhodiola together.

Many people supplement with adaptogen herbs such as Ashwagandha and Rhodiola because of the broad range of health advantages they provide. Both Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are medicinal herbs. Hence, some people make the mistake of mixing them up in the same bowl. 

They have slightly diverse applications, yet when used together, their effects may complement one other in some circumstances. Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are effective against several ailments since they work on hormones and help the entire body function at its best. 

If you start supplementing with these, you’ll be blown away by how good you feel. But can you take Ashwagandha and Rhodiola together? Find out!

Rhodiola And Ashwagandha: Can You Take Them Together?

It’s no surprise that Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are two herbs that are more effective when used together as stress relievers, energy boosters, and memory enhancers. 

Stress is an unavoidable part of our modern lifestyles. Stress affects us daily, whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, and it can have long-term health effects. It is, of course, difficult to eliminate all sources of stress from one’s life. So, what can one do?

Fortunately, nature is on our side. Individual herbs and supplements can help your body adapt and healthily respond to stress levels. These plants or herbs are known as adaptogens because they help the body adapt to various types of stress.

Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are both well-studied apoptogenic herbs that have been used in traditional medicine for ages to deal with stress, regulate cortisol levels, and treat various ailments. But, more importantly, can they be utilized in tandem?

To be honest, it’s a case of grapes vs pears. Depending on their biochemistry or intended use, some people prefer one over the other. However, we’ve discovered that the majority of people prefer the two combined. We’ll now discuss each of them separately, followed by a discussion of the two as a combination.

Rhodiola and Ashwagandha for Anxiety, Stress, and Insomnia

Adaptogens are a group of herbs that, by their tonic activities on the adrenal glands, safely, softly, and effectively control the body’s stress response. They perform effectively for adrenal fatigue and are best utilized for persistent anxiety instead of panic attacks (acute anxiety) [1].

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, WS) is also known as Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, and with other names in different parts of the world. 

Anxiety

Ashwagandha (adaptogen) has been demonstrated to lessen anxiety symptoms and decrease cortisol levels by resetting adrenal-associated stress, reducing your anxiety tendency overall. Adaptogens don’t function right away. To get maximum effectiveness, they should be used daily rather than “as needed” [2].

Rhodiola, golden root or roseroot are two names for the vivid yellow-green plant. Rhodiola is an adaptogen herb that is used in traditional medicine in the second most popular way. It can have a direct effect on your stress levels and your ability to handle and manage stress as an adaptogen plant [3]

The herb has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of anxiety symptoms. Rhodiola is a natural stress reliever that promotes a sense of calm.

Stress

Adaptogens can assist your body in adapting to life’s challenges. These herbs help our bodies respond to and recover from short- and long-term physical and mental stress. Some of them also help with immunity and general well-being.

Adaptogens have the potential to aid in the treatment of a variety of health problems, including pain, digestive disorders, sleeplessness, and more. Stress triggers a chain of bodily reactions that alter our immune system, hormones, cognitive function, and our internal clock, or circadian rhythm.

Insomnia

It’s important to recognize that a quality night’s sleep begins during the day. Furthermore, managing your stress levels throughout the day will help you sleep better at night.

Insomnia and sleeping difficulties are common side effects of a hectic lifestyle. Calming adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help you sleep better and longer by relaxing the nervous system and lowering cortisol levels, making sleep more likely.

Rhodiola and Ashwagandha benefits

Many studies have shown that Ashwagandha and Rhodiola can strengthen immunity and promote general good health, as well as combat fatigue, improve cognition, alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms, and help us thrive in difficult situations.

So, how do these power stations aid with stress relief?! Let us read on to the benefits of each separately.

Health benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a plant species that has been used in India, North Africa, and the Middle East for ages.

It’s a plump, spherical shrub with round leaves and yellow blooms that bear orangish raisin-sized fruit. Ummm… what a delight to the ears! Let’s quickly look at the benefits of Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha and anxiety

Ashwagandha is a herb that is used to treat stress and anxiety. Several studies have shown that this plant decreases anxiety, improves calmness, and aids decision-making [4]

Massage your hair and skin with ashwagandha oil to reduce stress levels. Ashwagandha oil is rather easy to come by. If you’re using ashwagandha supplements along with other prescriptions, be sure you’re doing so under the supervision of a doctor.

Ashwagandha and weight loss

Wrestlers in the past mixed ashwagandha powder with hot milk and drank it during and after training sessions to boost muscular strength.

It appears to have aided in the improvement of muscle percentage by assisting in the burning of stubborn fats from the stomach and area. It can now be used daily to relieve stress, increase strength, and reduce body fat [5].

Ashwagandha and height

Ashwagandha is a stress-relieving and sleep-inducing herb. Getting enough sleep is beneficial to your height development.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that can help you enhance your growth hormone levels. The component withanolides in ashwagandha are known to stimulate GABA receptors in the brain, which can lead to an increase in HGH production (HGH). As a result, taking ashwagandha can help you grow taller.

Health benefits of Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a plant that thrives in Europe and Asia’s cold, mountainous regions.

Its roots are adaptogens, which means that when taken, they assist your body to adapt to stress.

Rhodiola also goes by the names arctic root and golden root. Rhodiola Rosea is its scientific name. Its root contains about 140 active compounds, with rosavin and salidroside being the two most effective [6]

Rhodiola and fatigue

Stress, anxiety, and insufficient sleep are just a few of the variables that can lead to weariness, which can result in physical and mental exhaustion. Rhodiola is supposed to aid with fatigue because of its adaptogenic qualities.

100 patients with chronic tiredness symptoms were given 400 mg of Rhodiola every day for eight weeks in one investigation. They had distinct signs and symptoms which were improved after taking Rhodiola. These changes were seen after only one week of treatment and lasted until the study’s final week [7].

Rhodiola and exercise

Rhodiola is said to boost athletic performance by lowering physical and mental weariness while also enhancing antioxidant activity. However, the findings of the investigation are contradictory.

On the plus side, Rhodiola was found to boost muscle power and strength in rats in one animal research. After resistance exercise, the rats were given Rhodiola Rosea extract together with another Rhodiola chemical called Rhaponticum carthamoides (Rha) [8].

Rhodiola and diabetes

Insulin injections or drugs that improve insulin sensitivity are routinely used by diabetics to help manage their blood sugar levels.

Animal studies suggest that Rhodiola may aid in the control of diabetes. Since these experiments were conducted on rats, the results cannot be applied to humans. They are, however, a compelling argument to look into the effects of Rhodiola on patients with diabetes [9].

Consult your nutritionist or doctor before using Rhodiola supplements if you have diabetes.

Ashwagandha and Rhodiola side effects

Rhodiola and ashwagandha, like any other herb, have their own set of (minimal) adverse effects.

Rhodiola is a herb that may help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Though some studies suggest that anyone with an autoimmune illness, diabetes, or low blood pressure should generally avoid Rhodiola.

Ashwagandha has been shown to decrease blood pressure, activate the thyroid, boost immunity, and soothe the central nervous system. Before using ashwagandha, anyone with an autoimmune illness, diabetes, low blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid should consult a doctor.

How to Take Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Together?

Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are two herbs that are often sold separately, each with a dosage recommendation.

These two components may also be found in useful and potent nootropic stacks, which is a wonderful way to improve cognitive function and promote general brain health.

Ayurvedic techniques are all about combinations, according to their ideology. There is also scientific evidence to back up the old cliche that the whole is greater than the parts. It’s all-encompassing. The optimum nootropic duo is Ashwagandha and Rhodiola. They are both powerful and beneficial on their own, but when combined, they can have a synergistic effect. You can take them together in the form of readily available supplements of reputed brands. But remember to take them under the proper supervision of your doctor.

How Do They Work Together?

While ashwagandha and Rhodiola have a lot in common, ashwagandha is usually more soothing, whereas Rhodiola is more stimulating and invigorating. When used in conjunction, they can offer you calm, focused, and stable energy during the day.

There’s also some debate about which herb is superior to the other, but that’s like comparing apples and pears. The essential thing is that they are both exceptional and effective herbs on their own, and even more so when combined.

FAQs

Does Rhodiola interact with anything?

When Rhodiola is used with drugs that are altered by the liver, the effectiveness of some treatments is reduced. If you take any medications that are modified by the liver, consult your doctor before taking Rhodiola.

Should I take Rhodiola in the morning or at night?

Rhodiola should be taken on an empty stomach, but not before bedtime, as it has a slight stimulating effect. You can also confirm with your healthcare provider to know the best suitable time based on your diet and medications.

How long does it take for Rhodiola to start working?

Rhodiola can start working in as little as 30 minutes and last for at least 4-6 hours. Rhodiola delivers quick response to a stressor by acting on a portion of the body’s stress system, i.e., the sympathoadrenal-system (SAS) [10].

Why should you not take ashwagandha?

If you have cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues, blood diseases, ulcers, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, consult your doctor before using ashwagandha. Thyroid testing may be affected by ashwagandha.

What’s next?

  1. Can You Take Moringa And Ashwagandha Together?
  2. Is Paneer Good For Diabetes?

Wrapping up

Two of the most potent adaptogenic herbs are ashwagandha and Rhodiola. Such herbs are commonly used as stress relievers and can be included in nootropic stacks (a combination of two drugs that help in improving cognitive functions) or performance-enhancing medications.

While they are both beneficial as stand-alone herbs, when taken together, they are considerably more so. Always consider the opinion of your health care professional before starting with supplements.

References

  1. Liao, Lian-Ying, et al. “A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide.” Chinese medicine, (2018), vol. 13 57. 
  2. Langade, Deepak et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study.” Cureus, (2019), vol. 11,9 e5797. 
  3. Liu, Lei et al. “Herbal Medicine for Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 13,4 (2015): 481-93. 
  4. Pratte, Morgan A, et al. “An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 20,12 (2014): 901-8.
  5. Choudhary, Dnyanraj et al. “Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine vol. 22,1 (2017): 96-106.
  6. Li, Yonghong et al. “Rhodiola Rosea L.: an herb with anti-stress, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties for cancer chemoprevention.” Current pharmacology reports vol. 3,6 (2017): 384-395.
  7. Lekomtseva, Yevgeniya et al. “Rhodiola Rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial.” Complementary medicine research vol. 24,1 (2017): 46-52.
  8. Roumanille, Rémi et al. “Acute and chronic effects of Rhaponticum carthamoides and Rhodiola Rosea extract supplementation coupled to resistance exercise on muscle protein synthesis and mechanical power in rats.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, (2020), vol. 17,1 58. 
  9. Ju, Linjie et al. “Salidroside, A Natural Antioxidant, Improves β-Cell Survival and Function via Activating AMPK Pathway.” Frontiers in pharmacology, (2017), vol. 8 749. 
  10. Panossian, Alexander, and Georg Wikman. “Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), (2010), vol. 3,1 188-224. 
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