Ashwagandha Vs. Rhodiola: Adaptogenic Herb Showdown

Top Uses and Benefits of Ashwagandha

You can find Ashwagandha, or scientifically, Withania somnifera, throughout north Africa, the Levant, and southern Asia stretching from China to Yemen.

This adaptogen is available in powder extract, capsule, tablet, and liquid extract forms.

Ashwagandha boasts vast benefits across the body and mind. Indian Ayurvedic medicine is particularly fond of ashwagandha, taking advantage of its adaptogenic properties for over three thousand years.

1. Lowers Cortisol Levels

Let’s jump right into the issue of stress, shall we? Lots of research shows that Ashwagandha is especially beneficial for reducing cortisol levels, which is the dreaded stress hormone. (1)

2. Decreases Blood Sugar Levels

Several studies on patients with diabetes found that Ashwagandha successfully lowered blood sugar levels. One study even found it was as effective as prescription diabetes medication. (2),(3)

3. Reduces Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

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. (4)

4. Helps Balance Male Hormones

When it comes to ashwagandha vs. rhodiola for men’s health, there’s no question that ashwagandha is the obvious choice for supporting healthy testosterone levels.

Not only does it increase testosterone, but it can also improve fertility by increasing sperm count, mobility, and quality. (5)

5. Improves Memory and Focus

Ashwagandha has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These qualities mean ashwagandha can protect nerve cells in the brain against damage, oxidative stress, and disease. Studies show that people who take ashwagandha display better memory and concentration. (6)

6. Reduces Inflammation

Several studies have examined ashwagandha’s ability to reduce and protect against inflammation. The antioxidants in ashwagandha can also stimulate natural killer cells, which are essential for defending your body against invading disease and supporting the immune system. (7)

Top Uses and Benefits of Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea goes by several names including arctic root, golden root, and king’s crown. Unlike ashwagandha, you can find rhodiola in northern regions of Europe and Asia – including high in the mountains. Russia, Korea, and China have all taken advantage of rhodiola’s therapeutic benefits for centuries.

You can purchase rhodiola in three forms: powder extract, liquid extract, and capsules or tablets.

Similar to ashwagandha, rhodiola is another adaptogen with its own methods of action, antioxidants, and benefits.

1. Reduce Symptoms of Depression

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. (8)

Participants in clinical trials reported a reduction in depression symptoms and insomnia. People who took higher doses even experienced improved self-esteem. (9)

2. Keeps Your Brain Sharp

When it comes to ashwagandha vs. rhodiola, rhodiola is the answer for improving mental energy. It’s so potent that it even improves energy in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. (10) People started to notice remarkable changes in their mood and quality of life after just one week of taking rhodiola.

3. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar and Insulin

Rhodiola supports healthy blood sugar because it helps the body move glucose to cells. Additionally, studies on mice found rhodiola can help control diabetes. (11) As high cortisol (stress hormone) levels over a long period increase blood sugar levels, it wouldn’t be surprising if rhodiola’s stress relieving properties also play a role in its ability to reduce blood sugar levels.

4. Improves Physical Energy and Stamina

Russian athletes and soldiers have taken advantage of rhodiola for decades thanks to its ability to improve physical performance. It’s the ideal drug-free performance enhancer. (12)

Rhodiola works by making exercise feel less exerting, so it’s excellent for anyone new to exercise who needs an extra push to make it through their strenuous workouts.

Potential Side Effects and Interactions

Just like any substance on the planet, rhodiola and ashwagandha each come with their own sets of side effects and interactions.

Rhodiola can stimulate the immune system, lower blood sugar, and reduce blood pressure. For these reasons, anyone with an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, or low blood pressure (or on blood pressure medication) should probably avoid rhodiola.

Ashwagandha can stimulate the immune system, lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, stimulate the thyroid, and relax the central nervous system. Anyone with an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, low blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid (or on medication) should talk to a doctor before taking ashwagandha.

It’s also important to avoid taking sedatives with ashwagandha due to its powerful effect on the central nervous system. Rhodiola has no known drug interactions.

Breastfeeding and pregnant women shouldn’t take either of these herbs. The safety isn’t confirmed yet.

Ashwagandha Vs. Rhodiola: Which is Right for You?

Now you know the benefits and side effects of ashwagandha vs. rhodiola, but how do you decide which supplement is right for you?

If you can only add one supplement to your routine, use the answer to this question as a deciding factor: do you want a substance that stimulates or relaxes the central nervous system?

• If your main concern is anxiety, sleep, and relaxing your brain, go with ashwagandha.
• If energy and physical stamina are what you need, choose rhodiola.

There isn’t any particular reason you can’t combine ashwagandha and rhodiola for ultimate benefits.

Many people like the calming and focused energy they get from taking both supplements together.

Each herb has its own unique properties and benefits, so why not take advantage of both simultaneously?