Ashwagandha vs Rhodiola: What’s The Difference & Which Is Right for You?
Stress is a common issue which plagues the best of us. However, while it can be hard to avoid, the fantastic news is that there are ways to cope with it. Using adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola can help tackle this issue. So, what are these products, and how do they differ? Take a glance below to discover what you need to know about these herbal supplements and start boosting your mental and physical well-being today!
What are adaptogenic herbs?
If you’ve never heard of adaptogenic herbs before, it might be worth us establishing what they actually refer to. These herbs, also known as adaptogens, are used to assist in the regulation of the body’s response to stress, fatigue, and anxiety. They do this by decreasing cortisol levels and have been used in traditional medical practices dating back thousands of years.
Ashwagandha vs Rhodiola
Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are known for their similarities, but how do they differ? Let’s take a peek at each of these herbs in more detail!
Ashwagandha
Let’s start with ashwagandha. This potent herb for calmness was initially derived from North Africa and the Middle East. Top ashwagandha supplement selections are sold worldwide to help individuals manage their stress levels and other possible problems.
Many professionals recommend taking these supplements in the morning after eating. However, if you take two a day, you should also take one in the evening. After consuming this supplement, it doesn’t take long for ut to kick in. In fact, you may notice a difference in your stress levels within a mere few weeks, although some individuals experience results in just a few days.
Ashwagandha benefits
Ashwagandha has a handful of benefits that could help improve individuals’ lives. These include:
- Sleep promotion
- Cognitive function support
- Stress relief
- Sexual wellness support
- Muscle strength support
- Blood sugar level reduction
- Provision of hormone balance
Ashwagandha side effects
As with any supplement, ashwagandha sometimes comes with a few potential side effects. It would help if you were wary of these. They include upset stomach, liver problems, low blood pressure, fever, or a dry mouth. This supplement may also affect pregnancy, so it is worth consulting a medical professional before consuming it.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola supplements also provide plenty of health benefits for those seeking better mental wellness. This adaptogenic herb grows in cold, mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. So, for this reason, it is also commonly referred to as the arctic root.
When taking rhodiola supplements, you should always consider consuming them on an empty stomach and well before bedtime. This is because rhodiola is known for having a relatively stimulating impact. After taking them, you will notice the results almost immediately. Unlike ashwagandha, rhodiola effects can take as little as half an hour to kick in and typically last four to six hours.
Rhodiola benefits
Like ashwagandha, rhodiola also has a few desirable advantages, making it no wonder that it has been utilised in medicine for thousands of years. They include:
- Enhancing physical energy
- Stress relief
- Exercise endurance and recovery support
- Mental fatigue reduction
- Enhancing mood
- Focus support
Rhodiola side effects
While the side effects of rhodiola supplements aren’t frequent, you should still be mindful of them. It would help to be cautious of symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, headaches, chest pain, and increased blood pressure. Because of this, you may want to consult a doctor before consuming this product.
Can you take ashwagandha and rhodiola together?
Since ashwagandha and rhodiola are both common adaptogenic herbs, you may be wondering whether you can consume them simultaneously to produce a more significant impact. The truth is that taking these supplements on their own can boost your physical and mental well-being in several different ways but combining them may also produce fantastic results. To take them together, consider consuming each at varying periods of the day to stop your body from getting overstimulated. To seek the best advice and results, we recommend talking to a personal medical professional.
Final Words
While ashwagandha and rhodiola can both help tackle an individual’s stress and anxiety levels, their differences make them stand out as valuable supplements in their own right.
Thus, the supplement you decide to take is up to your personal needs.
For example, we know that ashwagandha is excellent for increasing relaxation, while rhodiola is better for enhancing mood and energy levels. If you’re seeking long-term stress relief, ashwagandha may be the best option, while rhodiola will be ideal if you need an energy or mental boost.