When it comes to the therapeutic use of herbs like Rhodiola and Ashwagandha, many individuals have only a hazy comprehension of the effects these herbs have on one's health. Indeed, studies show that when these two herbs are combined, they reduce the body's physiologic stress response.

This article will give you an understanding of Rhodiola Rosea and Ashwagandha, their benefits, and how they work. Additionally, you will learn how Rhodiola and Ashwagandha are taken together. Let's find out!

What is Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola Rosea is a flowering herb taken as a supplement that provides adaptogenic properties such as general resistance to stress. It is a common natural tonic in Eurasian folk medicine, where it goes by the names "golden root" and "arctic root" due to its origins in the arctic mountain regions of Europe and Asia.

The adaptogenic properties of Rhodiola help the body better deal with stress. Although the leaves and stem are edible, the root is where the majority of the plant's healing properties lie. However, in recent years, Rhodiola has become more available as an extract, typically in the form of a liquid or powder. The use of this herb has been shown to have a number of positive effects on the body and mind, including;

Supports good mood

Your mood is affected by a variety of factors, and one of them is stress. Rhodiola offers stress resistance, making it easier for the body to process stress, which helps to elevate mood.

Boost energy and endurance

Rhodiola has been utilised to boost endurance and physical strength since the time of the Vikings. Taking Rhodiola before a workout can help you feel more rested afterwards since it lowers your body's stress response to exercise.

Helps regulate blood sugar

Elevated levels of the stress hormone called cortisol can cause an increase in blood glucose levels. And Rhodiola helps lower cortisol levels. This also aids in maintaining normal metabolic processes.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that can be discovered throughout Southeast Asia and some areas of Africa. Extracts of the plant's roots and leaves are now widely sold in a powdered form. It has been scientifically proven that the compounds included in this adaptogenic herb can reduce inflammation, blood pressure, stress, and immune response. Here is how Ashwagandha can help:

Reduces tension

Experiencing tension is a common reaction to stress. Stress causes the body to secrete the hormone cortisol. When the source of stress is not eliminated, the body's natural response is to release the stress hormone cortisol, which puts the entire body system on edge.

While it is a vital hormone in the body, chronic stress is unhealthy. So Ashwagandha helps by reducing cortisol levels in the body, thereby reducing the tension created by stress.

Regulates hormone production

Hormones have a significant role in regulating several body processes. Both males and females can benefit from Ashwagandha's ability to stabilise hormone levels, especially reproductive health. It could help to improve your sperm health or your ovulation by mildly increasing the release of the luteinising hormone.

Supports cognitive function

Our thoughts and senses help us to understand and perceive the world. However, the older you get, the more your cognition declines. Ashwagandha does help to support memory, attention, and execution of body functions.

Is Combining Ashwagandha and Rhodiola good?

Given that Rhodiola and Ashwagandha are both stress-relieving herbal remedies, combining them may sound beneficial to many. 

While Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are both adaptogens, Rhodiola is often used for its stimulating, invigorating effects, while Ashwagandha is more commonly used for its calming effects.

How Do Ashwagandha and Rhodiola work together?

The Similarities

Since both herbs are adaptogens, their primary effect is to reduce stress, and they are similar in that regard. They typically reduce the cortisol hormone in the body, which if out of control, can be detrimental to the body. They also help you to endure stressful situations for more extended periods. On top of that, they indirectly help you reduce pain, induce sleep if you have insomnia, and boost digestive activity.

The Synergy Between Ashwagandha and Rhodiola

However, despite the similarities, they have differences in how they reduce stress. For instance, Ashwagandha has a very relaxing effect. Taking it would make you calm, and that is because of its impact on the central nervous system. On the other hand, Rhodiola has a more stimulatory effect on the brain, improving mood and alertness and boosting the body's endurance.

So when these two herbs are taken together, the synergistic effect will provide you with stabilised energy as you go on with your daily activities. While you may have heard that one is better, the comparison is uncanny because they are both very effective when taken alone. Although they have some end goal, which is to reduce stress, they have different ways to do that with other effects, so they can work together.

Furthermore, the effect of taking Rhodiola and Ashwagandha together can have you are numerous; they include;

Improved physical and mental energy

Increasing the physical and mental energy without the use of stimulants, thereby making you last longer when dealing with the stress of any kind before you mentally break down. Ashwagandha reduces your cortisol, so you won't have higher blood pressure. While Rhodiola will give you an energy boost that will help you to endure.

Improved your mental focus

Ashwagandha helps to improve your cognitive ability, such as your attentiveness as well as composure needed to carry out a task. While Rhodiola will stabilise your mood despite the stress.

Reduced stress, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Rhodiola helps you to balance your mood under stress because it improves serotonin levels in the brain, while Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels. This makes it easier for you to sleep.

Where to find ashwagandha and rhodiola?

When combined, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola can have a synergistic effect that lasts throughout the day and helps you stay relaxed, focused, and energised. Thus, you can reap more benefits when they are taken together rather than taking them separately.

Earths Secret's Calm Complex has both Ashwagandha and Rhodiola! Aside from these two ingredients, our calm formula contains other natural, vegan-friendly components - Holy Basil, L-Theanine, and Organic Black Pepper. These five ingredients work together to help you stay relaxed, focused, and energised!