Combining Ashwagandha with Other Herbs: Best Pairings & Benefits
The most powerful adaptogenic herb is ashwagandha, which is centuries old, and it is used for its ability to help reduce stress, boost your energy, and overall improve your well-being.
However, are you aware that by adding Ashwagandha with other herbs, you get better results?
Ayurvedic and modern herbal medicine community practice that is known as herbal stacking.
You can enhance the benefits of Ashwagandha by pairing it with some complimentary herbs and thus develop a focused approach to health.
That’s when it’s time to look at combining Ashwagandha with herbs, which will be covered in this article.
Why Combine Ashwagandha with Other Herbs?
The base herb is moderate, and so is Ashwagandha, but when combined with other herbs, it presents a synergistic effect that amplifies its usefulness.
Some herbs complement Ashwagandha to offer:
- Better stress relief
- Improved cognitive function
- Enhanced energy and endurance
- Balanced hormones
- Stronger immune support
Whatever natural medicine you may be practicing, the herbal synergy concept is an important one that should not be overlooked (1).
Certain herbs are synergistic, i.e., some will support each other, but some may negate the effects of each other.
It is important to understand what combination of herbs is beneficial rather than harmful.
Herbs that Tolerate Ashwagandha
Not all herbs go hand in hand with Ashwagandha, but the right combination can make it effective.
Some of the best herbal combinations are as follows:
Rhodiola Rosea: The Ultimate Adaptogen Stack
Another powerful adaptogen is Rhodiola rosea, which is rich in things such as boosting mental clarity, lowering fatigue, and improving physical performance (2).
Together, when combined with Ashwagandha, the two support the body’s stress response.
Rhodiola amplifies the focus and endurance, while Ashwagandha secures deep relaxation.
Taking Rhodiola in the morning for an energy boost and Ashwagandha in the evening for relaxation is best.
Holy Basil (Tulsi): Stress & Immune Support
Adaptogen and strong anti-inflammatory and immune boost Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi.
As it cools cortisol, it plays well with Ashwagandha and helps the body cope with stress better (3).
Yet, it is especially good for people who suffer from anxiety, adrenal fatigue, or weak immunity.
Consume Holy Basil as a tea or supplement with Ashwagandha powder or capsules while also taking advantage of its benefits for maximum benefits.
Bacopa monnieri—Brain-Boosting Combo
A very famous nootropic herb is Bacopa monnieri, which acts as a memory enhancer, cognitive enhancer, and learning enhancer.
When combined with Ashwagandha, the brain has a powerful boost of focus, mental clarity, and stress resilience.
Bacopa is the herb that specifically supports brain health and, by nature, enhances neurotransmitter function, making it an excellent choice for students, professionals, or anyone seeking to improve their cognitive performance (4).
To experience the best results, Bacopa is taken in the morning and Ashwagandha in the evening.
Maca Root: Energy & Hormonal Balance
Maca Root is used to support energy levels, stamina, hormonal balance, and more.
It is an excellent support for those who want improved libido, reproductive health, overall vitality, or simply have overall vitality.
Ashwagandha will help regulate the cortisol, which in turn will also help reduce stress, and Maca will increase energy and support the endocrine system, which is of particular benefit to athletes or someone suffering from adrenal fatigue or hormonal imbalance.
Turmeric: Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse
One of the most potent anti-inflammatory herbs is turmeric, especially turmeric, which is highly rich in curcumin.
Used together with Ashwagandha, it forms a strong match ideal for combating inflammation, reducing joint health, and supporting general well-being.
Curcumin also helps brain health and, therefore, may boost Ashwagandha’s neuroprotective properties.
To have maximal absorption, take turmeric with black pepper and ashwagandha with a healthy fat source such as coconut oil.
Herbs to Avoid Mixing with Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha goes well with many herbs, but some are not recommended for use together.
Some herbs can negate the use of Ashwagandha as it can cause too much sedation, a change in hormone levels, or digestive discomfort.
However, these are herbs one should avoid mixing with Ashwagandha:
St. John’s Wort: May interfere with Ashwagandha’s effects on neurotransmitters.
Both herbs have sedative properties; there is a possibility of severe drowsiness.
Kava – Some people describe kava as a sedative and can cause irritability, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Ashwagandha should not be combined with licorice root, as it may increase blood pressure.
Also, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional prior to taking Ashwagandha if it is used with other supplements and medications.
How to Safely Stack Ashwagandha with Other Herbs
If you are using herbal combinations for their fall and winter benefits, these are safety guidelines to get the most out of them.
As with other herbs, begin with low doses. Start with small amounts of the herbs to determine tolerance.
They can be taken at a certain time, i.e., Rhodiola and Bacopa are better in the morning, and Ashwagandha and Holy Basil in the evening.
Know the side effects and monitor them. Watch out for signs of drowsiness, digestive problems, hormonal changes, and requests from the therapist.
The supplement you take will be of high quality, such as organic and sustainably sourced herbs for the best effect.
If used correctly, with these guidelines, you can safely stack Ashwagandha with other herbs and gain all their healing benefits.
Final Thoughts
Asana herb ashwagandha, can be beneficial in many ways; however, choosing the right herbs for it can increase the benefits it offers!
There are herbal pairs for all intents and purposes (whether you want to lower stress, enhance your brain function, or help with your hormonal balance).
The best herbs to combine with Ashwagandha for the maximum health benefit it offers include rhodiola, holy basil, bacopa, maca, and turmeric.
However, St. John’s Wort, Valerian, and Kava are some particular herbs that are restricted because of the probabilities of interaction.
With the right herbs, Ashwagandha alone won’t be a powerful natural wellness routine—you are better off stacking it.
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FAQs
Which herbs should never be taken with Ashwagandha?
Under no circumstances do you want to take St. John’s Wort, Valerian Root, Kava, or Licorice Root because it may result in excessive sedation or other adverse effects.
What is the best herb to combine with Ashwagandha?
Whichever your health goals, Rhodiola, Bacopa, and Holy Basil are excellent choices for you.
Can the two be mixed (Turmeric and Ashwagandha)?
Yes! Good combination of Ashwagandha and Turmeric to fight inflammation and support brain function.
I would say something similar to how one should take Ashwagandha with Rhodiola.
In the morning, Rhodiola is used for energy; at night, Ashwagandha is used for relaxation.
Can I have multiple herbs with Ashwagandhaint in one go?
Yes, with low doses, you should see tolerance, and you don’t wish to overdo it.
However, understanding the best combinations will help unlock Ashwagandha and other herbs’ full potential for the best health.
Related Studies
1. Title: The Effects of Adaptogens on the Physical and Psychological Stress
This study reviews the effects of combining adaptogens like Ashwagandha with Rhodiola and Bacopa, highlighting their benefits in stress relief and cognitive function.
Link: https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1057&context=discovery
2. Title: The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Stress and Fatigue
This study demonstrates Rhodiola rosea's effectiveness in reducing stress symptoms, improving cognitive function, and enhancing mental performance.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9228580/
3. Title: Holy Basil to Beat Stress and Sleep Better
This article discusses Holy Basil's ability to lower cortisol levels, improve stress resilience, and enhance sleep quality.
Link: https://www.parkinsonsresource.org/news/articles/holy-basil-to-beat-stress-and-sleep-better/
4. Title: Is Chronic Use of Bacopa Monnieri an Effective Treatment to Improve Memory Performance?
This review highlights Bacopa monnieri's effectiveness in improving memory performance and cognitive function through randomized controlled trials.
Link: https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=pa_systematic_reviews
