While there are many herbal medicines that provide similar benefits, it is not always clear whether they are safe to be consumed together or not.
In this article, we will take a closer look at one such example and reveal if it is safe to take Ashwagandha and ginseng together.
What is the difference between Ashwagandha and Ginseng?
Much of the confusion regarding the difference between ashwagandha and ginseng comes from their very names. Even though ashwagandha is sometimes also called “Indian ginseng”, it is completely botanically unrelated to the actual ginseng plant.
The most commonly used type of ginseng is Panax ginseng, which is also often called Korean ginseng. The other main type is American ginseng, which is sometimes considered to be less stimulating than Korean ginseng.
Although there are several different plants with “ginseng” in their names like Indian ginseng (Ashwagandha) and Siberian ginseng, they do not provide the benefits of the actual ginseng plant from the Panax family, which is why Panax ginseng is sometimes also called true ginseng.
Both ashwagandha and ginseng are plants that are called adaptogens, meaning that they can help reduce stress and anxiety thanks to their soothing effects on various bodily processes. Still, ashwagandha has a more calming effect, as its botanical name (Withania somnifera) might imply, while ginseng is used to gain more stimulating benefits.
Is it safe to take Ginseng and Ashwagandha together?
Despite the lack of research on interactions between the two herbs, there is currently no evidence that would indicate that taking ginseng and ashwagandha together is dangerous.
A study that aimed to test if there are any dangers in supplementing the herbs together found that there was no toxicity present in rats after 90 days of oral supplementing.
Although there are some supplements that contain both ginseng and ashwagandha it would be best to be careful in consuming them and to be especially wary of combining such supplements with any other medicines.
Although ashwagandha is considered generally safe with other medicines, ginseng contains a long list of interactions, some of which could warrant serious concern.
Can you take Ashwagandha and Siberian Ginseng together?
Siberian ginseng, which is also called Eleuthero, is an adaptogen plant that does not actually classify as real ginseng. That is because Siberian ginseng is chemically completely different from American and Korean ginseng.
Nevertheless, Siberian ginseng can provide various health benefits, such as providing a boost to immunity, as well as its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
There is currently no research that would imply combining Siberian ginseng and ashwagandha is dangerous, but you should always follow the recommended doses and consult a health professional if you have any concerns.
Can you take American Ginseng and Ashwagandha together?
American ginseng, which is also called Panax quinquefolius, differs slightly from Korean ginseng, in the fact that its stimulatory effects are not as high as they are in the Asian variant.
American ginseng should be safe to consume together with ashwagandha just like Korean ginseng, but recommended doses should be followed, and special care should be given to avoid combining the herbs with other medicines, due to potentially dangerous interactions.
Benefits of taking Ashwagandha and Ginseng together
Different types of ginseng can provide different benefits, but here we are primarily interested in the benefits of Korean ginseng together with ashwagandha. Some of the benefits of Korean ginseng include:
- Cardiovascular benefits – A study has found that ginseng could improve cardiovascular function thanks to its different mechanisms like antioxidation and improved lipid profiles.
- Anti-cancer effects – Ginseng has been explored in many studies for its cancer battling properties and may contribute to enhancing the effects of chemotherapy.
- Regulating blood sugar – Ginseng has been found to have a positive effect on the blood glucose levels among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Likewise, ashwagandha provides a long list of benefits, the most important of which are:
- A variety of therapeutic effects – Ashwagandha has been linked with anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, and rejuvenating properties.
- Contributes to fertility – Studies have found that ashwagandha has an important role in resolving issues with male infertility and general sexual dysfunction.
- Reduces anxiety – As a potent adaptogen, ashwagandha can affect the adrenal glands to reduce stress and anxiety and facilitate a better quality of life.
Since both of these herbs provide such great individual benefits, combining them could make for a potent combination in overall health. Still, it is necessary to seek the advice of your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about combining the herbs with different medicines.
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