Introduction
Many people suffer from mild to severe anxiety and stress, both of which can have a serious impact on our mental health. There are many different medications that are prescribed for these conditions but they may not be right for everyone. For those who don’t like taking medication or prefer more natural remedies, there is another option: Rhodiola Rosea vs Ashwagandha. These two ayurvedic herbs can help reduce stress levels and promote calmness during times of high anxiety. But how do you know which one is best? In this article we’ll compare the two against each other so you can decide whether one works better than the other or if maybe both could work together for optimal results!
So, what is Rhodiola Rosea?
Rhodiola Rosea is a medicinal herb that has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. It’s part of the Crassulaceae family and is native to arctic regions throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Rhodiola Rosea was originally named “Ros” or “Rose” due to its rosy color when dried out (much like how rose hips are red), hence why you may also hear it called arctic root, golden root or roseroot.
Rhodiola Rosea and Stress Relief
Rhodiola Rosea is a perennial flowering plant that grows in cold climates, like Russia and Alaska. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries because of its ability to enhance physical and mental performance. In fact, more than 100 studies have been conducted on Rhodiola Rosea so far, with many of them focusing on its ability to reduce stress levels by reducing cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress).
Rhodiola Rosea is considered an adaptogen; this means it helps the body adapt to stress by stimulating neurotransmitters involved with mood and anxiety regulation. You’ll also find Rhodiola Rosea in some supplements marketed as “brain boosters,” though there isn’t much evidence yet that shows it can improve cognitive function or memory retention over time (this area needs further research).
How Does Rhodiola Rosea Work?
Rhodiola Rosea is a plant that grows in the Arctic and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is thought to have anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Rhodiola Rosea works by stimulating the nervous system to release hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which are known to be associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness. This increases energy levels because it increases the amount of oxygen transported around the body through red blood cells, resulting in more efficient metabolism at rest or during exercise.*
- The herb is also known for its ability to increase mental clarity by increasing blood flow to your brain.*
Rhodiola Rosea for Stress-Related Fatigue
Rhodiola Rosea is a good supplement for stress-related fatigue. It can help you recover from exercise-induced fatigue and can improve cognitive function, too.
Rhodiola Rosea works by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which promotes feelings of happiness and well-being.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a root that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It’s also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
Ashwagandha is believed to have many health benefits, including stress relief, immune system support and more. It contains compounds called withanolides that may affect neurotransmitters in the brain (like dopamine and GABA), which can help alleviate depression symptoms.
In one study published in 2016, researchers found that ashwagandha was effective at reducing anxiety caused by an intense aerobic workout test compared to placebo; however, it wasn’t as effective as rhodiola rosea when it came to reducing mental fatigue after working out. Another study showed that taking ashwagandha supplements prior to training can improve your performance during endurance exercise while lowering your heart rate and blood pressure levels at rest — all good things if you’re looking for better energy levels!
Other Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Anemia
- Anxiety and stress
- Arthritis
- Asthma and bronchitis
It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful herbal anti-inflammatories out there that doesn’t come with serious side effects like NSAIDs (ibuprofen). This is especially important because chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease, cancer and other illnesses.
What About Side Effects?
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe to use, even in high doses. In fact, Ashwagandha has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2,000 years.
That said, it’s still important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement if you have a medical condition or if you’re currently taking prescription medication.
Rhodiola Rosea may cause headaches and dizziness when taken in high doses. Some people also experience nausea from Rhodiola Rosea supplementation. If you experience these symptoms while using Rhodiola Rosea, lower your dosage and try using the supplement again after several days or weeks off of it (to clear out of your system).
The most common adverse effects with long-term use are stomach upsets such as nausea and vomiting; irregular heartbeat; insomnia or sleeplessness; rapid heart rate or palpitations; skin rash; excessive sweating; irritability or feeling aggressive towards others
Rhodiola Rosea vs Ashwagandha Bottom Line
In the end, it’s difficult to say which herb is better for your mental health. Both Rhodiola Rosea and Ashwagandha are great choices for anti-stress and anti-anxiety supplements, but there are some minor differences that may sway you one way or another.
If you want to stay calm in a stressful situation, choose Rhodiola Rosea. If you’re prone to panic attacks or anxiety attacks in general, go with Ashwagandha. Both herbs will help improve your mood and fight depression as well as improve cognitive function. They also have similar benefits when it comes to helping people sleep better at night—but if you’re looking specifically at these two plants’ abilities when it comes to sleep issues (like insomnia), then Ashwagandha is probably more effective than Rhodiola Rosea thanks mostly due to its calming effects on the mind from reducing stress levels during the day.”
These ayurvedic herbs could help with anxiety and stress.
Both herbs are effective for stress and anxiety. However, ashwagandha is more effective for stress-related fatigue than rhodiola rosea. Both herbs have side effects, but they’re less likely to occur with ashwagandha than they are with rhodiola rosea.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s clear that both ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea could help you manage your stress levels. They are both safe and effective for most people, though there are some side effects to be aware of. The bottom line is that if you want an herbal remedy for anxiety and stress, then these two options should be considered.
