Ashwagandha and Ginseng

Ashwagandha and ginseng are both powerful traditional herbs that have a long history of use in folk medicine and in recent history exciting modern studies have revealed exactly why we may want to include these in our daily vitamin regimens!

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that uses a raw powdered or concentrated version of the root to increase vitality, stabilize moods, increase calm energy and many other benefits. See our full article on just the benefits of ashwagandha here and read on to see how ginseng can be included for even greater benefits! ​

Ginseng is a long studied traditional and modern botanical herb that has deep roots in Chinese folk medicine and now has an ever growing amount of modern publications noting its many benefits. 

Ashwagandha and ginseng both have wonderful Ayurvedic and health benefits that we can conveniently enjoy in pill and tea forms. There are multiple factors to consider when choosing to take either of these herbs, or a combination of the two. Here in this article we can take a closer look at the benefits of each and how they ashwagandha and ginseng can be taken together.

Can I take Ashwagandha and Ginseng Together?

Ashwagandha and ginseng can be taken together after the approval by your physician. It is always important to consult with your personal doctor to understand the effects of adding something to your regimen and to ensure that any existing medications or treatments won’t be affected by introducing these new elements.

Taking these two herbs alone can create a powerful combination of vitality increasing energy while maintaining a sense of calm. Both of these botanicals have overlap in their effects, and each of them adds something unique as well. Below we have a chart of the purported effects of each of these medicinals with sources, where they overlap and what each of them may bring that the other lacks!

Is Ashwagandha the same as Ginseng?

Ashwagandha and Ginseng are not the same. They may have some similar effects as we can see in the above effects comparison chart, but they are distinct herbs from different parts of the world and give rise to different desired results. 

Ashwagandha comes from the geographical areas we now know as India and Greece, and has a long history in traditional Ayurvedic and medicinal practices. Ginseng has an incredibly wide geographical range. The three main types of Ginseng are Korean, Chinese and North American Ginsengs.

Is Ashwagandha better than Ginseng?

Ashwagandha is not better than Ginseng. Instead of thinking of one being better than the other we can look at the different benefits of each and choose the right one (or a combination of the two) for us! If you are searching for the right combination of herbal medicines and supplements for your unique needs we recommend you take our quiz and discuss the results with your physician.

The key difference between ashwagandha and ginseng is the type of energy people purportedly feel after consuming either herb. Ashwagandha tends to create a sense of calm energy, while ginseng in higher doses has been reported to create a sense of agitated energy. Ginseng is better employed at a low dose over a long period of time if increased energy is the goal of taking the supplement. 

Ashwagandha Vs. Ginseng

Ashwagandha can be used to increase energy, stamina, and promote a sense of calm. Ginseng can be used to increase energy, increase brain function and may have antimicrobial properties. What are you looking for in your daily regimen? What may be the effects that you are seeking to incorporate throughout your day? If you have been feeling sluggish, and not up to some tasks that you know you can accomplish, or nervous and have a general sense of anxiety then Ashwagandha may be the correct choice. If you’ve been feeling sluggish and as if your thoughts were slower than usual or your thinking capacity hasn’t been where it normally is then Ginseng might be the choice. Remember to take small amounts over a consistent period of time to enjoy the benefits of either herb – and taking too much of either can induce anxious or frantic energy, so make sure to start off slow!

“ Many patients with fatigue report the use of herbal remedies. Ginseng is one of the most widely used because it is believed to improve energy, physical and emotional health, and well-being.” 1

“Ginseng is a promising treatment for fatigue. Both American and Asian ginseng may be viable treatments for fatigue in people with chronic illness. Because of ginseng’s widespread use, a critical need exists for continued research that is methodologically stronger and that includes more diverse samples before ginseng is adopted as a standard treatment option for fatigue.” 1

1

Arring, N. M., Millstine, D., Marks, L. A., & Nail, L. M. (2018). Ginseng as a Treatment for Fatigue: A Systematic Review. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 24(7), 624–633. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0361