Ashwagandha and Brahmi: How to Use Them Together?
Jun 25, 2024
Ashwagandha and brahmi are two powerful herbs widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Both herbs have a long history of improving mental clarity, reducing stress, and boosting overall vitality. Brahmi is known for enhancing memory and cognitive functions,
Table of Contents:
- What is Ashwagandha?
- 6 Key Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha Side Effects
- What is Brahmi?
- Key Benefits of Brahmi
- Brahmi Side Effects
- Can We Take Brahmi and Ashwagandha Together?
- How to Take Ashwagandha and Brahmi Together?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
while ashwagandha is excellent for increasing energy and reducing anxiety. However, if you are considering using brahmi and ashwagandha together in your diet, it is recommended to go through the benefits and side effects of each. In this guide, we will explore the benefits and side effects of brahmi and ashwagandha combination.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a small plant with yellow flowers and red fruit, and it grows in India and North Africa. People mostly use its roots for making medicine. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional way of healing, for over 3,000 years because it helps people feel less stressed. The name ashwagandha means smell of the horse in an old language called Sanskrit, which refers to its strong smell and the belief that it gives you the strength of a horse.
6 Key Benefits of Ashwagandha
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is best known for its ability to reduce cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone. Studies have shown that its adaptogenic properties help individuals manage stress more effectively, leading to reduced anxiety levels.
Boosts Brain Function
The herb supports brain health by protecting nerve cells from harmful free radicals. Research indicates that ashwagandha promotes antioxidant activity that protects the brain against degenerative diseases.
Enhances Physical Performance
Ashwagandha can improve body composition and increase strength. In studies involving athletes, the herb has been shown to enhance stamina and physical performance, likely due to its ability to increase energy production at a cellular level.
Improves Sleep
The compounds in ashwagandha, particularly triethylene glycol, have sleep-inducing potential. It helps normalise sleep patterns and is beneficial for people who suffer from insomnia.
Supports Sexual Health and Fertility
For men, ashwagandha has been found to boost testosterone levels and improve sperm quality and fertility. For women, it can support reproductive health and hormone balance.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-cancer Properties
The withanolides in ashwagandha have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of tumours.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
- Ashwagandha can irritate the stomach lining if taken on an empty stomach, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
- Due to its calming effects, ashwagandha may cause drowsiness or sedation, particularly in higher doses. This can impact your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
- Ashwagandha may lower blood pressure, which could be a concern for those already taking blood pressure medication or those with naturally low blood pressure.
- The herb has been shown to increase thyroid hormone levels, which might complicate conditions for people with thyroid disorders, requiring them to adjust their medications.
- While boosting the immune system is generally positive, for individuals with autoimmune diseases, ashwagandha could potentially worsen symptoms by stimulating an already overactive immune response.
- Ashwagandha can interact with medications such as immunosuppressants, sedatives, and those for thyroid and blood pressure regulation, potentially altering their effects.
What is Brahmi?
Brahmi is another staple herb in Ayurvedic medicine. This small herb is characterised by its unique leaves shapes with white or purple flowers. The key active compounds are bacosides, which are saponins. It is known to contribute to the therapeutic effects in brahmi. These bacosides play a crucial role in affecting brain chemicals associated with thinking, learning, and memory.
Key Benefits of Brahmi
Anxiety Reduction
Brahmi has been found to have significant anxiolytic effects, helping reduce anxiety levels and stress. It modulates the levels of stress hormones in the body, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Antioxidant Properties
The herb contains powerful antioxidants that protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. This action helps prevent ageing and degenerative diseases.
Neuroprotection
Brahmi provides neuroprotective benefits. It supports the regeneration of brain tissue and has been studied for its potential to treat neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Enhancing Attention and Mood
Brahmi is beneficial in improving attention, cognitive processing, and working memory, partly due to its calming effects, which can also help in improving mood disorders.
Brahmi Side Effects
Brahmi may cause mild digestive issues such as stomach cramps or nausea, especially when not taken with food. It is also important to take brahmi in the right promotion to avoid any side effects.
Can We Take Brahmi and Ashwagandha Together?
You can take Brahmi and Ashwagandha together. Combining these two Ayurvedic herbs can enhance their individual benefits, particularly in areas such as improving cognitive function, reducing stress, and enhancing overall mental clarity and physical vitality. Both herbs are adaptogens, which means they help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalising effect upon bodily processes.
How to Take Ashwagandha and Brahmi Together?
You can have brahmi and ashwagandha benefits if they are used together. Both herbs are available in powder, capsule, or liquid extract form. Here is how you can use them together.
- For Ashwagandha, aim for about 300-500 mg of extract or 3-6 grams of powder daily.
- For Brahmi, 300-450 mg of extract or 5-10 grams of powder should do the trick.
- Start with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts.
If you are using powder, just mix the recommended amounts of both into a glass of warm water, milk, or juice. Smoothies work great too. Capsules can be taken with water. For extracts, add the drops into water or juice. Taking them with a light meal can help prevent any stomach discomfort and make it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking brahmi with ashwagandha can offer a powerful boost to both your mental and physical health. This combination has properties that can reduce stress and improve energy level. It can also enhance memory and brain functions. You can take them as a powder, capsule, or liquid extract. Adding these herbs to your daily routine can help you remember things better, feel less anxious, and have more energy. Always talk to a doctor to find the right dose for you and to make sure it’s safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is good, ashwagandha or Brahmi?
Both are beneficial; Ashwagandha is great for stress relief and energy, while Brahmi enhances memory and cognitive function.
Is ashwagandha better than Viagra?
Ashwagandha is not a direct substitute for Viagra as it works more gradually to increase sexual health holistically, rather than providing an immediate effect.
Who should ignore Brahmi?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and individuals with a history of severe gastrointestinal issues should avoid Brahmi.
Can I take Brahmi before bed?
Yes, Brahmi can be taken before bed as it helps reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Can I mix Ashwagandha and Brahmi?
Yes, mixing Ashwagandha and Brahmi is safe and can enhance both mental clarity and physical vitality.
Can we use brahmi everyday in our diet?
Yes, Brahmi can be taken daily in recommended doses for ongoing cognitive and mental health benefits.
What is more powerful than Ashwagandha?
The effectiveness varies by individual needs; some may find herbs like Rhodiola or Ginseng more beneficial for specific issues.
Can Brahmi increase brain power?
Yes, Brahmi is known to improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
Does ashwagandha make you sleepy?
Ashwagandha can cause mild drowsiness, particularly in higher doses or when starting the supplement.
Which is better between ashwagandha and shilajit?
Both have unique benefits; Ashwagandha is great for reducing stress and boosting energy, while Shilajit supports stamina and overall vitality.
