Ashwagandha and CBD Benefits
CBD (cannabidiol) and ashwagandha are plant compounds believed to have many potential health benefits, like improved sleep and overall well-being. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound extracted from the cannabis plant, interacts with the endocannabinoid system and may provide many benefits.
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, is known for its ability to lower cortisol levels and improve resilience to daily challenges. While both substances work through different biological pathways, they share a common characteristic: they may improve overall health through their natural qualities.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
Ashwagandha and CBD are plant extracts known for their relaxation properties. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, helps regulate cortisol levels and may improve resilience to daily challenges. CBD, extracted from the cannabis plant, interacts with the endocannabinoid system to promote relaxation and more. Combined, they may offer complementary benefits for relaxation, sleep support, and overall well-being.
Table of Contents
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub that grows in Africa, Asia and Europe. Also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, its root has been a staple in traditional Unani and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, a testament to its safety and efficacy. This adaptogenic herb is believed to strengthen the nervous system, рelping the body adapt and maintain equilibrium during and after challenging situations.
Ashwagandha has other bioactive compounds that are associated with health benefits. They include withanolides, which have antioxidant properties. Research has also demonstrated ashwagandha may help people experiencing sleep issues.
CBD vs. Ashwagandha
CBD is a compound extracted from the hemp plant, while ashwagandha is an herb obtained from an evergreen shrub. They are both popular natural products but serve different purposes and interact with the body in distinct ways. Following are some of the important comparisons.
➝ Psychoactive
CBD and ashwagandha are non-psychoactive.
➝ Biology
CBD interacts indirectly with the endocannabinoid system. Ashwagandha modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (sympathetic nervous system).(3)
➝ Benefits
CBD and ashwagandha have common benefits. However, each compound also offers unique benefits. For example, CBD may improve sleep quality, while ashwagandha may boost energy.
➝ Side effects and Risks
CBD and ashwagandha have some similar potential side effects, like drowsiness and interactions with some medications. There are also differences. CBD may cause dry mouth and appetite changes, while ashwagandha may cause nausea or an upset stomach. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking other medications.
Combining CBD with Ashwagandha
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is called a master regulator because it regulates so many physiological processes, including perception, immune functioning, appetite, mood, sleep and much more. The ECS is composed of a network of cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors (mainly CB1 and CB2) and proteins responsible for signaling through the transportation, synthesization and degradation of endocannabinoids (system-produced cannabinoids.). Since the ECS system manages so much, its impairment is believed to play a major role in health issues.
Research to date says CBD primarily interacts with the ECS by acting as a negative allosteric modulator. This means it does not bind directly to the ECS cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CBD2 like THC. Instead, it influences receptor activity by binding to a different receptor site and reducing the endocannabinoids 2-AG and anandamide signaling. This increases the time the endocannabinoids remain in place by inhibiting their degradation, which may enhance CBD benefits.
Ashwagandha influences the endocannabinoid system through a different mechanism. It may interact with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing cortisol levels. The HPA axis is closely linked to the ESC’s role in promoting relaxation. The endocannabinoid system regulates the HPA axis, so the ECS and HPA are connected and interact with each other.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
This interaction means taking CBD and Ashwagandha together may have a greater positive effect, supporting relaxation and overall well-being while influencing other aspects of health. CBD’s modulation of the ECS, combined with Ashwagandha’s cortisol-lowering effects, may provide a more comprehensive approach to discomfort management. Also, an animal study found that taking broad-spectrum CBD and Ashwagandha extract separately helped promote calm behavior. Take the compounds together, and the CBD and ashwagandha interaction may produce more calm or other benefits than you would experience otherwise due to the synergistic effect.
The Benefits of Taking CBD and Ashwagandha
While there is limited research on the combined use of CBD and ashwagandha, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence. Combining these two supplements may enhance mood and cognitive clarity. Both compounds promote relaxation, potentially leading to improved sleep quality. This suggests a promising future for the combined use of CBD and ashwagandha.
The theory is that taking CBD and ashwagandha together leads to synergistic effects. Each compound produces enhanced results because of the interactions of the compound. Each of the natural plant extracts has benefits, and they may work synergistically together.
CBD
There is a growing list of potential benefits of taking CBD. Though research continues, some potential effects studies have shown include the following.
✅ Improves mood.
✅ Improves sleep by helping falling and staying asleep.
✅ Reduces feelings of discomfort.
✅ Has antioxidant effects.
✅ Lowers cravings for tobacco.
✅ Is antimicrobial so supports skin health.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha may also produce various positive effects. Like CBD, more research is needed. The following are some of the effects that research has found.
✅ Contains many active substances, including flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, phenolic acids, alkaloids and more; more research is needed to understand the effects of these active substances better, but it is believed they have high potential as therapeutic materials.
✅ Promote relaxation and emotional balance.
✅ Improves sleep quality, including sleep time and time taken to fall asleep.
✅ Provides neuroprotection.
✅ Has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
✅ Heal skin wounds and reduce swelling.
✅ Improves energy.
Which One Should You Choose?
CBD is a good choice when looking for a natural compound that may support overall well-being, relaxation, or improve sleep quality. Ashwagandha is a good choice for promoting balance, as it increases energy and improves hormonal support. However, taking CBD and ashwagandha together and in the right formulations may enhance multiple benefits.
FAQs
Is It OK to Take CBD and Ashwagandha Together?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to take CBD and ashwagandha together. These two compounds complement each other, amplifying their effects, particularly in promoting relaxation. The result is a deeper sense of calm and overall well-being, giving you confidence. The only side effects recorded from ashwagandha were due to people taking very high doses.
It is important to check with your doctor before taking these supplements because there is a risk they may interact with medications. CBD and ashwagandha are biologically active. CBD should not be taken if taking opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, heart medications and more or if pregnant or breastfeeding. Raw ashwagandha root should not be taken if on immunosuppressive drugs, benzodiazepine or barbiturates or if pregnant drugs.
What is Better for Sleep, CBD or Ashwagandha?
CBD is better for moderate to severe sleep issues or issues that are causing sleep disruptions. Ashwagandha is better for sleep when disturbances are mostly related to reduced cortisol levels. It may promote better sleep by helping balance the body’s natural response to daily challenges. Taking a product with CBD and ashwagandha for sleep may offer a combination of bioactive compounds that improve the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up mentally refreshed.
What Should You Not Take Ashwagandha With?
You should not take ashwagandha with medications for high blood pressure or diabetes. It should also not be taken with immunosuppressants, sedatives, and thyroid hormones. Also, ashwagandha may interact with some herbs and supplements, especially those that lower blood pressure, cause sleepiness or slowed breathing or have a risk of harming the liver, like kava and green tea extract.
Plant-Based Health
Many easy-to-take products offer the benefits nature offers in CBD and ashwagandha. There are ashwagandha and CBD gummies, oil drops and capsules. You have a choice of full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD and isolate CBD, various flavors and different potencies. Full spectrum CBD has less than .3% THC, and there have been no reports that ashwagandha and THC should not be taken together. On the other hand, taking them together in a CBD formulation may enhance the relaxing effects. You also know the exact amounts you are consuming in each dose.
Once again, be sure to check with your doctor first before starting any supplement plan. Plant extracts may produce as powerful effects as prescription medicines.
Sources
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- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha
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