L-theanine and ashwagandha are quite complimentary in terms of their benefits, but the mechanisms of action are quite different. Ashwagandha works more on a hormonal level, especially with cortisol. L-theanine works more on the neurotransmitters.
L theanine and ashwagandha
And since L-theanine has also been shown to help with anxiety and stress, it's suggested that they can be taken synergistically [7]. It's recommended to speak with your healthcare provider before taking L-theanine and ashwagandha together, as this can help alleviate any contraindications.
RHODIOLA BENEFITS: SHARPENS THE MIND
When comparing ashwagandha vs. rhodiola, rhodiola is a go-to for those looking to improve overall mental energy. It's so potent that it even enhances energy in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
FWIW: I personally think there is no comparison, L-theanine provides almost immediate relief. Ashwagandha may provide more health benefits and may provide stress relief with long-term use.
It is perfectly fine to take ashwagandha with melatonin at bedtime to help you sleep. It is also acceptable to use other stress-reducing supplements such as L-theanine and GABA with ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking ashwagandha with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Ashwagandha has long been used for its calming and anti-stress properties. For thousands of years, people have taken it to increase energy levels and reduce anxiety. It has also proven to be exceptional for those seeking an overall sense of well-being and endurance.
Ashwagandharishta prepared from it is used in hysteria, anxiety, memory loss, syncope, etc. It also acts as a stimulant and increases the sperm count (Sharma, 1938).
ASHWAGANDHA FOR STRESS RELIEF & SLEEP
Ashwagandha makes such a wonderful adaptogen because it strikes a balance between relaxing and energizing. Many studies demonstrate the benefits of ashwagandha consumption for stress relief.
Taking more than the recommended amount may lead to stomach upset, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Moreover, if taken for a long period, Ashwagandha may lead to liver problems.
Why is ashwagandha not advisable for people with autoimmune disorders? In people with autoimmune disorders, the immune system is already overactive. Because ashwagandha can stimulate the immune system, it can rev up your immune system even more, and that can be harmful.
Ashwagandha can increase immune response, so it's recommended that individuals with autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or other conditions) avoid taking ashwagandha [1].
The most common side effects of L-theanine dosage include headaches, nausea, and irritability. However, the nausea appears to be mostly linked with L-theanine being administered through green tea rather than dietary supplements.
Several small studies have shown that L-theanine decreases stress scores in subjects taking it versus those taking a placebo. Further large, well-designed studies need to be done to confirm the findings. L-theanine is generally considered safe to take and is classified as a dietary supplement in the U.S.
Despite TikTok users claiming to feel a lack of emotion while taking ashwagandha, California pharmacist Ariana Medizade, who is a medical advisory liaison for a company that sells supplements, told Buzzfeed News it is uncommon for people to feel emotionally blunted while taking proper doses of ashwagandha.
That's because it suppresses the production of the hormone cortisol in our bodies. In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, it was found that participants who consumed ashwagandha recorded a huge improvement in their anxiety or stress levels.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb clinically shown to help reduce stress and regulate cortisol levels, enhance focus and mental stamina, and reduce irritability and stress-related cravings.
Ashwagandha can take anywhere from 2-3 days to several weeks to work. Current research suggests it may take ten or more weeks to achieve maximum benefits related to stress and anxiety reduction [5].
A healthy person experiences a natural rhythm of higher cortisol levels in the mornings as the hormone helps them wake up, and lower cortisol levels in the evenings as the hormone helps them relax and prepare for sleep. The stress-reducing effects of ashwagandha are not immediate, but can be felt within a couple hours.
Ashwagandha and rhodiola are two of the most popular adaptogen herbs that many people supplement with for the multitude of health benefits they have to offer. Often taken as stress relievers, energy boosters, and cognitive enhancers, it's no surprise that these two herbs are more effective when taken together.
Ashwagandha is used to calm the mind. It has been observed that the plant is helpful in reducing anxiety. It is particularly efficient in treating a condition called agoraphobia, which is anxiety experienced in crowded places. Ashwagandha can help reduce common symptoms of anxiety.
Some clinical research shows that taking ashwagandha can reduce some symptoms of anxiety or anxious mood. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some clinical research shows that a combination herbal product containing ashwagandha may improve attention and impulse control in children with ADHD.