Natural remedies and herbal supplements are constantly gaining popularity. Nowadays, many people strive to promote physical and mental well-being without relying on synthetic or artificial remedies.
Two adaptogenic herbs that have gained popularity are Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) and Ashwagandha. These herbs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to their ability to adapt the body to stress and improve overall health.
This article delves into the health benefits of Eleuthero and Ashwagandha. Furthermore, it compares both herbs to provide a comprehensive understanding of how they can be used separately or combined to enhance health.
What Is Eleuthero: Uses And Benefits
Eleuthero comes from a plant known as Eleutherococcus senticosus, which is a shrub native to Siberia and other parts of Northeast Asia. It’s sometimes called Siberian Ginseng. This plant is not related to Asian Ginseng (also known as Panax ginseng), but it has similar adaptogenic (stress-relieving) properties, so some people group these plants together.
Eleuthero is available in various forms, including pills, capsules, tea, or bulk herbs. Numerous studies seem to validate the various health benefits of Eleuthero. Here are some potential health benefits of this herb.
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Stress management. Eleuthero is known for its adaptogenic properties (1). This means it can help the body cope with stress. It may reduce the negative effects of stress, such as fatigue and anxiety.
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Enhanced immune function. Some research shows that Eleuthero may help enhance immune function, meaning that it helps the body defend itself against infections (2).
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Improved physical endurance. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may benefit from taking Eleuthero, since it has been found to improve endurance, allowing for better physical performance (3).
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Mental clarity. Eleuthero may help enhance cognitive function, including memory and focus (4), making it beneficial for those seeking mental clarity and alertness.
What Is Ashwagandha: Uses And Benefits
Ashwagandha is an herb native to India and other parts of Asia. Similarly to Eleuthero, is sometimes called “Indian Ginseng” due to its adaptogenic and therapeutic properties, even though it’s not related to Asian Ginseng. It has been used for centuries as part of Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems.
You can find Ashwagandha in various forms, including powder, capsules, pills, or tea. Similar to Eleuthero, Ashwagandha offers numerous health benefits. Here are some potential health benefits of Ashwagandha.
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Stress reduction. Ashwagandha is well-known for its stress-reducing capabilities (5). It has been found to lower levels of cortisol (a hormone that’s produced in response to stress), which in turn promotes calmness and relaxation.
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Improved sleep. One of the biggest benefits of Ashwagandha is improved sleep quality (6). Research shows that it may help reduce insomnia and support a healthy sleep pattern.
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Anxiety management. Ashwagandha has been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
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Improved mood. Some evidence suggests that Ashwagandha may help with mood regulation, and could potentially help individuals with depression (7).
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Anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a result, it may reduce chronic inflammation as well as oxidative stress throughout the body.
Ashwagandha vs. Eleuthero: Which Is Right For You?
As you can see, there are several potential health benefits of both Eleuthero and Ashwagandha. But how do you know which one to choose? Here are some things to consider when choosing the right herbal supplement.
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Stress management. If you are looking to decrease your stress levels, both options are effective tools against stress. However, it seems that Ashwagandha may have a slight advantage in lowering cortisol levels, making it more beneficial.
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Physical endurance. If you are looking to improve physical performance, Eleuthero may have an advantage, because it’s been found to increase endurance.
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Sleep and relaxation. While both of these herbs can help to reduce stress and promote releaxation, it seems that Ashwagandha may have the greatest benefits when it comes to sleeping well.
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Immune support. Both herbs have been found to support immune function, so either one could be a good choice for this purpose. Eleuthero may have somewhat more research indicating its benefits for immune health.
Can You Combine Eleuthero and Ashwagandha?
Combining Eleuthero and Ashwagandha is generally considered to be safe, and is well-tolerated, meaning that there are very few if any known side effects associated with combining the two herbs. In fact, they possess synergistic effects, meaning that they work together and enhance each other’s function. They can help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance.
However, before you decide to add one or both herbs to your routine, make sure you speak with a health professional. This is always important, especially if you are taking any medications or other supplements, or if you have any chronic health conditions. Some medications or supplements may interact with Eleuthero and Ashwagandha, creating an unsafe situation. Checking in with your doctor before you start taking any new supplement helps to ensure that you won’t be putting yourself at risk for serious health issues.
