Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
which is better ashwagandha or shilajit
FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 06M : 00S
background-image
Click Here
background image
General Medicine
Question #38200
108 days ago
363

which is better ashwagandha or shilajit - #38200

William

I am dealing with a lot of stress lately—like, way more than I can handle. A friend suggested I try ashwagandha for relief, but I also keep hearing about shilajit and how great it is for energy and overall wellness. Honestly, I’m kinda torn and confused about which is better ashwagandha or shilajit. Like, how do they work together, or should I pick just one? I read this article that said ashwagandha is great for lowering cortisol levels, but then I see people raving about shilajit and its potential to boost stamina. I've had these crazy long workdays, and at the end of it, I feel drained. I’m also not sleeping well, which adds to my stress. I tried a couple of supplements, and I think some might be messing with my stomach tho. 🤔 Do you think ashwagandha or shilajit would be better for my situation? I’m also wondering if combining them could be an option or if that’s not advised. I just want to know which is better and how I can make them work for me without messing things up. Any insights would be soooo appreciated—thanks!

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

When considering whether ashwagandha or shilajit is better for your situation, it’s important to look at what each offers and how they align with your needs. Stress and lack of sleep point to an imbalance likely in vata and possibly pitta doshas. Ashwagandha, known as Withania somnifera in the Ayurvedic texts, is a powerful adaptogen. It can help manage stress by modulating cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. This herb is traditionally used to nourish the nervous system and calm the mind, which seems to align with your issue of stress and restless sleep.

On the other hand, shilajit is considered a rasayana, or rejuvenating substance. It is known for its ability to enhance overall energy levels, stamina, and vitality. So, if your primary concern is feeling drained at the end of your long days, shilajit might address those aspects by promoting enhanced cellular energy production. However, it’s not specifically focused on stress relief.

Combining the two could be beneficial since they complement each other; while ashwagandha focuses on stress relief and better sleep, shilajit can provide the energy boost you need to get through your demanding days. Begin with ashwagandha at night, as it may help improve sleep quality. You can consider a dosage of about 300-500 mg standardized extract per day, preferably taken with warm milk to enhance absorption.

For shilajit, a dosage of about 300-500 mg per day is often recommended. Take it in the morning, dissolved in warm water or milk. Monitor your response closely; if you experience any digestive discomfort, it might be wise to reduce these doses or separate their consumption further.

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you’ve had issues with supplements affecting your stomach. Also, make sure you’re purchasing high-quality, standardized supplements to ensure safety and efficacy. Ayurveda stresses individual suitability, so in some cases, further personalized assessment might be required to align with your prakriti. This combined approach can hopefully provide a holistic improvement to your current well-being scenario by addressing both aspects of stress and exhaustion effectively.

12990 answered questions
29% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

In your situation, where stress and sleeplessness seem to be overlapping with a bit of digestive discomfort, Ashwagandha could be a more suitable initial choice. Ashwagandha is widely appreciated in both mainstream and Siddha-Ayurvedic frameworks for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it can help your body cope with stress by balancing cortisol levels. This could potentially address your stress-related symptoms and possibly aid sleepiness over time.

Shilajit, on the other hand, is known for its energy-boosting and rejuvenative properties, which could support stamina and vitality. However, given your current stress and sleep issues, restoring balance first might be vital before introducing an energy-enhancer like Shilajit.

Combining them isn’t generally advised without proper guidance, as they both have powerful effects. Ashwagandha’s calming influence might be slightly contrasted by Shilajit’s energizing nature, leading to unforeseen balance shifts, especially if you’re sensitive to supplements.

Start with ashwagandha, using around 300-500 mg of a high-quality extract daily, preferably in capsule form, as it’s easier on the stomach. Take it with warm milk or a mild herbal tea before bed, assisting in digestion while promoting relaxation. Observe any changes in your sleep and stress levels for a couple of weeks. If you find improvement, you might then consider adding Shilajit for the energy boost, but only after those foundational elements have stabilized. Always monitor how your body reacts and consult a healthcare provider familiar with your complete health profile before introducing the next component.

Finally, engage in simple stress-management practices like pranayama (breathing exercises) or mindful walks to further assist your mental balance. If stress and sleep issues persist or intensify, please consult a healthcare professional to mitigate any underlying issues that might require more urgent attention.

11480 answered questions
28% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Christian
1 hour ago
Thanks a bunch for the detailed response! Peace of mind knowing Mom's breakfast is great for her heart. Can't wait for that consult!
Thanks a bunch for the detailed response! Peace of mind knowing Mom's breakfast is great for her heart. Can't wait for that consult!
Charles
4 hours ago
Thanks for the clear response! Really helped me out. Didn't know about pectins and cholesterol, so that’s useful info. Appreciate it!
Thanks for the clear response! Really helped me out. Didn't know about pectins and cholesterol, so that’s useful info. Appreciate it!
Lucas
4 hours ago
Thanks for the detailed and easy-to-follow response! You've given me a clear plan to tackle my allergies. So appreciative for the advice!
Thanks for the detailed and easy-to-follow response! You've given me a clear plan to tackle my allergies. So appreciative for the advice!
Summer
4 hours ago
Thanks doc! Your recommendations were clear and easy to understand. I'll give it a try and hope those allergies calm down!
Thanks doc! Your recommendations were clear and easy to understand. I'll give it a try and hope those allergies calm down!