which is better ashwagandha or shilajit - #38200
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!
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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.

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