Ashwagandha is a bit of a nutritional Swiss Army knife. Ashwagandha root is considered a drug of “Rasayana,” a Sanskrit word that translates to “path of essence.” It’s a practice of Ayurvedic medicine that refers to the science of lengthening lifespan. Like Maca, Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that rejuvenates the body and reduces inflammation. By enhancing the body’s ability to cope with stress, it helps the body maintain the essential connection between the nervous system and the immune system, keeping them both in top condition.

This low energy state will steal any will power that you have meaning you’re more likely to gorge on sugary foods, restarting this vicious cycle all over again. The root is the edible part of the maca herb. It is ground up and sold as a powder, gummies, capsules, or made into a tincture.Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-262. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.106022 Zhang Y, et al. (2019). Effects of combined extracts of Lepidium meyeniiand Allium tuberosumRottl. on erectile dysfunction. https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-019-2542-4#Sec18 Both maca root powder and ashwagandha are brilliant tonic herbs that have been used by human cultures for millennia now to treat a wide variety of different illnesses and ailments.

If you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms, then you may want to give Maca a try as a review of 4 studies found that it can improve these symptoms. Maca may protect skin from UV radiation Both Maca and Ashwagandha have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve overall health and well-being. Maca has been shown to improve energy levels, mood, and sexual function, while Ashwagandha has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, improve brain function, and enhance physical performance. These benefits are attributed to the unique combination of nutrients and compounds found in each plant. Maca vs. Ashwagandha: Similarities and Differencesworthwhile trade-off for gaining the strength of a stallion in my opinion!) What is Maca? Source: pixabay.com Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before taking maca because it is still unknown if it is safe to consume during these periods. How to take Maca and Ashwagandha Although it does have the ability to improve sexual function, maca is unable to affect how the production of hormones. Maca does this through its rich nutrient profile, which is high in various minerals. Is it safe to take Maca and Ashwagandha Together? Taking Ashwagandha and Maca together could potentially provide comprehensive support for hormonal health. Increased energy and vitality

In terms of dosage, up to 3 grams a day is considered safe when taken for up to four months, according to the National Library of Medicine. “In terms of knowing if the maca is ‘working’ or not, I advise consuming it for six to 16 weeks to see if you really notice a difference,” says Dr. Khalsa. After 8 weeks, the men who took Maca reported a significant improvement in sexual desire. Maca may relieve Menopause symptoms Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, where it was prized for its ability to promote general health and longevity. It was also used as an aphrodisiac and to improve fertility.Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha ( withania somnifera) in aging, overweight males. Am J Mens Health. 2019;13(2):155798831983598. doi:10.1177/1557988319835985 Ashwagandha and maca have some similarities but also some unique and different properties. Ashwagandha is the more studied of the two, however, both are believed to be adaptogenic herbs with great antioxidant power. Guo S, et al. (2016). Preservation of Cognitive Function by Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Is Associated with Improvement of Mitochondrial Activity and Upregulation of Autophagy-Related Proteins in Middle-Aged Mouse Cortex. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27648102/ Before starting the consumption of Indian ginseng, it’s best to consult your doctor. The dosage you require can depend on your needs and vary accordingly. Some people also have to build their tolerance for ashwagandha by starting with small doses. As far as its long-term use is concerned, there are no studies on it. Can Ashwagandha Cause Hair Loss?

Prasad M, Gupta K, Thakar AB. Ashwagandha in psychogenic erectile dysfunction: ancillary findings. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm. 2014;5(1):36-40. doi:10.7897/2277-4343.05108 Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S. R., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Yes, you can combine maca and ashwagandha in your diet together. Individually, maca and ashwagandha have different benefits and combining them will give you the full muscle-building and stress-fighting benefits of ashwagandha along with maca root's energy-stimulating and aphrodisiac properties. Which is Better: Ashwagandha or Maca Root?

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Stress creates inflammation and prompts hair in the growing phase of the growth cycle to enter the resting phase. Consequently, people lose hair at least 3 months after a stressful event. This is commonly referred to as stress hair loss. However, more research is needed to determine which herb is more effective for enhancing athletic performance and which ones can help in a sustained way. Commonly found in the Andes of central Peru, at altitudes of above 13,000 feet, Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, like cauliflower and broccoli, which boasts huge adaptogenic properties.