Posted by Many Americans face chronic stress and anxiety for various reasons. Other than creating positive changes and regular habits to reduce stress and anxiety, which can take time, people turn to remedies for subtle changes that encourage emotional well-being. These remedies may also work in tandem with positive lifestyle habits.
Among these remedies are kratom and ashwagandha. While kratom is sometimes used for a calm feeling, ashwagandha is specifically for calm and relaxation. There are even formulations of kratom with ashwagandha to reap even greater benefits at once. Depending on the proportions, there may be more kratom or more ashwagandha, or both in even amounts.
If you’ve been wondering about how these two herbal substances work together, read on. You’ll learn what each does, what happens when someone takes both to reduce stress and anxiety, and what you should know before you do so. Kratom and ashwaghandha could be the anti-stress combination of your dreams.
More on Kratom and Ashwagandha
When we talk about kratom, we’re referring to products derived from the kratom plant, Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree that hails from Southeast Asia. We’re also referring to the main alkaloid mitragynine as the active ingredient and the alkaloid responsible for most of kratom’s effects. Another alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine, is present in far smaller amounts.
Kratom leaves are harvested and then dried, possibly powdered, or they are processed for extraction of mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, or a full-spectrum alkaloid profile, after which the extract is formulated into shots, gummies, tablets, capsules, or other forms. Kratom can also be consumed in powder or tea leaf form. It is a remedy for stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, pain, insomnia, and even PTSD and opioid withdrawal. Lower dosages are stimulating and higher dosages are relaxing. Kratom became popular in the United States after 2011 and is a member of the coffee family.
Ashwagandha refers to Withania somnifera, an evergreen shrub in the nightshade family native to MENA, some African regions, India, and southern Europe. Also known as winter cherry and Indian ginseng, ashwagandha supplements usually have an extract of its root. The extract is useful for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It’s also been studied in small pools of men and shown to improve sleep quality, muscle strength, endurance for intense exercise, and physical function in spite of pain.
Becoming popular with the rise of immune or nerve tonics in the United States in 2008, ashwagandha became mainstream in the 2020s. It has a 3,000 year-old history of use in traditional Indian medicine. Ashwagandha is used by itself or in addition to conventionally prescribed medications.
Stress and Anxiety
Kratom: In larger doses, kratom has a sedating and calming effect while allowing for high function. Be careful not to take too much, or you’ll feel drowsy and unable to concentrate.
Ashwagandha: Studies on ashwagandha show that it dampens stress and anxiety, conditions which negatively impact mental and physical health and energy. If stress and anxiety are interfering with you getting a good night’s rest, it can help you sleep better.
Sleeplessness and Fatigue
Kratom: While it won’t put you to sleep per se, kratom can relax you enough to fall asleep more easily. It can also improve sleep quality and duration without interruption. If you’re feeling fatigued, low doses can perk you up.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha can make you drowsy at higher doses, though not directly. It lowers cortisol levels, Cortisol is known as the stress hormone; when it’s low, we’re relaxed. Low to moderate doses can increase energy, especially when divided up throughout the day.
Other Effects
Kratom: Kratom can be a pre-workout supplement. Take at low doses for energy, focus, and endurance during exercise.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha leads to better exercise and athletic performance thanks to an increase in testosterone. It can improve performance, muscle strength, and endurance as well as physical function dealing with pain, stiffness, and swelling from soreness or injury.
Neither kratom nor ashwagandha should be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Accessibility
Kratom: Kratom is opioid and is classified as a narcotic. Its legal status depending on U.S. state. Available at boutique and smoke shops and online.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a dietary supplement. It is available over-the-counter at retail stores and online.
Kratom + Ashwagandha: How Do They Both Promote Calm?
Ashwagandha can definitely improve the relaxing effects of kratom, especially when both are taken together at lower doses. They are fairly safe to take together and for short periods of time. At night, ashwagandha can promote the sedative effects of kratom for better sleep. Avoid taking opioids and CNS-active drugs while taking either or both. Because of the risk of cardiotoxicity, ashwagandha should be for short-term usage of 3 months or less.
Real Botanicals Kratom + Kava Shots for Maximum Chill
Explore the benefits of kratom and ashwagandha in the kratom and kava shots by Real Botanicals. This special formulation for maximum calm to go with your mental clarity also contain ashwagandha, L-theanine, and GABA. Check them out and choose proportions of 150 mg kratom and 250 mg kava for energy with calm or 375 mg kratom and 250 mg kava for a very chill time. See how easy it is to achieve a balanced lifestyle of peace and focus.
You might be interested in reading “Kratom vs. Ashwagandha vs. Ginseng: Which Is The Best Supplement for Stress and Energy.“
Check out Is “Ashwagandha The Same as Lion’s Mane?“