Wellness supplements with herbal extracts have gained attention for their ability to reduce stress and other health benefits. Rooted in Ayurveda, one of the most respected forms of holistic healing science, two of the most talked-about herbs are ashwagandha and shilajit, both of which are known to overcome stress and improve cognitive health. Both are also beoming increasingly popular among people looking for natural ways to boost energy, performance and vitality. In this blog you’ll discover why there is no clear winner in the Shilajit vs ashwagandha debate and also learn about their individual benefits so that you can choose one that best suits your wellness objectives.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an ancient herb classified as an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body cope with stress. It is mainly found in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Ashwagandha helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). This results in reduced levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and improved reproductive health and fertility. High cortisol or stress levels can hinder the optimal production of reproductive hormones.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a natural adaptogenic substance, which is extracted from mountain rocks and is formed by the gradual decomposition of plants and herbs by microorganisms. Shilajit, which means "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness”, has been used for centuries as a rejuvenator, adaptogen, and anti-ageing mineral. Extracted from the Himalayan mountains, this blackish-brown sticky resin form of shilajit is rich in minerals and bioactive components like fulvic acid, which help overcome oxidative stress and improve overall health.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
Helps reduce stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha is well known for its stress-relieving properties. Its consumption helps reduce levels of cortisol, also called the stress hormone. High levels of cortisol can cause anxiety, tension and other health problems. By lowering cortisol levels, Ashwagandha keeps these health issues resulting from stress at bay.
Helps strengthen muscles
Taking an Ashwagandha supplement helps improve athletic performance by improving muscle mass and strength. Research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of ashwagandha help protect muscles from oxidative stress and damage and improve muscular coordination and endurance.
Improves cognitive health
This is one of the key benefits of ashwagandha. Consuming the best ashwagandha supplement helps enhance cognitive health by boosting memory and focus and reducing mental stress. A study conducted on healthy and stressed individuals found that the group which took ashwagandha showed an improvement in recalling memory, reaction time, and mental fatigue.
Increases fertility in men and helps boost testosterone
Supplementation with ashwagandha helps improve the production of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which further converts into testosterone - the main sex hormone in males. Moreover, ashwagandha is also linked with improvements in sperm concentration, semen volume and sperm motility, which promote reproductive health This has made it popular among males for enhanced vitality and fertility.
Helps overcome inflammation
Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce inflammation, promoting overall health. Research suggests ashwagandha root extract inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β,), which play a key role in inflammation.
Benefits of Shilajit
Prevents or slows down progression of Alzheimer's disease
Shilajit contains fulvic acid - a powerful antioxidant that prevents the deposition of tau protein, which is considered a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease. It is rich in minerals and fulvic acid, which possess antioxidant properties that reduce the risk of neurodegeneration and delay cognitive decline, hence lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Improves fertility
Shilajit is popular among men because of its ability to improve fertility. It helps increase testosterone production and also FSH levels, which enhance overall sexual health and fertility.
Improves energy levels
Shilajit is rich in minerals, which boost energy levels by promoting energy production reactions and the production of ATP, the energy-carrying molecule of the body.
Additionally, fulvic acid also improves the uptake of essential nutrients into the cells, overcoming lethargy and chronic fatigue. This leads to improved energy levels, stamina, and physical performance.
Promotes longevity
Since shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, a strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, it may also protect against free radicals and cellular damage. As a result, regular use of shilajit may contribute to longevity by slowing aging process.
Strengthens bones
The best shilajit is a good source of minerals, which may help strengthen bone mineral density and lower the risk of demineralisation and osteoporosis, especially in elderly women. However, more detailed studies are required on this benefit.
Benefits of taking Ashwagandha and Shilajit together
One can take both shilajit and ashwagandha together as a supplement to improve energy levels, muscle strength, cognitive health, and boost vitality and stamina. Both also help slow down signs of ageing.
- Improves cognitive health: Taking shilajit and ashwagandha together helps enhance cognitive health, as they both contain active components like withanolides and fulvic acid that help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and improve brain function.
- Supports reproductive health: The combination of shilajit and the best ashwagandha improves fertility and reproductive health, as they both promote the production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that further converts into testosterone in males for improved fertility.
- Reduces inflammation: This is one of the key benefits of taking shilajit and ashwagandha supplements together. Both these herbs possess anti-inflammatory properties that help overcome inflammation in the body and prevent cells from damage.
Promotes Healthy Aging
As we age, we face various challenges like cognitive decline and joint issues. Together, these herbs offer anti-ageing benefits by reducing oxidative stress, which is known to cause ageing.
How to select best one for your health
Choosing Shilajit vs Ashwagandha really comes down to your individual health needs and lifestyle goals.
Here's a quick guide:
Choose Ashwagandha if you:
• Are dealing with chronic stress or anxiety
• Struggling with sleep issues
• Want to balance your hormones naturally
Go for Shilajit if you:
- You want a daily energy boost
- Want to improve longevity
- Boost your physical stamina and recovery
Steadfast Nutrition offers the best Shilajit or Ashwagandha, which can be purchased directly from its website.
Steadfast Nutrition’s Ashwagandha comprises KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract, the most clinically researched form of ashwagandha. It can be taken to reduce stress, anxiety and muscle fatigue and improve sleep quality. One tablet can be taken everyday with water. Steadfast’s Ashwagandha is also a good choice for fitness enthusiasts who want to boost their physical performance.
SteadShilajit Gold is another popular shilajit supplement by Steadfast Nutrition. It is extracted from the peaks of the Himalayas. Available in resin form, SteadShilajit Gold is packed with shilajit, 24k gold and fulvic acid along with natural ingredients like gokhru, ashwagandha, and kali musli, all of which have rejuvenating properties. This formulation enhances energy levels, vitality and stamina. It is free from harmful preservatives or additives. One can take a pea-sized shilajit resin with 150-200 ml of lukewarm water.
It is important to note that these supplements must be taken within the recommended dosage and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Both Ashwagandha and Shilajit have amazing health benefits, but choosing the right one depends on your health or fitness goal - whether it is reducing stress, building strength, or boosting energy levels. Understanding the difference between Shilajit and Ashwagandha is essential to enable you to make an informed choice. For some, taking both Shilajit and Ashwagandha together could be a shortcut to holistic wellness.
FAQs
1. Which is better for energy and stamina: Shilajit or Ashwagandha?
Shilajit is better for physical energy and stamina, as it contains minerals that help improve energy production.
2. Can I take Ashwagandha and Shilajit together?
Yes, one can take Shilajit and Ashwagandha together but under the supervision of a healthcare provider. If one faces any side effects after consumption, one should immediately discontinue the supplement.
3. What is the difference between Shilajit and Ashwagandha?
Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that boosts energy and stamina. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps reduce stress, improves mood, and supports hormonal balance.
4. What is the best time to take Shilajit and Ashwagandha?
Shilajit is best taken after meals with water or milk. On the other hand, there is no specific time to consume ashwagandha to extract its benefits. One can take it anytime during the day.
5. Ashwagandha or Shilajit: Which is better for men's health?
Both supplements are good for men’s health. However, if the goal is to overcome stress and anxiety, one can consume ashwagandha. If the aim is to improve stamina and rejuvenate the body, one can take shilajit.
6. How long does it take for Shilajit to start working?
Effects may be seen in a few days to weeks. You may see positive changes after consuming Shilajit regularly for 9-12 weeks.
7. What are the benefits of Shilajit for women?
Supplementation with Shilajit increases bone mineral density in women, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, fulvic acid in Shilajit helps reduce oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases in women, especially during the postmenopausal stage.