For those looking for an extra relaxation boost, try rhodiola/KSM/relora with a cup of coffee. Real nice synergy there and you'd need to get punched in the face to be bothered.
Closest I've done to that is Caff tabs, KSM+Rhodiola. Haven't tried Relora with that.
Relora can be a bit much for some and I like it later in the day as I need some edge in the day. But that stack (minus the coffee, that is for earlier) at about 4:30-5 sets me so nice to unwind in the evening, yet not crash out. I can get dinner going, help my kids with homework, finish up some work, etc and never feel end of day stress.
Have you tried taking theanine with your caffeine?
There are less potent extracts (1.5-2.5% withanolide as opposed to the 5% in KSM) that you could look into, either as capsules or a powder if you have a scale.
Theanine and caffeine are synergistic with each other. In my opinion, that's what ingredients in a stack should do; compliment each other and/or lessen the negatives without reducing the benefits. They're all pretty affordable as well, and have their own benefits.Tried theanine with caffeine and it did help. However, just seemed a little crazy to take caffeine to counter the side effects of ashwagabdha and theanine to counter the side effects of caffeine. I'll give ashwagandha and rhodiola a try tomorrow and see if that works without the caffeine.
Tried theanine with caffeine and it did help. However, just seemed a little crazy to take caffeine to counter the side effects of ashwagabdha and theanine to counter the side effects of caffeine. I'll give ashwagandha and rhodiola a try tomorrow and see if that works without the caffeine.
It seems like all you guys are interested in adaptogens like Ashwagandha and the like. I made a post a week or two ago about the science behind rhodiola titled "Speedy Science with hbspeed88: Rhodiola Rosea"
I tried to make it as laymen's as possible without leaving behind some of the more interesting science at the biochemical level.
Yeah, it was a good read. I compiled a bunch of studies (on healthy human subjects) for reference in the Nootropics section, and included adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha. I didn't really go into why the supplements work though; just more of a resource for people to see what supplements have evidence for being effective for healthy people, what the supplements have been shown to do, and how to dose them.It seems like all you guys are interested in adaptogens like Ashwagandha and the like. I made a post a week or two ago about the science behind rhodiola titled "Speedy Science with hbspeed88: Rhodiola Rosea"
I tried to make it as laymen's as possible without leaving behind some of the more interesting science at the biochemical level.
Yeah, it was a good read. I compiled a bunch of studies (on healthy human subjects) for reference in the Nootropics section, and included adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha. I didn't really go into why the supplements work though; just more of a resource for people to see what supplements have evidence for being effective for healthy people, what the supplements have been shown to do, and how to dose them.
It's nice to see more interest in nootropics and adaptogens.
Read that one. Great stuff.
I personally get a different feeling from taking a 2:1 theanine/caffeine supp than just caffeine alone. I love it, and it's super cheap. You can pick pre-made caps up from Powder City for a few bucks. I HIGHLY recommend taking rhodiola and ashwagandha...so much data and hard science behind them.
When taking a 2:1 theanine/caffeine ratio all I noticed was that I wanted to take a nap. However, that was taken at the same time as ashwagandha. A 1:1 ratio was better but even then I didn't notice that much of a difference. Just less tired from the ashwagandha and not as shaky/stimulated as when l-theanine wasn't added.
I started rhodiola and ashwagandha this morning. So, we'll see how it goes. If it's a good combo, I noticed Terry Naturally makes a product called Adaptra which includes both ashwagandha (ksm-66 extract) and rhodiola (5% rosavins and 1.8% salidrosides...according to their website). So, I may just pick that up. I like to keep my stacks as simple (and cheap) as possible. The only problem I really noticed with rhodiola in the past was being over-stimulated and my anxiety (and insomnia) issues getting worse. Otherwise, it was great at reducing fatigue and putting me in a good mood.
Will probably switch to Swanson KSM-66 instead of the NutriGold brand due to the fact the latter has the most overkill packaging I've ever seen..ie a 1liter box for a tiny bottle.
Took a break from the KSM and could definitely tell the difference. Goes well with CBD.
Hmm...interesting. For me, I don't particularly take ashwagandha and rhodiola for the supposed anxiety-reducing effects, rather for the stuff you can't necessarily "feel". There's some fascinating and solid data out there on the bioactives in ash and rhodiola working at the molecular level. Some quite intriguing stuff on the genes they regulate/deregulate, promotion of neurogenesis, dendrite branching increases, decreased neural inflammation, stopping and reversing beta-amyloid peptide plaque growth (main cause of Alzheimer's disease), healing of neurons and cells after oxidative damage...the list goes on and on with this stuff. I came across a study that looked at hundreds of genes and the effects that rhodiola extract had on them.
Seems a bit expensive to me.When taking a 2:1 theanine/caffeine ratio all I noticed was that I wanted to take a nap. However, that was taken at the same time as ashwagandha. A 1:1 ratio was better but even then I didn't notice that much of a difference. Just less tired from the ashwagandha and not as shaky/stimulated as when l-theanine wasn't added.
I started rhodiola and ashwagandha this morning. So, we'll see how it goes. If it's a good combo, I noticed Terry Naturally makes a product called Adaptra which includes both ashwagandha (ksm-66 extract) and rhodiola (5% rosavins and 1.8% salidrosides...according to their website). So, I may just pick that up. I like to keep my stacks as simple (and cheap) as possible. The only problem I really noticed with rhodiola in the past was being over-stimulated and my anxiety (and insomnia) issues getting worse. Otherwise, it was great at reducing fatigue and putting me in a good mood.
Of the two (ashwagandha and rhodiola) which have you found based on your research to have the better long-term effects? After another very limited night of sleep (my toddler has decided I'm the only one that can comfort him every night for the last two weeks when he wakes multiple times each night from bad dreams or something), I'm wondering if maybe I should just stick with rhodiola to help with energy levels (even if it does increase anxiety some) so I can actually get something done at work.
edit: Sorry, please ignore my question. I just realized it's very vague and would be difficult to answer without specifying which long-term effects a person was wanting.
CBD?
just picked up some NOW Rhodiola and Equivalent Pharmaceuticals KSM. Looking forward to these becoming staples
I recommend rhodiola and ashwagandha to nearly everyone I know. IMO, they should be a staple in anyone looking to improve overall health. Bodybuilder, businessman, mother, father, student, engineer...they're something everyone can use. There's absolutely no reason people shouldn't use them. You can pick up bottles of 60 caps of standardized extracts for under $10 in most cases, no adverse side effects, etc.
Seems a bit expensive to me.
Btw just looked at Perform Kinetics... big fan of the profile (and it includes rhodiola).
Glad to hear bud! We love the profile as well; we worked hard on it to have it be a solid, comprehensive pre. We have some exciting things in the works, so be on the lookout.
Also, we are running a special where if you buy one Perform Kinetics on our website, we'll send two prototype tubs along with it. Profile is exactly the same in prototypes, but the taste is a bit off from the final version.
Well sh!t. I will be making a purchase today. Sorry for derail
HANOJU
Ashwagandha Organic Powder
The brand is good?
Never heard of that brand before.
I would just stick with a reputable, patented, standardized ashwagandha extract like KSM-66® or Sensoril®. You can pick up a bottle of 60 caps from Jarrow formulas (uses KSM-66) or Life Extension (Sensoril) for ~$10.
Brand AMAZON SEEDS ?
Invalid Link RemovedNot quite sure what that brand is either. Just search "Jarrow ashwagandha" on google and you'll see it there.
Invalid Link Removed
Ok Grazie!Unfamiliar with that product. Like I said above, just order Jarrow Ashwagandha from amazon.com and you'll be getting a patented, proven version of ashwagandha.
Ok Grazie!![]()
I haven't come across any data that suggests that you should cycle these two adaptogens. As far as I have read (which is a lot), you can safely take these every day or as needed for preventative measures and optimizing health. One particular study showed neuronal cell growth increases after 7 days of continued use of ashwagandha, suggesting that effects take place after optimal dosing for longer periods of time.
These adaptogens are being heavily studied as treatments for a variety of diseases, and are showing a TON of promise.
As far as tolerance build up though, is there any data?
Oddly enough, going with a higher salidroside (dopamingeric) made me uncomfortable, yet l-tyrosine sets me perfect.
Hmm...interesting. For me, I don't particularly take ashwagandha and rhodiola for the supposed anxiety-reducing effects, rather for the stuff you can't necessarily "feel". There's some fascinating and solid data out there on the bioactives in ash and rhodiola working at the molecular level. Some quite intriguing stuff on the genes they regulate/deregulate, promotion of neurogenesis, dendrite branching increases, decreased neural inflammation, stopping and reversing beta-amyloid peptide plaque growth (main cause of Alzheimer's disease), healing of neurons and cells after oxidative damage...the list goes on and on with this stuff. I came across a study that looked at hundreds of genes and the effects that rhodiola extract had on them.
I think the ksm-66 extract is just too strong for me at the regular 300 mg doses found in supplements. Not even rhodiola can overpower the sedative/lethargic effects. I'll need to either split the ksm-66 dose in half or find a weaker extract. Hopefully a lower dose or weaker extract will be just as effective on my social anxiety (300 mg, twice a day, of ksm-66 is awesome for that...I feel no stress or anxiety in social situations when I take it).
Ive been taking ashwaghanda for a few months now. Mine is extracted for 2.5% withanolides. I don't see that extract being mentioned. Should i find a different brand?
That is just a common ashwagandha extract. If it is working for you, then that's great. I used 2.5% for many years and then moved over to KSM66. For me, the effect is subtle, but I do notice a difference, mainly in length of time. I can take 1 KSM66 in the morning and be great all day.