Ashwagandha and St. John’s wort are two herbs that are frequently compared to each other due to their similar benefits for mental health.
Keep in mind that there are several key distinctions between these two plants that you should be aware of before making a selection.
In this article, we’ll compare the main differences between ashwagandha vs. St. John’s wort, as well as their similarities.
Table of Contents
- Ashwagandha vs. St. John’s Wort: Similarities & Differences Explained
- Ashwagandha vs. St. John’s Wort: Which is Right for You?
- Can You Take St. John’s Wort & Ashwagandha Together?
- Best Ashwagandha & St. John’s Wort Supplements:
- Ashwagandha Overview & Uses:
- St. John’s Wort Overview & Uses:
- Potential Side Effects & Interactions:
- Conclusion:
Ashwagandha vs. St. John’s Wort: Similarities & Differences Explained
When it comes to comparing St. John’s wort vs. ashwagandha, there are many similarities between these two herbs.
First off, both of these plants have a relaxing, anti-anxiety effect on the body. Ashwagandha does this by building stress resilience and improving sleep. St. John’s wort does this by working on serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (more on this below in the differences section).
Second, both herbs are well regarded as being safe to take for most individuals.
Third, each of these herbs has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
On the other hand, there are quite a few differences between ashwagandha and St. John’s wort.
The primary difference is that ashwagandha is useful for anxiety and St John’s wort is more for depression.
Although anxiety and depression are often conflated, they are two separate clinical diagnoses.
Ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety by promoting sleep and reducing cortisol. This helps to relax the body and reduce anxiety/stress levels.
On the other hand, St. John’s wort works to relieve mild depression. It does this by working as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It works to reduce the uptake of serotonin at neuronal synapses, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine. Elevated levels of neurotransmitters are believed to be helpful when treating depression.
Additionally, ashwagandha has more of a full body effect in that it supports sleep, and may also help to improve hormonal balance.
St. John’s wort is primarily focused on brain health. Its benefits for relieving menopausal symptoms and supporting skin health are secondary.
| Ashwagandha Overview: | St. John’s Wort Overview: | |
| Primary Benefit: | Ashwagandha may lower elevated stress levels | St. John’s Wort may benefit mental health and depression |
| Secondary Benefit(s): | Ashwagandha may work to decrease anxiety | St. John’s Wort may relieve symptoms of menopause |
| Part of the Plant Used: | Root | Flowers and leaves |
| Dosage Range: | 300-1,000mg | 300-900mg |
| Form: | Extract, powder or capsule | Extract, powder or capsule |
| Side Effects: | Excessive usage may result in stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting | Large doses may cause dizziness, restlessness, fatigue, or sun sensitivity |
| Recommended Products: | Gaia Herbs | Check Price | Gaia Herbs | Check Price |
Ashwagandha vs. St. John’s Wort: Which is Right for You?
If you’re trying to decide whether to take St. Johns wort or ashwagandha, there are a few main factors to consider.
Ashwagandha is an ideal herb if you’re looking for an anti-stress herb that helps to improve resilience within the body. Ashwagandha root has also has been shown to improve sleep as well as testosterone production.
If you are stressed and need support in your ability to adapt to stress, then ashwagandha is a great option. Its testosterone-building properties are a fantastic secondary benefit.
With St. John’s wort, it’s a great herb for combatting mild depression. It has other secondary benefits, but its primary ability is its support for mental health.
Can You Take St. John’s Wort & Ashwagandha Together?
Yes, you can take both St. John’s wort and ashwagandha together. These herbs don’t have any known negative interactions with each other. It may be best to try each herb individually before combining them.
Both of these herbs together may help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. When taken together, there may be synergistic benefits. However, there is no research showing the conclusive benefits of taking these herbs together.
Best Ashwagandha & St. John’s Wort Supplements:
It is crucial to select an effective, high-quality supplement from a trustworthy brand, although this can be difficult.
To make selecting a supplement that works for you easier, we’ve put together a guide going over our top recommended ashwagandha supplement brands and the best St. John’s wort dietary supplement.
| Recommended Ashwagandha | Recommended St. John’s Wort |
|---|---|
 |  |
| Gaia Herbs | Gaia Herbs |
| •Organic, Vegan, and Gluten-Free •Ecologically Harvested •Concentrated Dosage | •Vegan and Gluten-Free •Ecologically Harvested •Concentrated Dosage |
| SHOP NOW ⮕ | SHOP NOW ⮕ |
Ashwagandha Overview & Uses:
Ashwagandha is a well-known herbal remedy in Ayurveda, used for its adaptogenic properties.
This plant has been utilized in India for thousands of years to treat a variety of health issues. Inflammation, bronchitis, sleeplessness, ulcers, and asthma are just a few examples. It’s also said to help both men and women live longer, healthier lives.
However, recent research is catching up with ashwagandha’s long history of traditional usage. New studies show that ashwagandha may aid in the treatment of mild anxiety, improve sleep quality, and increase stress resilience.