L-Theanine vs. Ashwagandha: Comparing the Health Benefits
Most of us juggle a few different responsibilities in life. We go to work, do chores around the house, try to stay active, meet up with friends, nurture hobbies, and navigate family responsibilities. At the end of the day, we’re bound to feel a little run-down and stressed.
While an all-expenses-paid vacation to the Bahamas would probably ease the stress of life, many of us have to find ways to lower stress without taking a break. This is where adaptogens like L-theanine and ashwagandha come in. Read on for a full comparison of the two supplements and a list of their health benefits.
What Is L-Theanine?
L-theanine is an amino acid that can be found naturally in the tea plant, which is also called Camellia sinensis. This plant is used to make green, black, oolong, and white tea, so all of these teas naturally contain L-theanine.
While this is pretty much the only dietary source of L-theanine available, you can also take L-theanine as a supplement. As far as supplements go, L-theanine is very versatile and often comes in the form of capsules, powders, or even tinctures.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is somewhat famous for its stress-soothing abilities, but its recent popularity is just the tip of the iceberg. This root is also prized among traditional forms of medicine, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The name itself is Sanskrit and can be directly translated to “smell of the horse.” As you might imagine, this is because the ashwagandha root actually does smell remarkably like a horse. However, it’s also a nod to the herb’s traditional use as an aphrodisiac.
How Do the Health Benefits Compare?
Both L-theanine and ashwagandha are used in similar situations and are recommended for those struggling with stress. However, each supplement also has unique nuances and shines in different scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits ashwagandha and L-theanine share and some benefits that are unique to each.
Supports Feelings of Relaxation
Both L-theanine and ashwagandha are primarily used to support feelings of relaxation and ease feelings of stress. Ashwagandha can actually lower blood levels of cortisol, which is also called “the stress hormone.”
Meanwhile, one study on L-theanine showed that supplementing with this amino acid could help with stress-related cognitive sluggishness and mental health. By minimizing feelings of stress and bodily tension, these supplements can also support overall wellness.
Encourages Focus
These supplements are also similar when it comes to their benefits for focus and cognition. L-theanine can help encourage closer attention to detail, razor-sharp focus, and tight memory-making abilities. In one study, a single dose of L-theanine reduced reaction time, supported accurate memory recall, and even helped subjects get more answers right on their tests.
Ashwagandha isn’t exactly known for its ability to support focus, but it can certainly help encourage memory and attention. This is likely an effect of its stress-relieving abilities.
Encourages a Good Night’s Sleep
Because both supplements can support a healthy stress response and encourage feelings of relaxation, they can also encourage a good night’s sleep. Our internal clock is largely controlled by cortisol and melatonin, which rise and fall throughout the day.
By encouraging healthy levels of cortisol, L-theanine and ashwagandha can support our internal clock. This can help us feel alert in the morning and tired in the evenings.
Minimizes Caffeine Side Effects
One area where L-theanine particularly shines is its ability to minimize the side effects of caffeine. Most of us can remember a time when we drank one too many cups of coffee. Specifically, we remember the jitters and anxiety that come with overconsumption of caffeine.
L-theanine can actually help calm these side effects without taking away any alertness. That’s why it’s one of the main ingredients in our Mushroom Coffee+, which is specifically formulated to support focus while easing feelings of stress.
L-Theanine vs. Ashwagandha: Which Is Best?
So, this brings us to the question of the hour: Which one is best? The answer ultimately depends on what benefits you’re looking for and what’s available to you.
Many of the benefits of L-theanine and ashwagandha overlap. While both supplements can have benefits with just one dose, these types of supplements generally work best when they’re used consistently.
Because of this, it’s important to look for a supplement you can take consistently. Capsules may be the easiest and most convenient form of supplement, but they’re nowhere near as delicious as a cup of our mushroom coffee.
How Can You Take L-Theanine and Ashwagandha?
Both L-theanine and ashwagandha come in all shapes and sizes. You can try them in the form of powders, capsules, tinctures, and even gummies.
When it comes to actually taking the supplements, you can get creative. Swallowing the same tincture every day could get boring, so it’s a good idea to shake things up every now and then.
You can add your tincture or powder to a smoothie or even use them to make baked goods like brownies. And, while our Mushroom Coffee+ is pretty tasty as-is, you can also use it to make lattes, mochas, or even overnight oats.
The Bottom Line
L-theanine and ashwagandha are both popular supplements to help with relaxation. They can both support sleep and focus, but L-theanine stands out for its ability to also minimize the effects of caffeine.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to which supplement you like better. At Everyday Dose, we believe that taking a supplement can actually be an enjoyable experience. Try any of our mushroom blends today to see for yourself
Sources:
L-theanine partially counteracts caffeine-induced sleep disturbances in rats | PMC
