Can I take Ashwagandha with Cordyceps?

Understanding the interactions, benefits, and safety of combining these two powerful supplements.

Ashwagandha
+
Cordyceps

Short answer

We found no direct interaction between Ashwagandha and Cordyceps in the sources below, but they share a caution.

Both have a note about diabetes medicines (see each one below).

Ashwagandha

What it is: A plant root used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, often called an adaptogen.

What the research says: Several small trials of 6 to 8 weeks found people felt less stress and anxiety, with doses around 500 to 600 mg a day working better than lower ones. A few small studies suggest a modest sleep benefit. It has not been studied thoroughly.

Cautions

  • Well tolerated for up to about 3 months; long-term safety isn't known.
  • Mild side effects can include upset stomach, loose stools, nausea and drowsiness.
  • It has been linked to liver injury in some people.
  • Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have prostate cancer.

Medicines to check

  • Thyroid medicine (ashwagandha may affect how the thyroid works)
  • Diabetes and blood-pressure medicines
  • Sedatives
  • Medicines that suppress the immune system

In Holitro: Ashwagandha (500 mg per capsule)

Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Ashwagandha: Fact Sheet for Consumers (updated December 2023)

Cordyceps

What it is: A fungus that grows on moth caterpillars, used in traditional Chinese medicine for energy and immunity.

What the research says: Some studies looked at kidney function in transplant and diabetes patients, but reviews question the quality of the evidence. Most research is in the lab.

Cautions

  • No major side effects have been reported.

Medicines to check

  • Insulin and other blood-sugar-lowering medicines: cordyceps may lower blood sugar too
  • Blood thinners such as warfarin: it may raise bleeding risk

In Holitro: Cordyceps (500 mg per capsule)

Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, About Herbs: Cordyceps (updated February 2022)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take medication.

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Educational information only, not medical advice. This reflects general ingredient overlap, not a personalized safety review. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining supplements, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or manage a health condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Already Combined For You

Ashwagandha and Cordyceps don’t need separate bottles β€” both are already dosed together, every day, in our Stress Pack.

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