Ashwagandha vs Reishi: Benefits, Differences & Can You Take Them Together?
Ashwagandha and reishi are two of the most powerful adaptogens for stress, sleep and balance. But how do they differ? Can you take them together? In this guide, we break down the benefits, science and the best ways to use them (including in delicious functional drinks)
Modern life is basically an Olympic sport in stress. Your brain is juggling responsibilities. Your body is stuck in “fight or flight.” Your nervous system is screaming: “Please… just… can we take a moment”
Enter two of the most powerful adaptogens on Earth: Reishi mushroom and Ashwagandha.
They’ve been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine…But the real magic?
What happens when you take them together.
Here, we'll explore the benefits, simply, scientifically, and without the confusing jargon. Because these two were game changers for me in my alcohol free evening ritual.
First, What Are Adaptogens (and Why Should You Care)?
Adaptogens are natural substances that help your body adapt to stress (hence the name). Instead of forcing a specific effect (like caffeine hyping you up or alcohol knocking you out), adaptogens:
-Normalise cortisol
-Support your HPA axis (stress response system)
-Help your body find balance again
Think of them like thermostats for your stress levels. Too high? They calm you down. Too low? They support your energy.
Ashwagandha and Reishi are two of the most studied adaptogens in the world.
And when combined? They’re the wellness version of Batman & Robin.
Ashwagandha: The Cortisol-Calming, Hormone-Balancing Super Herb
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an Ayurvedic root known for:
-Reducing cortisol (your main stress hormone)
-Lowering stress & overwhelm
-Improving sleep quality
-Supporting hormone balance (especially in women & high-stress individuals)
-Boosting resilience (mental + physical)
Scientific Snippet:
Multiple clinical studies show ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels by up to 30%. We'll take that!
It’s basically your stress dimmer switch.
Reishi Mushroom: The Immune-Soothing, Nervous System Whisperer
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), often called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2,000+ years.
Its specialties:
-Deep nervous system relaxation
-Reduced anxiety + irritability
-Immune modulation (not boosting — balancing)
-Improved sleep quality (especially staying asleep)
-Anti-inflammatory + antioxidant effects
If Ashwagandha calms cortisol, Reishi calms your whole internal vibe.
Scientific Snippet:
Reishi contains triterpenes - compounds shown to have anti-anxiety, sedative, and mood-stabilising effects without dependency or drowsiness. It's clear to see why these are winning over artiifical alternatives like CBD
Why Take Reishi + Ashwagandha Together?
Short answer:
They hit different parts of your stress system.
Longer answer:
| Ashwagandha | Reishi |
|---|---|
| Lowers cortisol | Calms nervous system |
| Balances hormones | Supports immune function |
| Helps you adapt to stress | Helps you recover from stress |
| Improves sleep onset | Improves sleep depth/quality |
Together = full-spectrum stress support.
Ashwagandha handles the mental + hormonal side. Reishi handles the nervous system + immune side.
Your body gets calm - without being sedated. You feel grounded - without being sluggish.
This is synergy — not just stacking.
The Actual Benefits of Combining Them
-Stress resilience (you don’t snap as easily)
-Better sleep (fall asleep faster + stay asleep)
-More stable mood (less “why am I like this?” moments)
-Hormonal balance (especially for burnout, PMDD, perimenopause, etc.)
-Immune support (chronic stress = immune suppression… reishi helps fix that)
-No stimulant / no crash (this is not caffeine or melatonin)
This is “calm energy,” not “knock you out” energy.
Adaptogens vs Quick Fixes
| Adaptogens | Coffee / Wine / Pills |
|---|---|
| Build resilience | Temporary escape |
| Support your biology | Override your biology |
| Long-term calm | Short-term bandage |
| Safe daily use | Side effects / tolerance |
Adaptogens are the long game. Over time they train your body to handle stress better.
How to Take Reishi + Ashwagandha
Timing:
-Ashwagandha → morning or evening (depending on how YOU feel on it)
-Reishi → afternoon or evening (great pre-bed)
-Together → anytime you need calm focus or stress relief
Forms:
-Capsules
-Powders
-Teas / functional drinks (Best for absorption)
Mixing raw powders can taste…well, like forest dirt, which is exactly why people give up consistency
Want the easiest (actually enjoyable) way?
Instead of buying 4 supplements, measuring dosages, and mixing mushroom-root sludge…
You can use a functional calming drink that already includes:
-Reishi mushroom
-Ashwagandha
-L-theanine (amino acid for focus + calm)
-Vitamin B6 (cofactor for neurotransmitters)
Other botanicals for taste + function
This is literally the combo inside Acqua - The relaxation blend — formulated to support calm focus, stress relief, and bedtime wind-down without sedation.
No mess. No guesswork. No dirt flavour. Just adaptogenic science in a can!
Final Thoughts: Your Nervous System Will Thank You
Stress isn’t going anywhere. But how your body handles it? That’s in your control.
Reishi + ashwagandha is one of the most effective natural combinations for:
-Calm energy
-Deep sleep
-Hormonal harmony
-Emotional resilience
-Immune balance
It’s safe. It’s time-tested. It’s science-backed. And unlike most wellness hype… it actually works.
I hope this helps distill & de-myth the hype around Reishi & Ashwagadnha - it sure helped me, which is why I wanted to share it her.
If you'd like to find out more about Acqua's ingredients - Check out this blog
Interested in 4 more natural ways to unwind without the alcohol?
Why not get creative with your Catalyse with our Mindful Mocktails
Or if you'd like to give Acqua a try - Head on over here
Bye for now!