Can Ashwagandha and Holy Basil (Tulsi) be taken at the same time?
Find out if ashwagandha and holy basil can be taken at the same time, or if they are best taken separately.
Ashwagandha with holy basil
Short answer: Useful in the same plan
While not found to provide additional benefits when taken at the exact same time, research has shown that ashwagandha pairs well with holy basil.
Also taken with holy basil or schisandra, for liver health and stress
Ashwagandha and holy basil are both kept for stress and anxiety, and schisandra adds liver health to that same purpose, so the three are usually taken as a group.
Also taken with ashwagandha, for everyday stress
Ashwagandha is the better-studied root for stress and holy basil is the aromatic daytime leaf, which is why the two so often end up in the same cupboard. They do not have to share an hour, and one at breakfast with the other at supper lets each herb sit in a slot you can read. The same 60-day trial ran a full-spectrum ashwagandha formula as its second active arm and found similar improvements in stress severity, subclinical anxiety and restorative sleep, which makes the pairing easy to understand even though the two herbs went to different groups of people.
Timing is everything
Many supplements are dependent on being taken at the right time, or with the right meal, for proper absorption. For example, fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D should be taken together with a high-fat meal. Stimulating supplements, such as rhodiola or ginseng, should avoid being taken too late in the day.
The perfect match
Some supplements are known to complement each other when taken together, either because one helps the other to be absorbed, or because their effects compliment each other. Well known combos include vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and magnesium, or quercetin and bromelain, but there are many others.
Incompatibilities
Likewise, some supplements can compete for absorption or react negatively if taken together. For example, calcium and magnesium compete for absorption, so they are best taken several hours apart, and fiber-heavy supplements such as psyllium husk should be taken by themselves, separate from all other supplements.
Potential additions
The Vitamin Plan will automatically detect if there is a recurring theme in the supplements that you are taking, and suggest a focused addition or two for that theme. For example, if your plan seems to be mostly centered around joint health, it may suggest adding glucosamine or collagen if you didn’t add them yet.
Remember
A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle always come first, and supplements are meant to be just that: supplementary. While every effort has been made to ensure that the data on this page is accurate, said accuracy can never be guaranteed. The information provided is not medical advice, it is not intended to cover all possible interactions or adverse effects, and neither is it a substitute for the expertise of professional healthcare practitioners. You are always encouraged to do your own research, and to consult with your trusted doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements.
