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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Ashwagandha vs CBD: Ashwagandha has the stronger overall evidence (7.5 vs 5.8/10); they're alternatives for reduce anxiety & stress — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Ashwagandha wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
11 of 11 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Ashwagandha and CBD have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
300-600mg daily (standardized extract)
Morning for daytime stress, Evening for sleep support
KSM-66 or Sensoril standardized extract
OTC wellness: 10-50mg/day (some anxiety studies used higher acute doses ~300mg); take with a fat-containing meal (increases absorption several-fold). Prescription Epidiolex for epilepsy is dosed by body weight under medical supervision.
with-meals, evening
CBD oil/tincture (third-party tested for potency and purity)
and 2 more not shown
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
First week
Acute-4 weeks
1-8 weeks
Weeks
Acute
Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Explore (NY) (2024) · Meta analysis · n=873
Significant effect on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (MD = -4.72, 95 % CI = [-8.45 to -0.99]).
Effects of Withania somnifera Extract in Chronically Stressed Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Nutrients (2024) · Rct · n=131
Our findings demonstrate the stress-reduction capabilities of this well-characterized aqueous extract of WS (root and leaf) at the low dose of 125 mg/day, in a dose-dependent manner, via the modulation of the HPA axis.
Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2023) · Systematic review
Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory.
Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome.
The New England journal of medicine (2017) · Rct · n=120
Convulsive seizures fell from 12.4 to 5.9/month with CBD vs 14.9 to 14.1 with placebo
Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial.
Lancet (London, England) (2018) · Rct
Significant reduction in drop-seizure frequency vs placebo
Effect of Cannabidiol on Drop Seizures in the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
The New England journal of medicine (2018) · Rct
Fewer drop seizures vs placebo
Based on meta-analysis showing significant HAM-A score reduction (p=0.0007) and RCT evidence at 125mg dose. High heterogeneity (I2=98%) in pooled analysis suggests variable response. Extract standardization affects bioavailability.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Ashwagandha has a higher evidence score (7.5/10 vs 5.8/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For reduce anxiety & stress, Ashwagandha has a higher relevance score (95 vs 58).
No known interactions between Ashwagandha and CBD have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
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The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.