Ginkgo Biloba and Ashwagandha: Can You Take These Adaptogens Together?

by Vorst Canada May 29, 2025

Wondering if it’s safe to take ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha together? Learn how these two herbal powerhouses support focus, mood, and resilience in your wellness routine.

Disclaimer: This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What Is Ginkgo Biloba?
What Is Ashwagandha?
How These Herbs Work in the Body
Can You Take Ginkgo and Ashwagandha Together?
6 Key Benefits of Combining Ginkgo and Ashwagandha
How to Take Them: Timing, Form, and Dosing
Real-Life Wellness Pairings
Who Should Be Cautious?
FAQs About This Herbal Duo
Final Thoughts
References and Resources

What Is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba, often simply called “ginkgo,” comes from one of the oldest living tree species in the world. The leaves of this ancient tree have been used in traditional Chinese practices for centuries, mainly for mental clarity and circulatory support.

In the modern world, ginkgo is popular in supplements designed to:

Support memory and concentration
Promote blood flow, especially to the brain
Help reduce occasional mental fatigue or brain fog

It's a go-to herb for students, professionals, and aging adults looking for natural cognitive support.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen—a type of herb that helps the body adapt to stress. It’s one of the most well-known herbs in Ayurveda and has been used for thousands of years to build stamina, promote calm, and support overall vitality.

Its modern wellness uses include:

Reducing stress and cortisol levels
Supporting better sleep
Boosting energy and endurance
Enhancing mood stability

Think of it as a daily ally for balance and resilience in the face of life’s stressors.

How These Herbs Work in the Body

Ginkgo Biloba:

Acts as a vasodilator: helps widen blood vessels to improve circulation
Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids: antioxidants that protect brain cells
Enhances oxygen delivery to the brain

Ashwagandha:

Modulates cortisol (the body’s stress hormone)
Supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
Offers neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects

Can You Take Ginkgo and Ashwagandha Together?

Yes—you absolutely can! In fact, many people choose to combine ginkgo and ashwagandha because they support different (but complementary) systems in the body.

Ginkgo focuses on brain energy and circulation
Ashwagandha supports stress reduction and hormone balance

Together, they offer a holistic approach to mental performance and emotional well-being.

6 Key Benefits of Combining Ginkgo and Ashwagandha

1. Calm Focus Without the Crash

Ashwagandha helps settle racing thoughts, while ginkgo provides clarity. The result? A more present and focused state of mind without the buzz or crash of caffeine.

2. Support for Long Days at Work or School

This combo is ideal for students, professionals, or anyone juggling multiple demands. You get alertness (ginkgo) and emotional steadiness (ashwagandha).

3. Mood and Motivation Support

Ashwagandha is commonly used for anxious feelings, while ginkgo may support motivation and mental energy. Together, they support a positive and resilient outlook.

4. Better Sleep at Night

Taking these in the morning helps manage stress through the day, which may contribute to more restful sleep at night—especially if you’re wired but tired.

5. Gentle Energy Support

Unlike stimulants, these herbs support energy through improved brain function and stress regulation—not by forcing the nervous system to work harder.

6. Adaptation to Daily Stress

Whether you're facing traffic, deadlines, or endless notifications, these herbs help your nervous system stay steady and responsive, not reactive.

How to Take Them: Timing, Form, and Dosing

When to Take:

Morning: For focus and daytime resilience
Early afternoon: For mental clarity without affecting sleep
Avoid late evening use, especially with ginkgo, as it may be mildly stimulating

Common Doses:

Ginkgo biloba: 120–240 mg daily, ideally standardized to 24% flavone glycosides
Ashwagandha: 300–600 mg daily, often using standardized extracts like KSM-66 or Sensoril

Supplement Forms:

Capsules or tablets
Powder blends (great in smoothies)
Tinctures (if you prefer liquid)

Real-Life Wellness Pairings

Want to level up the benefits? Try these combos:

With L-theanine: Adds a layer of calm focus, great for workdays
With magnesium: Enhances muscle relaxation and sleep
With rhodiola: For more stamina and physical performance
In a morning routine: Add to your green smoothie or adaptogenic latte

Who Should Be Cautious?

You should always consult with a healthcare professional before taking these herbs/supplements if you have certain conditions.

Final Thoughts

Combining ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha can help you feel clear-headed, calm, and ready to tackle your day. Whether you're managing work stress, trying to improve focus, or simply supporting your nervous system, this herbal duo offers a balanced and time-tested solution.

And best of all? It’s caffeine-free, non-habit forming, and deeply rooted in traditional wellness wisdom.

Tip: Start slow, stay consistent, and observe how your body responds over time.

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References and Resources

Ashwaganda and Ginkgo Biloba interactions. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/ashwaganda-with-ginkgo-biloba-2706-0-1174-10621.html#:~:text=No%20interactions%20were%20found%20between,Always%20consult%20your%20healthcare%20provider.
ASHWAGANDHA: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-953/ashwagandha
What are adaptogens and should you be taking them? (2022, February 16). UCLA Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them