7 Best Ashwagandha Supplements

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Modern medicine has come a long way, but we can still benefit from ancient Ayurvedic medicine. For example, ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Researchers have traced its usage back to 6000 BC in ancient India where it was used as a tonic to promote healthy aging, treat joint pain, reduce insomnia, and more. 

Thousands of years later, ashwagandha is still used today. More research is needed to understand the full benefits of ashwagandha, but it’s been proposed to reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation as well as improve brain function and blood sugar control. Studies have demonstrated that ashwagandha supplements are generally safe when taken for a duration of three months. Here are the best ashwagandha supplements on the market.

What are the best Ashwagandha supplements for brain health?

Best Overall: Ashwagandha Supplement by Double Wood Supplements

Ashwagandha can be pricey, but Double Wood Supplements has some of the most affordable prices we found. Each bottle contains 120 capsules. At two capsules per serving, it will last you at least 60 days. With 250 milligrams (mg) per capsule (or 500mg per serving), it’s on the lower side, making this one of the best ashwagandha supplements for beginners. If you’re new to ashwagandha, this could be a good starting point—you can start with one capsule per day and gradually increase the dose over time. We also like that this supplement is third-party tested by AZ Laboratories and made in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facility.

Green Juice by Organifi

Ashwagandha supplements come in a wide variety of forms, but capsules are most common. If you’re looking for something easier to take, try this Organifi greens powder. It’s formulated specifically for weight loss. Here’s how it works: It uses ashwagandha root, which is proven to lower cortisol levels (aka the “stress” hormone). High stress is linked to weight gain, so lowering cortisol with the help of ashwagandha supplements could promote weight loss. This isn’t just an ashwagandha supplement, however. The green juice powder also provides fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and spices.

KSM-66 Ashwagandha by Transparent Labs 

Some ashwagandha supplements require you to take two or more capsules to get the suggested dose. With this herbal supplement from Transparent Labs, you only have to take one capsule to get the listed 600 mg of ashwagandha root. What’s more, it discloses the percentage of withanolides, the naturally occurring compounds responsible for many of ashwagandha’s benefits. Mayo Clinic recommends 0.3% and 1.5% withanolides per serving, but this potent supplement contains 5%. This product is also organic and third-party tested.

Stress Support by Needed

Since ashwagandha can lower cortisol, it’s often formulated in complexes for hormonal balance. This supplement by Needed is specifically designed for women’s hormone health. It can be taken before and after pregnancy but not during. Each tub contains 30 servings. The serving size is four capsules, which can be divided throughout the day. It provides 250 mg of ashwagandha root and leaf extract, making it a more beginner-friendly option for someone wanting to start at a lower dose. We also like that it’s third-party tested and the 8% concentration of withanolides is disclosed—the highest we’ve seen.

Ashwagandha by Nature’s Way

The Nature’s Way ashwagandha supplement checks a lot of our boxes without breaking the bank. It’s extracted from the root, easy to take, and concentrated with 3.5% withanolides. A serving size is one capsule, which can be taken up to three times per day for a maximum dose of 1,500 mg. This supplement is made in a GMP-compliant facility and tested in the manufacturer’s laboratory.

Ashwagandha by Pure Encapsulations

Ashwagandha itself isn’t a common allergen, but people with severe allergies have to be careful when purchasing food products and dietary supplements. This ashwagandha supplement by Pure Encapsulations is made with a hypoallergenic capsule—each one provides 500 mg of ashwagandha root and 2.5% withanolides. The final supplement is also third-party and free from major food allergens, such as gluten, soy, and dairy.

Ashwagandha Root by Gaia Herbs

This ashwagandha supplement is unlike others we researched and reviewed because of its form. Here, Gaia Herbs uniquely uses liquid phyto-caps, which are capsules containing the liquid form of the supplement. Liquids are quicker to absorb, making this one of the ashwagandha supplements with the fastest absorption. Each bottle provides a 60-day supply—60 liquid capsules that each contain 350 mg of ashwagandha root and 2.5 mg withanolides. The suggested use is one capsule taken once or twice daily.

Best Ashwagandha Supplements FAQs

How do I choose the right ashwagandha supplements?

Dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but you should still practice caution when purchasing any supplement. When choosing ashwagandha supplements, consider the following criteria:

• Root extract. Both the roots and leaves are used to make ashwagandha supplements, but the root harbors most of the medicinal properties. 
• Dose. The right dose can vary per person. It can range from 250 mg to 1,250 mg daily. Cleveland Clinic recommends taking 500 mg twice daily for most adults.
• Third-party testing. Since supplements aren’t assessed before coming to market, there’s no way to know what’s actually in them. Third-party testing with an independent laboratory confirms the potency and purity of any supplement.
• Type. Ashwagandha supplements include capsules, powders, gummies, liquids, and other forms. This comes down to your personal preference.
• Withanolides. These are the active compounds in ashwagandha supplements. The concentration of withanolides isn’t always listed, but Mayo Clinic recommends 0.3% and 1.5% per serving.

Can I take ashwagandha every day?

Research on the long-term safety of ashwagandha is still underway, so we don’t know if it’s safe to take daily for a long period of time. However, we do know that ashwagandha supplements are generally well tolerated when taken daily for a period of up to three months. You can take ashwagandha every day for a maximum of 12 weeks, though some people may experience side effects. It’s recommended to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement to go over your health history.

How long does it take for ashwagandha supplements to work?

The long-term effects of ashwagandha haven’t been studied, so it’s intended for short-term use only. This means that it could work within a few weeks or months. Many of the studies on ashwagandha supplementation had durations between six and 12 weeks, though one analysis found that maximum benefits for sleep were realized at a dose of 600 mg per day for eight weeks or longer.

What are the side effects of ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is generally safe for short-term use. However, there are some side effects to know. Research shows that the side effects of ashwagandha are generally mild, such as upset stomach, loose stools, nausea, and drowsiness. Though more rare, serious side effects could include liver dysfunction and acute liver injury. Ashwagandha is also known to interact with some medications, such as thyroid and diabetes medications. Finally, ashwagandha supplements aren’t recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Can Ashwagandha help with weight loss?

There are many potential benefits of ashwagandha, and weight loss may be one of them. One study found that the stress-lowering benefits of ashwagandha helped adults with chronic stress manage their body weight. Another study concluded that ashwagandha could have potential as an anti-obesity agent because it enhances energy expenditure.