The hype is right. Ashwagandha also known as winter cherry boasts many benefits thanks to its adaptogenic properties and a load of minerals it contains. These minerals include cobalt, vanadium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
It is no surprise that many brands have tapped the herb in making health-boosting supplements.
A quick search on Ashwagandha supplements will give you a gazillion of results, which could make it confusing which products to buy. Let this guide eliminate the confusion by limiting your choices to the 6 best Ashwagandha supplement brands.
How to Pick an Ashwagandha Supplement
When purchasing anything, you know the drill. You do not leave your doctor out in the dark about your intentions of adding a supplement to your routine. Make sure that you get their approval, especially if you are taking other medications, have a serious medical history, or are pregnant.
Your doctor needs to know because in case your chosen supplement suddenly gives you the opposite effects than what you were expecting, at least, the explanations would be shorter and sweeter when you seek their help.
Not that anything bad would happen, especially if you will only buy from reputable sources, and you will choose among the 6 best ashwagandha supplement brands featured in this post.
Ashwagandha comes from a plant family of Ayurvedic herbs called adaptogens. A plant or herb categorized as an adaptogen benefits the body by regulating stress. This is achieved by supporting the central stress response system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Ashwagandha comes from these Sanskrit terms – “ashwa” or horse and “gandha” or smell/important characteristic. It is a valuable herb that boosts stamina and immunity to survive life’s demands. While it supports stress treatment, it must not be used as the only treatment for the condition. The supplements may help a person feel better, but they will not work if you won’t initiate healthy lifestyle changes.
Before listing out the products that made it on this list, here are some choosing-contemplating-procrastinating-finalizing your choice-and-buying tips you need to know when purchasing ashwagandha supplements.
It’s important to note that the FDA doesn’t regulate the supplement industry, so many of the products under this category are not standardized. You have to rely on the listed active ingredients and other pertinent information on the products’ packaging to make your judgment.
The downside is not all these supplement brands give out all the information you need in the packaging. There are instances when you need to do your own research or make your life easier by settling on the products that lay it all out there.
On the other hand, FDA regulates herbal supplements, categorized as dietary supplements, to meet the set manufacturing standards. This means that the products need to verify that they have gone through Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
These standards have nothing to do with the products’ safety or efficacy. While these supplements do not require the approval of the FDA to be sold, the FDA can remove them from the market once they pose any danger.
Important Factors to Look into When Buying Ashwagandha Supplements
When buying something essential to health, such as a food supplement, you have to be keen on details. Never fall into the trap of marketing ploys. It’s a good practice to go over people’s reviews about the products, and do your thorough research first before hitting the “Buy Now” button.
You must also look into the following details when buying ashwagandha supplements:
1. Withanolides percentage
It is the supplement’s main ingredient, and you have to look for products with 5 percent or more withanolides. The ingredient is typically listed in percentage form unless the supplement comes in liquid form. Having the right amount of withanolides means that the supplement is a tonic that supports well-being and overall health.
2. Third-party tested
All brands selling any kind of supplement have claims on what their products can do. As a buyer, looking for the ones that have undergone third-party testing would be best by brands you don’t know or trust just yet.
Third-party testing means that the brand subjected its products to independent testing from reputable organizations, such as the US Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) and ConsumerLab.com, to prove their claims.
3. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
GMP practices ensure that the supplements were created free from contaminants, consistent proportions, and the right ingredients.
Why is it important to look into the details when buying a supplement? Since the FDA does not heavily regulate supplements, certain brands containing unsafe toxins may have infiltrated the market.
This is why you need to be aware of all the product’s safety information before you buy. You must also look into the ingredients to be aware beforehand if you are allergic to any of them or they are known to cause potential side effects.
In general, ashwagandha is a safe substance. The dosage and when to take the supplement will depend on the kind of effect you are aiming for. It is best to take it shortly after a meal, even when it is not indicated in the packaging, to avoid an upset stomach.
As for the dosage, some studies recommend 300mg per day, and some say it’s 500mg. I would follow the brand’s recommended dosage per day, which you can find on the label or as directed by a doctor.
The 6 Best Ashwagandha Supplement Brands
Here are some of the best ashwagandha supplement brands you can look into when you are still trying to figure out what will work best for your physical condition and overall health:
1. Moon Juice – Ashwagandha Organic Adaptogen Powder
A powdered form of Ashwagandha root & herb to mix with your favorite morning liquids such as smoothies, coffee’s and tea’s that gives you 50 servings per container.
This Moon Juice Brand
Recommended daily servings: 1 tsp.
Good manufacturing practices: Yes
Third party tested: Not sure.
Vegan: Yes
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-GMO: Yes
Organic: Yes
Supports the following: Energy booster, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, increases focus and mental stamina. May also help reduce irritability and carb cravings due to stress.
2. Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root
Love Gaia herbs. It’s usually my go-to if any of my favorite Organic Olivia products are out of stock. Always putting quality products on the market which is why it made the list of the Best Ashwagandha Supplement Brands. Gaia Herbs porducts are always Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO and Organic.
Recommended daily servings: 1 capsule 2 times per day
Withanolide content: 2.5mg per capsule
Good manufacturing practices: Yes
Third party tested: Yes
Vegan: Yes
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-GMO: Yes
Organic: Yes
Supports the following: Balances mood by restoring and nourishing immune and nervous systems, serves as a daily stress support
3. Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha
This brand will always be a great choice in any supplements you may be looking for. Pure Encapsulations undergo heavy testing to make sure they provide top of the notch products.
Recommended daily servings: 1 capsule per day (between or with meals)
Withanolide content: 2.5 percent
Good manufacturing practices: Yes
Third party tested: Yes
Vegan: Yes
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-GMO: Yes
Organic: Not listed
Supports the following: Supports overall health. offers occasional stress support
4. Tribe Organics Ashwagandha
Recommended daily servings: 2 capsules a day (1 in the morning and 1 to 4 hours before going to bed)
Withanolide content: 5 percent
Good manufacturing practices: Yes
Third party tested: Yes
Vegan: No
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-GMO: Yes
Organic: Yes
Supports the following: Stimulates immunity, offers stress support, helps in curbing food cravings, supports hormonal balance, improves memory, and endurance
5. Ashwagandha KSM-66 by Fresh Healthcare
Recommended daily servings: 2 capsules per day (with food and water)
Withanolide content: 5 percent
Good manufacturing practices: Yes
Third party tested: Yes
Vegan: Yes
Gluten-free: Yes
Non-GMO: Yes
Organic: Yes
Supports the following: Slows aging, stimulates immunity, boosts energy levels, supports thyroid function, supports relief for stress and anxiety
6. Organic Olivia’s Adrenal Recovery Formula
Although not just an Ashwagandha supplement, this blend of Adaptogenic herbs targets your irregular HPA axis that causes adrenal fatigue.
Since I put my whole hearted trust into this brand and have seen incredible results from Organic Olivia supplements, I couldn’t leave this Adrenal Recovery formula out of this list.
Herbalist Olivia Amitrano, doesn’t form her formulas out of nowhere. They come from problems she or her loved ones encounter. She tries and tests different blends until the perfect formula is achieved. This one comes from her very own experience with Adrenal Fatigue. 90% of reviews on her site gave it a 5 star. That says a lot!
Adrenal Recovery wins the best overall out of the Best Ashwagandha Supplement Brands because of the well thought-out ingredient blend this supplement has.
This formula uses Organic Ashwagandha Root and holds 158 mg of it per serving. Other power ingredients include Eleuthero Root, Schisandra Berry, Cordyceps Mushroom, American Ginseng, Rhodiola Root, Red Chinese Ginseng.
Recommended daily servings: 1 capsule 1-3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. (Suggested to take between meals for best absorption)
Withanolide content: Not Labeled.
Good manufacturing practices: Yes
Third party tested: Unsure
Vegan: Definitely Vegeterian. Unsure if it’s vegan but nowhere notes that they are using dairy. You can always message support@organicolivia.com to find out.
Gluten-free: Can’t say for sure.
Non-GMO: Yes
Organic: Yes
Supports the following: stress hormone levels, decreases over-reactions to stress, improves energy, vitality, mood and emotional well-being.
FAQ
What is the best time of day to take ashwagandha?
It has an energy boosting effect, so you can take it in the morning. It can also help you sleep quicker at night, so you can take it four hours before snoozing. Check the labels to ensure if you can take the supplement on an empty stomach or not.
How long does it take for ashwagandha to work for anxiety?
It is not a magic pill, but you can speed up the process for the supplements to work to your advantage. You can feel their positive effects as early as two weeks by committing to a healthier lifestyle that includes healthy diet and exercise.
How long does ashwagandha last?
After taking a supplement, the root powder’s fat-soluble compounds can stay in your system for several weeks up to a month. Its water-soluble compounds, on the other hand, typically leave the body after 2 or 3 days.
What is the best dosage of Ashwagandha?
Many experts recommend taking 300 to 500mg of ashwagandha extract per day when you are only starting to introduce it to your system. This dose will have a withanolides percentage between 5 to 10 percent.
What is the difference between root powder and extracts?
First, both forms come from the same source – the roots of an ashwagandha plant. Root powder means that the whole plant (or root) was dried and processed into powdered form. The root extract, which typically comes in liquid or dried powder form, comes from key compounds of the roots of the source plant.
This means that the extracts are more effective than the other. When you buy a supplement made from root extracts, you have to look at the percentage of the specific compounds it contains, the dosage, when to take, and potential side effects.
Is Ashwagandha better in capsule or powder?
While the powdered form is more natural and will be absorbed by your system faster, ashwagandha has a bitter taste. Supplements in capsule form will be easier to take. You only have to look for the right products to ensure their safety and potency.
What are alternatives to Ashwagandha?
Depending on what you are using Ashwagandha for. Other calming herbs and what they do can be found here.
Best dosage of ashwagandha for adrenal fatigue?
A study shows that 250 mg of Ashwagandha a day was effective to reduce perceived stress scale, however 600 mg a day was better. It is very important to remember not every body is made the same. Dosage will always depend on the individual and what their doctor suggests.
KSM 66 vs Sensoril? Whats the difference between the two?
KSM is Ashwagandha extracted solely from the root as compared to Sensoril is both root and leaf making Sensoril stronger than KSM. However, stronger isn’t necessarily better as depending on your situation you may not need such a strong supplement.
Does my Ashwagandha supplement need Black Pepper Extract?
Black Pepper Extract is said to help bioavailability for certain medications. This is a study shown on how black pepper helps bioavailability for certain compounds such as curcuminoids, silymarin, flavonoids, terpenoids. Ashwagandha does contain flavonoids hence why certain supplements add Black Pepper to it’s formulas. Does it need it? Only your doctor can tell as he knows your condition best.
