Today, we’re checking out one of the trendiest supplements on the market – ashwagandha! We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about this powerful herb.
First, we’ll take you through our favorite supplements on the market. After that, we included a comprehensive buyer’s guide to answer your questions about ashwagandha and help you learn how to choose the best from the options out there.
What is Ashwagandha?
There’s a chance you may have never even heard of ashwagandha, so before we jump into our product guide, here’s a quick rundown. Ashwagandha is a common name for Withania somnifera and is a member of the nightshade family.
Ashwagandha is a popular medicinal herb and a common supplement. It is technically classified as an adaptogen, which means that it is often touted for its stress-relief benefits. That said, there are numerous other benefits for your mind and body that are often associated with this herb. In our buyer’s guide, we’ll talk about these benefits in more detail. But first, let’s check out some of our favorite ashwagandha supplements on the market.
Best Ashwagandha Brands Today
In this section, we’re covering our top 10 favorite ashwagandha supplements. These products vary in their ingredients, strength, size, value, and more. Pay careful attention to the product descriptions to pick the best option for you. We have also noted our top value, premium, and overall choices!
1. Best Budget: 1600mg NutriFlair Capsules
We’ll start with our top value choice. When it comes to choosing nutritional supplements, it’s important to evaluate how much you’re getting for your money. These capsules don’t disappoint. Each bottle contains 120 extra-strength 800mg ashwagandha tablets (serving size: 2 capsules). The recommended dosage is around 500-1,250mg per day, depending largely on your preferences.
Although this is a great value, it’s no slouch when it comes to quality. They’re made with certified organic ashwagandha root powder and are vegan, non-GMO, and all-natural. This supplement is also made in the USA and third-party tested. Capsules also contain 10mg of black pepper for more efficient absorption.
Nutriflair advertises various benefits for stress-relief, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, as well as various other physical and mental benefits. This trusted brand is based out of Texas and focuses on transparency and accountability. They offer a 100% money-back guarantee for 30 days after purchase. Be sure to also check out the promo codes advertised in the link above!
Overall, we think this is a great choice, and the value is hard to beat. Just be sure that you require extra-strength capsules as the dosage might be high for some.
Pros:
- Extra-strength tablets make this a high-value option
- Made and tested in the USA
- Includes black pepper
- Advertises many physical and mental benefits
Cons:
- Tablets may be too strong for first-time users
2. BEST PREMIUM: Sunbird Ashwagandha
Here’s another great choice from Sunbird Organics. Each bottle contains a hundred 900mg ashwagandha capsules. A 900mg dose is quite potent, and these would qualify as extra-strength capsules.
Sunbird Organics pride itself on being a socially responsible company with sustainable values. Products are sourced from small farms that employ organic agricultural techniques. It also packages its products in the USA at facilities that are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified. Sunbird triple-tests its products for any potential contaminants.
This brand promotes its ashwagandha tablets for stress relief and calming benefits. These 900 mg capsules promote calm, focused energy. Sunbird also claims that these capsules reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and help to combat adrenal fatigue. If you aren’t satisfied, it offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
Overall, we like these capsules. They take our “Best Premium” title because they only source from small farms that employ organic agriculture techniques, and they triple-test everything for quality! All-in-all, we think they’re a great choice, but you should be aware that 900mg is a relatively high dosage.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Made from organic materials and triple-tested for quality
- Packaged at GMP certified facilities
- Numerous stress and anxiety-related benefits
Cons:
- Expensive
- 900mg may be too high of a dosage for some
3. Ultra-High Strength Ashwagandha
Here’s an ultra-high-strength ashwagandha option. Each serving size contains 1300mg of ashwagandha root. Every batch is tested for quality and purity and passes rigorous standards to be sold.
Toniiq advertises this as the “most active ashwagandha available”. These are bold claims, but their manufacturing process seems to back it up well. It claims that its ashwagandha contains 10% withanolides while competing brands contain less than 2.5%. Toniiq touts withanolides as the main active compound giving ashwagandha its physical and mental stress-relieving effects. There is also 10mg of black pepper in each capsule for more efficient absorption.
Toniiq products are made in Miami in a GMP-certified, NSF-approved manufacturing facility. They are also vegan, gluten-free, and free of additional preservatives.
Pros:
- More potent than competing brands
- Made in the USA
- Physical and mental stress relief
Cons:
- May be too potent for some
4. Ashwagandha Herbal Powder
Ashwagandha powder is another method of supplementing this popular herb. With pure root powder, you can supplement as much as you want. It has the same primary ingredients as the capsules, but you get to set your dosage. Make sure you know the recommended amount, though, and do your research as to how much you should take.
We think this is one of the best ashwagandha powder products on the market. The manufacturer partners with sustainable farms across India to grow the herbs, and they are committed to regenerative agriculture.
The benefits advertised include support of physical and mental stress, better sleep, and a boost to energy levels.
You get a whole pound of root powder in one of these bags, making this a high-value choice, as long as you don’t mind measuring out the doses yourself. Many consumers like to throw it in coffee, yogurt, cereal, and more.
Pros:
- High-value option
- Grown on sustainable farms in India
- Various benefits for stress, fatigue, and energy levels
Cons:
- You need to measure your doses
5. VORST Ashwagandha 1000mg Capsules
We like the VORST 1000mg Ashwagandha capsules. Capsules are one of the most popular ways to supplement ashwagandha and a convenient way to get the full benefits of these herbs.
These capsules come in a convenient flip-top bottle for easy access. This package contains 60 1000mg ashwagandha capsules that claim to improve your mental state by reducing stress, restlessness, and cortisol to healthy levels. They may also relieve symptoms of adrenal fatigue and curb non-specific digestive problems.
VORST is a trustworthy company based out of Canada. They carefully select, source, and process all ingredients and focus on complete transparency. They have over 30 years of experience and strive to make the best over the counter supplements with natural ingredients.
Pros:
- Good value: 60 1000mg capsules
- Focus on providing a healthy mental state, and may relieve symptoms of adrenal fatigue, amongst other benefits
- Reputable, trustworthy manufacturer based in Canada
Cons:
- 1000mg may be too potent for some
6. EBYSU Ashwagandha
Here’s another great choice from EBYSU. This package contains 120 capsules, each with 650mg of ashwagandha. It is advertised as a max-strength formula and also contains black pepper for more efficient absorption.
EBYSU focuses on manufacturing its products with the highest quality non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients. This product is also vegan, cruelty-free certified, and Health Canada licensed.
EBYSU advertises many stress-relief benefits from using this product. They advertise reduced stress and fatigue and other rejuvenating qualities. EBYSU offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t find that this product reduces your stress and anxiety.
Pros:
- Great value (120 count of 650 mg tablets)
- Health Canada certified
- Non-GMO, vegan and cruelty-free
- 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t encounter reduced stress and anxiety
Cons:
- Dosage may be slightly too high for some
7. Best Overall: Gaia Ashwagandha Root
This ashwagandha product from Gaia contains sixty 350mg Ashwagandha Root capsules, making it one of the lowest-potency ashwagandha capsules on our list. That said, this might be a benefit for those that are looking for a lower-strength option.
Gaia products are made at the Gaia Organic Farm in Brevard, NC. The brand screens all products for pesticides and non-vegan ingredients and is committed to using only non-GMO ingredients. They even screen and validate every ingredient in the Gaia Purity Lab.
The ashwagandha root powder capsules themselves are made with liquid Phyto-Caps technology, which means that the capsules are softer and easier to swallow. To people who have a hard time swallowing pills, this is a major benefit.
Gaia advertises the benefits of these products for supporting a balanced mood and promoting daily stress support. As noted, they are a lower potency at only 350mg, but Gaia recommends taking two capsules daily.
Pros:
- Made in the USA at Gaia Farms
- Certified Organic, Vegan, and using Non-GMO ingredients
- Phyto-Caps technology makes capsules easier to swallow
Cons:
- Lower potency (although this may be preferable to some)
- Relatively expensive
8. Ashwagandha 3000 with Black Pepper
Here’s another great budget choice of ashwagandha capsules. This package contains 120 high-potency capsules, each capsule containing 650mg of ashwagandha extract, and 500mg of organic ashwagandha root powder. The manufacturer claims that these are four times more potent than traditional ashwagandha capsules and are the equivalent of one 3000mg traditional capsule. Whether or not this is a benefit depends on whether you require a dosage this high.
All capsules are made in the USA and are vegan, gluten-free certified, organic, and Non-GMO.
These products are advertised mainly for their stress and anxiety relief as well as promoting overall calmness and enhancing energy.
The fact that these capsules are so potent also makes them a high-value choice; that said, you need to examine whether you need a dosage this high. Many find that they are more comfortable with a much lower dose, but this is largely based on experience and personal preference.
Pros:
- High-value
- Very potent capsules
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Dosage may be too high for many
9. Extra Strength Ashwagandha
Here’s another high-strength ashwagandha option. Note that this is much higher potency than many options on our list, at 1950mg per serving. While these capsules certainly won’t be for everyone, they’re a good choice for those looking for a high potency dietary supplement.
These capsules achieve their high potency by using 100% USDA certified organic ashwagandha root powder. The tablets contain no leaves, stems, or fillers. The only added ingredient is black pepper extract for better absorption, and they’re vegan, Non-GMO, and third-party tested.
The manufacturer advertises maximum anti-anxiety support as well as mood support and enhancement. It cites studies that claim that ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety by up to 69%, which also helps to sharpen memory and clear your mind.
Pros:
- Very high strength tablets. No filler ingredients for max potency
- 100% USDA certified organic
- Advertises various stress-relief and calming benefits
Cons:
- May be too high-potency for many users
10. Garden of Life Ashwagandha
This package from Garden of Life contains sixty 600mg ashwagandha capsules. These capsules also contain 50mg of organic fermented ginger root for enhanced digestion and 4mg of probiotic blend. It’s also certified vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, and USDA Organic.
Garden of Life promotes this product for its clinically studied adaptogenic properties which nourish your adrenal glands. The brand also promotes a healthy stress response and a boost to your energy and mood.
Overall, we think these capsules are a great choice. They aren’t quite as high-strength as some of the other options on our list, which may make them more suitable for those looking for a smaller dosage of ashwagandha. We also really like that these capsules contain organic fermented ginger root and probiotics for enhanced digestion.
Pros:
- Organic fermented ginger root and probiotics
- Clinically studied adaptogenic benefits
- Promotes a healthy stress response
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Buyer’s Guide
Before we wrap up our guide to ashwagandha, take a look at our buyer’s guide so you can make the perfect choice among the options available, or decide if this dietary supplement is for you.
First, we’re going to examine the potential benefits of ashwagandha, and then focus on how you should choose from the options available. The world of supplements can be confusing, but we intend to help you make the best choice for you.
What Are The Benefits of Ashwagandha?
You might be wondering about the main benefits of ashwagandha. Supplements can seem murky and full of information that’s difficult to understand. While we admit that not all benefits of ashwagandha are fully settled, there is a lot of promising research in this field. The following benefits are based on various scientific studies and trials. While more research is needed to conclude in certain areas, some of the potential benefits include:
Reduced Blood Sugar Levels: Several studies have suggested that ashwagandha can lower blood sugar levels. Human studies have suggested that this is true in both people with diabetes and healthy people.
Can Reduce Cortisol: Cortisol is generally known as a stress hormone. Your adrenal glands reduce cortisol in response to certain stressful situations. Studies have suggested that ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels.
May Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Perhaps the most heavily advertised benefit of ashwagandha, several studies have reported that it may reduce stress levels and lead to calmer feelings. Controlled human studies have shown that ashwagandha can reduce stress levels in those with anxiety disorders. This may also be linked to an increase in brain function.
May Increase Strength: There is even research that indicates that ashwagandha may help with muscle strength and recovery.
Buyer’s Guide to Ashwagandha
In this section, we aim to help you make the right choice. We know we’ve given you a lot of information, and we’ve focused on various ashwagandha products that claim to be the best. But the best supplement is just the one that is best for you.
There are a few factors to focus on to decide the best supplement for your personal needs. Here are the main criteria to consider:
Capsule vs. Powder
How do you want to take your supplements? The two main forms that you might have noticed from our list of products are powder and capsule varieties. Each offers unique benefits.
The main benefit of powder is that you get to set your dosage. You can measure out the exact amount that you want to take and adjust based on your preferences. This is important with ashwagandha as people tend to supplement anywhere between 500-1,250 mg per day (and more in some cases). With a powder, you can adjust your dosage as you become more comfortable with what works for you.
Some people also prefer powders because they can be added to food and drinks for easier consumption. For example, many like to add it to their morning coffee or yogurt.
Capsules provide the benefit of pre-measured dosage. You don’t have to worry about measuring out each dose yourself as the capsule contains standardized amounts. It’s more convenient, but you don’t get the benefit of adjustable dosages.
Potency
The potency is one of the main considerations in deciding between the various capsules available on the market. As you can see by looking through our list, many offer very different amounts of ashwagandha per serving. To decide on potency, we recommend you start with a lower dosage (around 500mg). Buying lower-potency capsules is a good idea because you can always take multiple pills if you want to up your dosage.
Some of the options on our list above advertised themselves as “high-strength” or “maximum strength”. We would only recommend these to people who have already tried this supplement and are happy with its effects.
Price
Price is another major consideration. When evaluating the price of ashwagandha supplements, consider what you’re getting for your money. Compare the number of tablets and the strength of the tablets to the price.
More is better, but this isn’t the only consideration. You also want a product that was built according to stringent manufacturing and purity standards, as we will examine next.
Manufacturing Standards
When evaluating the quality of ashwagandha supplements, consider how the product was manufactured. Many of the products on our list were proudly made in the USA, and some even advertised the farm on which they were made.
Keep your eye out for certain standards that speak to a product’s level of quality. Look for phrases like certified organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and if the product was packaged at GMP-certified facilities. All of these standards are based on established benchmarks that speak to the product’s quality levels and manufacturing standards.
Other Ingredients
Finally, it may be the case that an ashwagandha supplement contains ingredients other than ashwagandha. Some supplements utilize other herbs and nutrients for additional benefits. Many products on our list also contain black pepper, which helps with absorption.
The Garden of Life supplement contains fermented ginger root and probiotics, both of which are meant to help digestion. Keep an eye out for any supplements that tout additional benefits as well.
Overall, you want to consider these factors as a culmination. A good supplement is just the sum of its parts. We hope that this article has helped you to understand the benefits of this supplement, as well as how to choose the best one for you.
