Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) also known as Indian Ginseng, is a herb that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it can control stress-related damage and restore our body functioning to normalcy. The roots, berries, and leaves of ashwagandha are used in medical preparations to treat various health conditions.
Research indicates that Ashwagandha is efficient in treating brain-related disorders, lowering stress-induced anxiety, and improving cognitive functions.
The content of high Withanolides (naturally occurring beneficial steroids) in ashwagandha has therapeutic properties and is proven to help treat blood sugar, sexual problems, inflammation, and even cancer (1).
Supplementation of Ashwagandha appears to be extremely beneficial for health. Ashwagandha supplements are available online as powders, liquids, or capsules, and can be obtained without a prescription.
Listed here are our top 6 choices of ashwagandha supplements. Explore them and choose a supplement that suits your needs the best.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Ashwagandha Supplement With Black Pepper – Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha
2. Best Ashwagandha Powder – BulkSupplements Ashwagandha Root Extract
3. Best Anti-Anxiety Support Ashwagandha Supplement – NutriRise Ashwagandha
4. Best Ashwagandha Capsules – Nuzena Organic Ashwagandha +
5. Best Organic Ashwagandha Supplement – Physician’s Choice Ashwagandha
6. Best Potency Ashwagandha Supplement – NaturaLife Labs Ashwagandha 2100 mg
Now let’s look at each of these ashwagandha supplements in detail to find out why they are considered the best in their categories.
1. Best Ashwagandha Supplement With Black Pepper: Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) extracts contain piperine, a chemical that is known to enhance bioavailability. It enables the absorption of therapeutic drugs and plant phytochemicals effectively.
The piperine in black pepper has shown to exhibit digestive capabilities. Its anti-inflammatory effects help fight free radical damage and oxidative stress making it a useful addition to ashwagandha supplements (2).
About Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha
Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha is a popular supplement containing ashwagandha, in its organic form and black pepper extracts to support brain functions and enhance cognitive health.
Made using organically produced ingredients, this supplement delivers a potent 1950 mg of ashwagandha root and an additional 15 mg of black pepper. This enhances maximum absorption to provide relief from anxiety, increased mental energy, and clarity of mind.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Essential Elements manufactures Organic Ashwagandha at its FDA-approved, GMP compliant facilities in Utah, USA. The product undergoes stringent quality checks to ensure purity and safety.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 3 capsules has:
- Organic Ashwagandha Root – 1950 mg
- Organic Black Pepper Extract – 15 mg
Available as a bottle of 90 capsules, Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha boasts of triple strength in 3 capsules and can provide 30 servings. Packed in vegetarian cellulose capsules it is completely vegan-friendly.
The recommended dosage for adults is 1 capsule taken 3 times or as per the advice of a healthcare practitioner. Taking this supplement daily with food and water increases absorption and results in good health benefits.
Essential Elements uses 100% natural, non-GMO, organic ingredients to make Organic Ashwagandha. There are no preservatives used and it is free from gluten, soy, and dairy as well. This quality product comes with a 365-day return policy for added customer satisfaction.
The Pros:
- Potent organic ashwagandha root of 1950 mg
- High black pepper content of 15 mg for maximized absorption
- Vegan-friendly
- Non-GMO and preservative-free
Summary: Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha is a quality supplement with organic ashwagandha root. With a 15mg content of black pepper extract, this product maximizes absorption for boosting mental health and well being.
2. Best Ashwagandha Powder: BulkSupplements Ashwagandha Root Extract
A good quality powder is an effective form of taking ashwagandha supplements as it promotes faster assimilation of nutrients for greater health benefits.
About BulkSupplements Ashwagandha Root Extract
BulkSupplements Ashwagandha Root Extract is a top quality supplement that provides the benefits of ashwagandha root extracts for easing mental stress and boosting energy and focus.
A potent 450 mg of pure ashwagandha root extract, with a 15% withanolide, is the main content of this powder form. This facilitates easy absorption to alleviate anxiety, boost libido, and enhance overall immunity.
BulkSupplements sources its non-GMO raw material for Ashwagandha Extract from India. It is produced in an NSF Certified & FDA-registered cGMP manufacturing facility in the USA. Both in-house and testing by independent US labs are conducted to ensure high quality.
What it Contains:
Each serving of around 1/5 tsp provides:
- Ashwagandha Extract (Root) – 450 mg
BulkSupplements Ashwagandha Root Extract is available as a pack of 100 gm that caters to 222 servings. It can also be purchased in quantities of 250 gm, 500 gm, 1 kg, and 5 kg packs or as capsules. While the powder is 100% vegan, the capsules are made of bovine gelatin.
As a dietary supplement, ⅕ tsp or 450 mg can be taken 1 – 3 times daily for visible health benefits. The powder has an earthy, woody taste, mixes easily, and can be taken with shakes, smoothies, yogurt, etc. for daily consumption.
Organic Ashwagandha is made using natural ingredients and contains no extra fillers, additives, sugar, or yeast. It is free from gluten, dairy, and soy making it a quality product that can offer viable benefits for overall mental well-being.
The Pros:
- Single potent ingredient of ashwagandha root extracts
- Powder form ensures easy assimilation to experience good health
- Mixes easily in smoothies and shakes
- Suitable for vegans
Summary: BulkSupplements Ashwagandha Root Extract is a quality product with only the extracts of ashwagandha root. With no fillers, sugar, or additives, it can be easily mixed into foods daily to lower stress and boost mental health.
3. The Best Anti-Anxiety Support Ashwagandha Supplement: NutriRise Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogenic herb, is proven to act as anti-anxiety support and provide relief from acute mental stress. Scientific studies have shown that ashwagandha can lower stress, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mental health and performance (3).
About NutriRise Ashwagandha
NutriRise Ashwagandha is a well-known supplement that has the potential to lower stress and provide anti-anxiety relief. The powerful root boosts energy, improves mental acuity and overall cognitive health.
While potent doses of 1300 mg of organically-grown ashwagandha root with optimal withanolide content act as a natural stress buster, the addition of 10 mg black pepper aids in increased absorption.
NutriRise Ashwagandha is made using non-GMO ingredients in an FDA registered GMP certified facility in the USA. The ashwagandha is Certified Organic by UDAF and third-party lab tested for assurance in quality.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 capsules consists of:
- Organic Ashwagandha – 1300 mg
- Organic Black Pepper – 10 mg
Every bottle of NutriRise Ashwagandha contains 120 capsules that serve as a two-month supply. The pullulan capsules (biopolymer polysaccharides made by fermentation of starch, using the fungus Aureobasidium Pullulan) are vegetable-based and safe for vegans.
The recommended dosage is 2 capsules a day or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. This supplement is best taken 20-30 minutes before meals for promoting good absorption and health benefits.
NutriRise Ashwagandha is made of top quality natural ingredients and does not contain binders, fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients. Free from gluten, dairy, and other allergens, this quality supplement can ensure overall mental well being.
The Pros:
- 1300 mg ashwagandha root with withanolides for anti-anxiety relief
- Added black pepper ensures effective absorption
- Certified Organic by UDAF
- Assured quality by 4-stage inhouse testing and third-party verification
Summary: NutriRise Ashwagandha is a natural supplement with ashwagandha roots and black pepper. Certified organic and free from fillers, binders, and allergens, it works to lower anxiety, boosts cognitive abilities, and immunity.
4. Best Ashwagandha Capsules: Nuzena Organic Ashwagandha +
Capsule forms of supplements are portable, convenient to consume, and require no mixing which means no mess. They are just as effective as powder forms which makes them an easier mode of supplementation.
About Nuzena Organic Ashwagandha +
Nuzena Organic Ashwagandha + is a premium supplement with beneficial ashwagandha roots to provide multiple health benefits. They include relief from stress, anxiety, deal with thyroid issues, and promote overall mental health.
Suitable for both men and women, it is a natural and organic formulation. The potent ashwagandha roots and black pepper contain powerful antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage and stress. This increases mental energy, focus, sleep, and resolves sexual problems.
Organic Ashwagandha + is made entirely in the USA in an FDA registered, GMP certified facility. Nuzena uses only high-quality non-GMO ashwagandha in making this supplement that is tested and certified by third-party labs.
What it Contains:
Each serving of size of 2 capsules holds:
- Organic Ashwagandha – 1300 mg
- Organic Black Pepper – 10 mg
Nuzena provides 60 capsules to provide 30 servings or a month’s supply for the user. The capsules are suitable for vegans and vegetarians as they are made of vegetable cellulose.
As a dietary supplement, Nuzena recommends 2 capsules daily, 1 in the afternoon and 1 in the night 20-30 minutes before meals, for at least 90 days to experience the best health benefits.
Organic Ashwagandha + as a pure natural product contains only clinically proven ingredients of high-quality. It does not contain any gluten. The product is also verified for microbiology and heavy metal contamination which makes it safe for consumption.
The Pros:
- A combined potency of ashwagandha and black pepper per serving
- Made in FDA registered GMP certified facility in Utah, USA
- No gluten and heavy metal contaminants
- Third-party verified
Summary: Nuzena Organic Ashwagandha + is a supplement that packs a good dose of ashwagandha in every serving. With black pepper to aid absorption, this supplement provides thyroid support and enhances mental health greatly.
5. Best Organic Ashwagandha Supplement: Physician’s Choice Ashwagandha
Organic supplements can be described as those which naturally enhance health without the use of synthetic additions.
Agricultural products grown and processed in adherence to norms set by the National Organic Program (NOP) of the USDA are certified as organic. Hence, the supplements using such ingredients can carry the USDA Organic seal.
About Physician’s Choice Ashwagandha
Physician’s Choice Ashwagandha is an all-natural supplement that is designed to lower stress, boost brain functions, and provide effective thyroid support for overall health.
Using certified organic ashwagandha of 1950 mg in combination with 15 mg black pepper extract enables rapid absorption. This helps to combat stress and maintain a positive and energetic mind. It also regulates the thyroid hormones to naturally treat thyroid-related issues.
Physician’s Choice sources its non-GMO ashwagandha from an established organic farm in India and manufactured in a cGMP certified facility in the USA. This supplement contains only the roots of the ashwagandha plant and is 100% USDA Certified Organic.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 3 capsules offer:
- Organic Ashwagandha Root – 1.95 g
- Organic Black Pepper Extract – 15 mg
Designed to provide 30 servings, this container of Physician’s Choice Ashwagandha contains 90 capsules. The capsules are pullulan capsules which are ideal for vegans and vegetarians.
As a dietary supplement, 3 capsules a day is the manufacturer’s recommended dosage for obtaining beneficial results. Those with known allergies or a medical condition can seek physician advice before taking this supplement.
Physician’s Choice Ashwagandha is 100% natural and contains no fillers or harmful additives. It is also free from allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, shellfish, and nuts. Third-party tested for quality, this organic supplement can guarantee good mental fitness for life.
The Pros:
- Extra-strength combo of ashwagandha root and black pepper
- 100% USDA Certified Organic
- Vegetarian Pullulan capsule
- Third-party verified
Summary: Physician’s Choice Ashwagandha is a health-benefiting supplement with potent ashwagandha root and black pepper. Free of fillers, allergens it is certified organic by USDA and naturally promotes mental well-being.
6. Best Potency Ashwagandha Supplement: NaturaLife Labs Ashwagandha 2100 mg
Supplements are primarily consumed for the health benefits they provide and it is important to choose a supplement with clinically approved strength and dosage to maximize health benefits.
About NaturalLife Labs Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha 2100 mg by NaturalLife Labs is a top-ranking supplement with the goodness of pure organic ashwagandha to alleviate anxiety, bust stress, enhance immunity, and sustain good mental health.
Loaded with a double potency from organic ashwagandha root powder and root extracts with a 2.5 % withanolide content, this supplement provides enough antioxidants to increase brain function capacity.
Manufactured in the USA, NaturalLife Labs Ashwagandha is produced in a GMP facility using non-GMO professional-grade roots and extracts of Indian ashwagandha. Subject to internal testing at different stages, it is also tested and verified by a third-party for potency and purity.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 3 capsules has:
- Total Blend – 2100 mg
- Organic Ashwagandha powder (root) – 1050 mg
- Ashwagandha root extract – 1050 mg
- Black pepper extract 4:1 – 8 mg
Ashwagandha 2100 mg is available as 100 capsules and can provide 33 servings in one bottle. The capsules are vegan, made from plant cellulose, and dissolve quickly for the contents to be absorbed efficiently.
The manufacturer suggests a daily dose of 3 capsules for numerous health benefits. Pregnant, nursing women and individuals with medical conditions are advised to consult a practitioner before using this supplement.
NaturalLife Labs Ashwagandha 2100 mg is naturally potent and does not contain any additional fillers, binders, additives, sugar, or artificial ingredients. It is free of yeast, gluten, and allergens. It is also backed by a 100% money-back guarantee for increased customer satisfaction.
The Pros:
- Double potency with organic ashwagandha root powder and extracts
- Additional black pepper extract to boost absorption
- Non-GMO and free from fillers, binders, and preservatives
- 100% money-back guarantee
Summary: NaturalLife Labs Ashwagandha 2100 mg is a concentrated extract with a combination of ashwagandha root powder and root extracts. Packed in vegan capsules, this high-potency supplement boosts physical and mental health naturally.
Dosage for Ashwagandha Supplements
Ashwagandha is a natural herb available easily as an effective supplement. The dosage of ashwagandha depends on an individual’s requirement or medical condition.
Supplementation of ashwagandha root or leaf extract seems to be more potent than powdered versions, especially when it is standardized with good withanolide content.
Generally advised to be consumed with food for better absorption and to experience natural health benefits, ashwagandha supplements are possibly considered safe for up to 3 months.
Ashwagandha has been used to relieve stress, treat anxiety, and promote brain functions effectively. Studies show that supplementation of around 300 mg can help lower stress parameters (4).
Another study showed that taking around 400 to 500 mg of ashwagandha per day improves cognitive and psychomotor performance (5).
An 8-week study on patients with subclinical hypothyroidism suggested that 600 mg of ashwagandha helped normalize thyroid indices significantly. Another study showed that 600 mg supplementation enhanced mental alertness and sleep quality in elderly people (6), (7).
Ashwagandha has also been seen as effective in alleviating sexual problems and treatment of infertility in both men and women. The dosage varied according to the sexes and the varied nature of their problems.
Summary: Dosage of ashwagandha supplements can vary according to an individual’s requirement or medical condition. Dosage can also vary based on supplements using powders or extract and hence may be beneficial if recommended by a doctor.
Risks and Side Effects of Ashwagandha Supplements
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in supplemental form. Though natural, it can cause certain side effects in some people.
Stomach related issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion issues may occur during the initial usage of ashwagandha supplements.
Ashwagandha has been known to have certain effects on the thyroid hormone. So individuals taking medication or on treatment for such hormonal issues should consult a practitioner before using ashwagandha to avoid imbalances (8).
Animal studies indicate that extracts of ashwagandha root and leaf may regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels. So, diabetics or individuals on cholesterol medication may need to exercise caution and adjust ashwagandha doses accordingly (9).
Research on ashwagandha’s effects on pregnant, nursing women, and children is not established. Hence, ashwagandha supplements are not advised for such people.
Individuals with other medical conditions such as autoimmune disease, lupus, taking antidepressants, or sleep medications should consult a doctor before using these supplements.
Overdosing on ashwagandha can create complications too. If you consider using one, starting with a small dose and increasing it gradually can help minimize the risk of any side effects.
Summary: Ashwagandha is generally considered safe and suitable for most people. Side effects are occasional and usually mild. People with medical conditions, taking prescribed medications should check suitability with a doctor to avoid adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should ashwagandha be taken?
Traditionally ashwagandha used to be taken with ghee, honey, and warm milk. Now, ashwagandha is easily available in the form of capsules or powder supplements. It is recommended to take these supplements with food for quick absorption and better health benefits.
While capsules can be swallowed with a glass of water, powder supplements can be taken with water, milk, and smoothies to mask the strong woody taste of the herb.
Is ashwagandha suitable for women?
Absolutely! Ashwagandha can be taken by both men and women. Various studies that included participants as men and women have shown that ashwagandha can be effective in women too.
Women undergoing intensive stress, having thyroid issues, sexual problems, displaying depressive symptoms, etc. can benefit from using an ashwagandha supplement.
How do I choose the ideal ashwagandha supplement?
Many ashwagandha supplements are available in the market today with different manufacturing processes and potencies. Plus the lack of FDA regulations makes the quality of a product questionable.
Listed below are some guidelines one can follow to choose a good quality supplement that will truly benefit health.
- Organic: The ashwagandha used should be UDFA or USDA certified organic. Organically grown ashwagandha has no chemicals or contaminants that may have leached into the roots through the soil and hence safe for use.
- Potency: Ashwagandha supplements that adhere to clinically approved strength and doses work better and minimize side effects.
- Other ingredients: Black pepper in ashwagandha supplements is approved as they increase bioavailability and absorption. Also, ensuring the supplement is free from GMOs, fillers, artificial ingredients, and allergens can naturally benefit health.
- Supplement form: Capsules or powdered supplements, both work well. While capsules are convenient, check if they are plant-based, if you are a vegan. Powdered supplements may be a better choice if you are planning to mix it into foods for consumption.
- Cost-effective; Good brands offer quality, quantity, and the right price for their products. A brand that has the right accreditations and provides a good quantity for the price you pay has nothing to hide and can be cost-effective.
The Final Note
Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogenic herb used in traditional Ayurveda to treat various medical conditions. Research also affirms that ashwagandha can be effective in relieving stress, anxiety, boost cognitive functions, help with thyroid-related issues, and boost immunity.
Ashwagandha supplements are available prescription-free in the forms of pills and powders. While the roots, leaves, and berries have all been used in supplements, standardized root extracts have been favored for their potency and proven efficiency.
Dosage of ashwagandha can vary in individuals and may be more suitable when recommended by a health practitioner. With many amazing health benefits and few side effects, ashwagandha supplements can be an effective dietary addition to support a stress-free mind and strong mental health.