Contents
- What Are Ashwagandha Supplements?
- 7 Best Ashwagandha Supplement
- How Does Ashwagandha Supplement Work?
- How To Choose The Best Ashwagandha Supplements?
- Are Ashwagandha Supplements Safe?
- Potential Side Effects Of Ashwagandha Supplements
- Who Shouldn’t Take Ashwagandha Supplements?
- Benefits Of Ashwagandha Supplements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Ashwagandha could help your body manage stress, improve energy, and support overall health. It could help reduce your anxiety, improve sleep, boost immunity, and even enhance focus and endurance.
Ashwagandha supplements may provide you with a consistent dose of active compounds like withanolides, ensuring optimal benefits, while raw ashwagandha can vary in strength, making it hard to know how much you’re actually getting.
While ashwagandha offers many benefits, its results may vary. You could experience mild side effects, such as an upset stomach, drowsiness, or potential interactions with certain medications.
This article discusses the 7 best ashwagandha supplements available, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and if they could be a suitable addition to your daily routine. We’ll also share tips on how to choose the right ashwagandha supplement, along with its possible drawbacks.
What Are Ashwagandha Supplements?
Ashwagandha supplements are made from the roots and sometimes the leaves of Withania somnifera. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha could help your body manage stress by balancing hormones like cortisol through its interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Ashwagandha’s active compounds, called withanolides, are believed to support relaxation by working with neurotransmitters like GABA, boost your energy by improving mitochondrial function, and protect your cells with antioxidant properties.
7 Best Ashwagandha Supplement
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Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha Extract
According to the official website, Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha Extract contains 5% bioactive withanolides. Each capsule claims to give you 600 mg of KSM-66®.
The makers state that Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha extract may help reduce stress and anxiety, lower inflammation, and fight oxidative stress. It could also improve your mood, boost mental performance, and support your metabolism. This extract is standardized to include 5% withanolides, which are active compounds that could provide several health benefits.
Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha extract might help lower stress and anxiety, reduce inflammation, improve mood, and support mental clarity. It may also help with metabolic, immune, and endocrine health and could promote healthy blood sugar levels.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Contains 600 mg of KSM-66® per capsule, a clinically studied and highly potent ashwagandha extract.
- Standardized to 5% bioactive withanolides for consistent effectiveness.
- It may help reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation.
- Supports mood, mental performance, and cognitive function.
- It may support your sexual health.
- Third-party tested for quality and authenticity.
- Free from artificial sweeteners and coloring.
Cons
- It may be more expensive compared to other ashwagandha supplements.
- It comes in capsule form, which may not be suitable for you if you find it difficult to swallow capsules.
- It may cause minor adverse effects like drowsiness or stomach upset.
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Nootropics Depot Shoden Ashwagandha
As per the official website, Nootropics Depot Shoden Ashwagandha is made from the leaves and roots of the Ashwagandha plant. It is said to contain 35% Withanolide Glycosides, measured by HPLC, potentially ensuring its efficiency.
The official website highlights that Nootropics Depot Shoden Ashwagandha is also non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free. It is claimed to be vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and available in 30ct. or 90ct. bottles.
Nootropics Depot Shoden Ashwagandha claims to help you manage stress and bring balance to the body. It may help improve your sports performance, sleep quality, stress management, and boost your brain power.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Contains 35% Withanolide Glycosides, ensuring high potency and effectiveness.
- High bioavailability so that you may experience benefits even at lower doses.
- Supports stress management and promotes overall balance and normalization.
- It may improve sports performance by helping your body adapt to physical stress.
- It could enhance sleep quality for better rest and recovery.
Cons
- Its high potency might be too much if you’re new to ashwagandha supplements.
- It might be harder for you to find in some areas due to limited availability.
- It could interact with certain medications.
- You may find the capsule form less convenient if you prefer powders or liquids.
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Physician’s Choice KSM-66 Ashwagandha
Physician’s Choice KSM-66 Ashwagandha claims to provide 1,000 mg of ashwagandha root powder extract in each serving, along with black pepper, to help your body absorb it better.
The makers state that Physician’s Choice KSM-66 Ashwagandha contains 5% withanolides, which may give you consistent and reliable results.
According to the official website, Physician’s Choice KSM-66 Ashwagandha may help you relax and reduce stress. It may also help improve your mood and support your overall health.
As per the official website, Physician’s Choice KSM-66 Ashwagandha could support you in feeling more energized throughout your day by boosting your energy and helping you in muscle recovery.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 5% withanolides in each dose ensures you get a potent yet balanced amount.
- The addition of black pepper extract may boost the bioavailability of other active compounds.
- Made from high-quality, natural ingredients that are free from artificial additives or fillers.
- It may help decrease stress and promote relaxation, helping you manage everyday pressures.
Cons
- You may experience allergic reactions as it contains black pepper.
- Since it’s in capsule form, it might not be suitable if you prefer to adjust your dosage or mix it with other ingredients.
- You may find it more costly than other ashwagandha products in the market.
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Goli Ashwagandha Gummies
According to the official website, Goli Ashwagandha Gummies are made with KSM-66® Ashwagandha, which your body can absorb easily, and Vitamin D. These gummies may help you relax, feel restored, and unwind after a hectic day.
Goli Ashwagandha Gummies may help you feel less stressed and more relaxed. They might also improve your sleep quality, helping you get a better rest at night.
The makers state that Goli Ashwagandha Gummies might support your physical performance and give you a boost in your athletic activities. They could also help you stay focused by supporting your memory and concentration.
Goli Ashwagandha Gummies are said to contain Vitamin D, which may support your immune health, helping your body fight against infections and diseases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Goli Ashwagandha Gummies may help you feel more relaxed and reduce stress.
- These gummies could make it easier to get a restful and uninterrupted night’s sleep.
- Each gummy combines a decent dose of vitamin D, which may complement the stress-relieving benefits of Ashwagandha.
- These gummies are said to be free from allergens like yeast, wheat, milk, eggs, soy, and peanuts.
Cons
- These gummies may require consistent use to provide any significant health benefit.
- These gummies have 2 grams of sugar in every serving, which might be a concern if you’re watching your sugar intake.
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Zenwell By Live Conscious
Zenwell by Live Conscious claims to help reduce stress, improve your mood, and support your brain health. It includes organic KSM-66 Ashwagandha with L-Theanine and AlphaWave that may help promote your overall health.
As per the official website, Zenwell may help you feel more balanced and energized throughout the day. It may also make it easier for you to handle daily challenges and stay relaxed.
The makers state that l-theanine and alpha wave in Zenwell by Live Conscious might improve your mental clarity and focus, which could help you stay sharp and calm. It may also help improve your sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It may improve your ability to manage day-to-day stress, making challenges feel more manageable.
- It could enhance focus and mental acuity, providing more clarity in everyday tasks.
- Supports energy without causing crashes or jitters, offering steady, balanced stamina.
- Offers a natural way to support relaxation without relying on sedatives or medications.
Cons
- The combination of ingredients may not be suitable for you if you’re sensitive to amino acids like L-theanine.
- It may not work as quickly for you as results might take longer to appear.
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Bold Botanica Ashwagandha Plus
According to the official website, Bold Botanica Ashwagandha Plus may help you manage stress, improve your mood, boost memory, and increase energy. Each Bold Botanica Ashwagandha Plus capsule is said to combine potent Ashwagandha extracts, along with Amla and Holy Basil, to support your overall health.
The makers state that Bold Botanica Ashwagandha Plus might help reduce your stress and anxiety while boosting energy and focus. Amla in Bold Botanica Ashwagandha Plus could help strengthen your immune function and promote healthy skin.
As per the official website, Bold Botanica Ashwagandha Plus has holy basil that may help manage stress and support mental clarity. With 10mg of withanolides per capsule, Bold Botanica Ashwagandha Plus is said to be non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s also claimed to be third-party tested for quality and effectiveness.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Combines root and leaf extracts for a full spectrum ashwagandha extract.
- Includes Amla and Holy Basil, which may support immune health, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity.
- Provides a clinically standardized 10mg of withanolides per capsule for effective dosing.
- Third-party tested for quality and consistency, ensuring reliable results.
- It may help with energy and focus while reducing stress and anxiety naturally.
Cons
- You could experience mild drowsiness after taking Bold Botanica Ashwagandha Plus.
- It may interact with thyroid, blood pressure, or immunosuppressant medications.
- You may not get your desired results even after staying consistent with your dosage.
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Youtheory Ashwagandha Liquid
According to the official website, Youtheory Ashwagandha Liquid is formulated to help you manage stress and feel more relaxed. It is said to be vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.
The makers state that Youtheory Ashwagandha Liquid contains organic KSM-66 Ashwagandha, which is the most concentrated Ashwagandha root extract available, with over 5% active withanolides. This might help your body manage both your physical and mental stress better.
As per its official site, Youtheory Ashwagandha Liquid comes in a blueberry flavor, making it easier to combine in your daily routine without requiring additional preparation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha, which is the highest concentration of Ashwagandha root extract available.
- It comes in a pleasant blueberry flavor, making it enjoyable to consume.
- It is said to be vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions.
- It may help diminish stress and promote overall relaxation.
- It can help with emotional balance and better stress response.
Cons
- It’s not suitable for you if you prefer capsules or tablets instead of liquid supplements.
- Its liquid form might not be as easy to carry or take during your busy days.
- The effectiveness could vary.
- Measuring the right amount of liquid could be a bit trickier compared to taking a pre-measured capsule.
How Does Ashwagandha Supplement Work?
Ashwagandha contains withanolides that could help regulate your body’s response to stress. Thus, ashwagandha supplements may help lower your cortisol levels, the hormone released during stressful situations, which can result in reduced anxiety and an improvement in mood. This may help you feel more relaxed and enhance your emotional balance by decreasing cortisol.
Ashwagandha supplements are said to boost your energy and stamina by enhancing mitochondrial function, which might support your physical endurance and help combat fatigue.
The neuroprotective properties of ashwagandha may also help improve your cognitive function. It could support mental clarity and focus by protecting your brain from oxidative stress, making it easier for you to tackle daily challenges.
However, if you have thyroid issues or take medications for thyroid conditions, ashwagandha supplements may interfere with your thyroid hormone levels, so it’s essential to consult a doctor before using them. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid ashwagandha supplements.
How To Choose The Best Ashwagandha Supplements?
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Safety
When choosing the best ashwagandha supplements, you should focus on safety by checking if the supplement undergoes independent testing. For example, Nootropics Depot Shoden Ashwagandha is said to be tested by multiple ISO-accredited labs. This ensures the formula is pure, potent, and free from harmful contaminants. As per the official website, Transparent Labs also tests each batch of KSM-66® Ashwagandha Extract has undergone third-party labs to guarantee its safety and quality.
Look for clear, transparent ingredient labels. For instance, Nootropics Depot and Transparent Labs provide full transparency about what’s in their products, including that their Ashwagandha is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free. This could make their supplements more accessible to you if you have specific dietary needs and sensitivities.
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Cost
When you’re choosing the best ashwagandha supplement based on cost, it will be helpful to compare the value each product offers.
Nootropics Depot Shoden Ashwagandha claims to contain 35% withanolide glycosides and is priced at $19.99 for 30 capsules. While it provides a potent extract, you may need to take more capsules to complete a month’s supply.
On the other hand, Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha Extract offers 60 capsules for the same price of $19.99. It is also said to offer a subscribe-and-save option, giving you 10% off and free shipping, making it a more affordable option over time.
This indicates that Transparent Labs could give you more capsules for the same price by comparing these two, with added savings if you choose the subscription.
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Effectiveness
If you’re looking for an effective ashwagandha supplement, it’s important to consider how the supplement works and what it can do for you. Goli Ashwagandha Gummies claims to combine KSM-66® Ashwagandha and Vitamin D. These gummies may help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your sleep. They may also support physical performance, while the Vitamin D in these gummies may help strengthen your immune system.
As per the official website, Physician’s Choice KSM-66 Ashwagandha may give you a higher dose of 1,000 mg of ashwagandha root powder in each serving, with black pepper to help your body absorb it better.
These ashwagandh supplements claim to offer different health benefits. If you want something easy and tasty that may help with stress and sleep, Goli Gummies could be suitable for you. However, if you’re looking for a stronger dose and better absorption, Physician’s Choice might be the better option.
Are Ashwagandha Supplements Safe?
Ashwagandha supplements are generally safe when consumed as suggested. It is said to work by addressing your stress, nervous, and immune systems.
It may help lower cortisol, the stress hormone, but if your cortisol levels are already low or you’re taking medication that affects cortisol, it could cause an imbalance.
If you have thyroid problems, ashwagandha may also interact with your thyroid hormones, so it’s crucial to consult a medical expert before using ashwagandha supplements.
Taking ashwagandha supplements at the right dose is safe and can help with stress, energy, and immune health.
However, you should start with a low dose and see how your body reacts. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s better to avoid ashwagandha, as its safety during pregnancy hasn’t been fully studied.
Potential Side Effects Of Ashwagandha Supplements
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Upset Stomach
You might experience digestive issues like nausea, bloating, or diarrhea when taking ashwagandha supplements. This usually happens because your body is adjusting to the active compounds in the herb, especially if you’re taking a higher dose. Ashwagandha can sometimes irritate your stomach lining, particularly if you have a sensitive stomach.
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Drowsiness
Since ashwagandha has calming and stress-reducing properties, it could make you feel drowsy or sedated. This happens because the herb is said to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation, which might cause you to feel overly tired or sleepy. If this happens, you may want to take ashwagandha in the evening or right before bed to avoid daytime fatigue.
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Headache
You could experience headaches after taking ashwagandha supplements. This could be due to the herb’s effect on cortisol and other stress hormones, which might trigger changes in your body that result in headaches. The fluctuations in blood flow or blood pressure from taking the supplement may also contribute to this side effect.
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Dizziness
You may feel dizzy, particularly when your body is adjusting to the ashwagandha supplement. This dizziness can happen because ashwagandha has a calming effect, which may lower your blood pressure. When your blood pressure drops, you might experience lightheadedness, especially when you change your positions suddenly. The dizziness might be more noticeable if you take the supplement on an empty stomach, as your body can be more sensitive to changes in blood pressure without food.
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Hormonal Imbalances
Ashwagandha supplements could influence your hormone levels, particularly cortisol, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones, which may lead to hormonal imbalances. You might encounter changes in your menstrual cycle, mood swings, or fluctuations in libido.
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Allergic Reactions
Though rare, you could have an allergic reaction to ashwagandha supplements. This can happen if your immune system reacts negatively to the compounds in the supplement. Signs of an allergic reaction might include skin rashes, itching, or swelling, particularly around your face, mouth, or throat. In some cases, difficulty breathing may occur, which can be a more serious sign of an allergic response.
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Changes In Appetite
Ashwagandha supplements can also affect your appetite. You might find yourself feeling hungrier, or you could experience a decrease in appetite. This could happen because ashwagandha affects your stress levels and cortisol production, both of which influence hunger signals. If this occurs, you may notice changes in your weight, either gaining or losing, depending on how your body responds to the supplement.
Who Shouldn’t Take Ashwagandha Supplements?
You should avoid ashwagandha supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have thyroid problems and take thyroid medication, ashwagandha might affect your thyroid hormones, so you should discuss it with a healthcare provider before using it.
Ashwagandha supplements may interfere with medications for anxiety, depression, or high blood pressure, ashwagandha. If you have low blood pressure, be careful, as ashwagandha might severely decrease your blood pressure levels.
If you have autoimmune diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis, ashwagandha supplements could make your condition worse by affecting your immune system.
Thus, you should consult with your doctor before using the ashwagandha supplement, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.
Benefits Of Ashwagandha Supplements
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It Could Help Reduce Stress And Anxiety
Ashwagandha supplements may help lower your stress and anxiety which could help you feel more calm and relaxed. They may help in balancing cortisol, especially in stressful situations. If you often feel overwhelmed or anxious, taking ashwagandha supplements might help you manage your stress better, leading to a more peaceful and focused state of mind. You might notice a more balanced mood and better emotional resilience, helping you handle day-to-day challenges with more significant ease.
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It May Support The Immune System Function
Ashwagandha supplements may help strengthen your immune system by enhancing the white blood cell activity, which may help fight off infections. It could also increase the production of proteins that help protect your body. With a stronger immune system, you might find it easier to remain healthy and avoid getting sick. Taking ashwagandha supplements could result in fewer colds or illnesses and help you recover more quickly if you do get sick.
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It Might Help Improve Your Energy And Stamina
Ashwagandha supplements may help boost your energy by improving how your cells make energy, especially by increasing ATP, the energy your body uses. It could help your cells work better, making your body more efficient at turning food into energy. Consuming ashwagandha supplements daily could help you feel less tired and more energetic. This could make it easier to stay focused, stay active, and keep going through your day.
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It Might Support Healthy Thyroid Function
Ashwagandha supplements could support your thyroid by helping regulate thyroid hormones, which are responsible for controlling your metabolism, energy, and mood. It may help improve the balance of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, potentially supporting healthy thyroid function. If you struggle with low energy, weight gain, or other thyroid-related symptoms, ashwagandha supplements could help manage these issues by supporting better thyroid health. It may help balance your energy levels, improve metabolism, and enhance your overall mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take Ashwagandha supplements With Other Medications?
It might be okay to take ashwagandha supplements with other medications, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious. Ashwagandha could interact with certain medications, like those for thyroid issues, blood pressure, or anxiety. It might also have a calming effect, so combining it with other sedative medications could increase drowsiness. - How Long Does It Take To Feel Ashwagandha Effects?
The effects of ashwagandha can vary. Some people may notice benefits within a few days, while for others, it could take 4 to 8 weeks. Regular use is key, and with consistent daily intake, you might start feeling the effects in 1-2 weeks, though it may take longer for some. - Can ashwagandha supplements help with sleep problems?
Ashwagandha supplements may help improve your sleep quality by decreasing stress and anxiety, which can be a cause of sleep disturbances. Their calming properties may help you relax, leading to more restful sleep. However, it’s not a sleep aid, and its effectiveness can vary.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha supplements may help reduce your stress and anxiety, boost energy and stamina, and improve focus and mental clarity. It could also support a healthy immune system, balance cortisol levels, and may help with thyroid function. Ashwagandha supplements are generally safe for adults above the age of 18 years. However, it’s essential to follow the recommended doses and consult your doctor before using them, particularly if you have any health issues. While ashwagandha supplements are mostly tolerable, you may experience effects like stomach upset or drowsiness.
We have shared the 7 best ashwagandha supplements with natural ingredients. They may manage stress or boost your overall wellness and could be a suitable addition to your routine. However, make sure to use them safely and according to your health needs.
- The information in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
- It is not recommended to disregard/delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of what you read or accessed through this guide.
- The results may vary from individual to individual.
- Consult your doctor for any underlying medical conditions or if you are on any prescribed medicines before trying any product.
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2005 and is currently practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center.
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