Ashwagandha supplements are derived from Withania somnifera, which has many proven health benefits when consumed. It contains Withaferin A, Withanone, sitoindosides, phenolics, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and withanolides. Because of the herb’s complex composition, many scientific studies that show positive effects on humans do not attribute them to particular herb components. Instead, they credit the results to ashwagandha as a whole.
The top ashwagandha supplement producers are Wise Woman Herbals, Herb Pharm, Gaia Herbs, Protocol for Life, Ayush Herbs, and Organic India. Ashwagandha supplements are typically used to help increase energy levels, relieve stress, and support the immune system. According to Narendrha Singh et al, ashwagandha possesses antioxidant properties that can help protect the body against free radical-induced cell damage. It can also enhance cell-mediated immunity or the body’s immune response to antigens through the release of T-lymphocytes and phagocytes, among others.
The price range for ashwagandha supplements varies. On Premier Formulas’ website, they range from $5.99 to $57, depending on the type. The $5.99 varieties, for instance, are sold by Organic India in the form of teabags. Meanwhile, the $57 supplements are sold by Wise Woman Herbals in liquid tincture form.
Below are the best ashwagandha supplements and their uses:
1. Euromedica Ashwagandha Complex 60 Caps (The Best for Adaptogen)
Euromedica takes pride in what it says is a long history of adherence to quality. Its founder and president, Terry Lemerond, has over 45 years of experience in the supplement industry. Euromedica assures users that it follows the Food and Drug Administration’s current Good Manufacturing Practices in creating its products and utilizes only quality ingredients that have been clinically tested. All raw materials are also subjected to a strict assessment to ensure they are free of contaminants before extraction. Its compliance to the highest standards, Euromedica states, is not confined to its treatment of raw ingredients. It also adheres to the same quality in product labeling, storage, and shipping stages.
Euromedica states that its Ashwagandha Complex contains a potent adaptogen formula that relieves stress and helps the body maintain homeostasis, the state by which all internal processes are balanced and stable. Apart from ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), the supplement contains Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea), which has been found to reduce fatigue and enhance concentration and mental clarity in clinical studies. In addition to relieving stress, Euromedica notes that the product can promote a healthy adrenal response, maximize energy, improve focus and physical performance, and promote muscle strength. It can also be used to maintain healthy cortisol levels and as sleep support.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/euromedica/adaptra-60-capsules
Nutritional value: One ashwagandha capsule contains ashwagandha root extract, particularly KSM-66, containing ≥ 5% withanolides. The capsule also contains Rhodiola root extract, particularly EPR-7™, which has been standardized to contain ≥ 3% rosavin and ≥ 1% salidroside.
Price range: From $37.19 to $37.95
Producer: Euromedica
Its form: Capsule
Is it vegan? No.
Is it for energy? Yes. Also, the salidroside in Rhodiola has been found to boost the immune system by enhancing cell-mediated and humorous responses mediated by antibody molecules found in body fluids.
What are its ingredients? The supplement contains microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (vegetable cellulose capsules), coconut oil powder, and silica. Euromedica says it may also have trace amounts of milk (<35 parts per million) since ashwagandha roots are soaked in milk in accordance with Ayurvedic practice.
The supplement does not contain salt, sugar, corn, wheat, yeast, gluten, soy or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives.
What is the serving size? One capsule
When to use it? Euromedica recommends taking the supplement on an empty stomach daily for optimal results.
How to use it? Take one to as many as three capsules daily, as a healthcare professional recommends. A professional should be consulted before treatment if the user is pregnant or nursing.
2. Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha 500 Mg 120 Vegcaps (Best for Reducing Stress)
Pure Encapsulations products are researched, developed, and manufactured in their state-of-the-art FDA-inspected plant in Sudbury, Massachusetts. The company adheres to rigorous cGMP manufacturing standards and invites clients to tour the facility without prior notification. According to Pure Encapsulations, its products are made from high-quality ingredients sourced from trustworthy suppliers in Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, and the U.S. It states that its raw materials undergo rigorous testing to determine if they have been identified correctly or contain contaminants and pesticides. Pure Encapsulations relies on third-party laboratories for the testing and states that its products do not contain unnecessary additives or allergens.
According to Pure Encapsulations, its ashwagandha supplement can be used to counteract the effects of physical and mental stress. It can also support cognitive function, including memory, and ensure cardiovascular, immune system, and joint health. Pure Encapsulations notes the herb, in particular, has been used to promote overall health and longevity for over 4,000 years.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/pure-encapsulations/ashwagandha-120-capsules
Nutritional value: One vegetable capsule includes 500 mg ashwagandha root extract standardized to contain 2.5% withanolides.
Price range: From $22.30 to $23.40
Producer: Pure Encapsulations
Its form: Vegetable capsule
Is it vegan? Yes. Pure Encapsulations states the supplement is made with high-quality vegan ingredients that are backed by science.
Is it for energy? Yes.
What are its ingredients? The supplement contains hypoallergenic plant fiber (cellulose) and water.
What is the serving size? One vegetarian capsule.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take one capsule per day, with or between meals, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Pregnant or lactating women should not take the supplement.
3. Protocol For Life Balance Ashwagandha Extract 450 Mg 90 Vegcaps (Best for Anxiety)
Protocol For Life Balance takes pride in the quality of its supplements, which are produced in its 263,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility. The company states the facility is compliant with the Good Manufacturing Practice regulations of the Natural Products Association and with the FDA’s cGMP. Quality Assurance International has also certified the facility for organic manufacturing.
According to Protocol for Life Balance, all its products undergo one of the industry’s most rigorous and comprehensive testing processes. Each ingredient is tested for purity, composition, identity, and potency with the company’s state-of-the-art instruments by professionals in the natural science and nutrition fields. They are combined to create formulations backed by clinical studies and at dosages that have been proven effective in scientific tests. Even after the products are finished, they are tested again in-house. Protocol for Life states it is one of the few supplement manufacturers that does this. Many manufacturers, it says, don’t do testing in-house because of the investment required.
Protocol for Life Balance says its ashwagandha extract may be used for immune support. It notes the herb itself is used as a general tonic in Ayurvedic medicine because of its adaptogenic properties. According to the supplement manufacturer, the withanolides in ashwagandha are believed to be the herb’s most bioactive compounds. It notes that based on laboratory data, withanolides play a role in the central nervous system and help reduce oxidative damage. The herb has also been used to relieve anxiety and depression.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/protocol-for-life-balance-ashwagandha-extract-450mg-90-veg-capsules
Nutritional value: One vegetarian capsule contains 450 mg ashwagandha root extract, with a minimum 2.5% total withanolides at 11 mg.
Price range: From $17 to $36.94
Producer: Protocol for Life Balance
Its form: Vegetable capsule
Is it vegan? Yes.
Is it for energy? Yes. Protocol for Life Balance states withanolides play a role in the nuclear factor‐kappaB system, which also regulates immunity.
What are its ingredients? The supplement contains hypromellose (cellulose capsule), rice flour, and magnesium stearate (vegetable source).
What is the serving size? One vegetable capsule.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take one to three capsules daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.
4. Ayush Herbs Ashwagandha 120 Vegcaps (Best for Lowering Blood Sugar)
Founded by naturopathic physicians, Ayush Herbs manufactures products derived from herbs believed to yield health benefits in Ayurvedic medicine. The company, established in 1988, states each formulation is based on what is used in Ayurvedic tradition and is also backed by scientific research. The ingredients in each product are grown naturally free of chemicals in the company’s farms in the Himachal Pradesh region in India. Its production is overseen by medical professionals in the company’s state-of-the-art plant. Here, the herbs also undergo quality control testing using advanced technology.
According to Ayush Herbs, the extracts retrieved from the herbs that pass this rigorous quality testing are again subjected to further examination to ensure they are free of heavy metals. The final formulations are then re-tested by third parties to ensure the finished products are high in quality. Ayush Herbs guarantees that its products are potent and guaranteed to deliver results.
Ayush Herbs states its ashwagandha supplement is unique because it is derived using a one-of-a-kind extraction process that allows for the potent elements of the herb to be preserved. The company particularly notes the herb’s withanolides, which can ensure mental and physical health. According to Ayush Herbs, ashwagandha can be used to enhance the immune system, improve cognitive function, and provide healthy lipid and glucose levels. In Ayurveda, it notes ashwagandha is also used to maintain tissue health and enhance sexual function.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/ayush-herbs/ashwagandha-120-vegcaps
Nutritional value: One vegetarian capsule contains 500 mg ashwagandha root, with 25 mg withanolides.
Price: $37.50
Producer: Ayush Herbs
Its form: Vegetarian capsule
Is it vegan? Yes
Is it for energy? Yes.
What are its ingredients? Apart from ashwagandha root extract, the supplement contains titanium dioxide, hypromellose, caramel color components of the vegetable capsule, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The supplement is free of milk, egg, soy, and wheat.
What is the serving size? One vegetarian capsule.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take one capsule per day or as advised by a healthcare professional.
5. Organic India Ashwagandha 90 Vegcaps (Best for Reducing Symptoms of Depression)
Organic India guarantees that its True Wellness products are of the highest quality and maintain their potency. The company says this is because of its advanced dehydration technologies preventing phytochemical breakdown and superior processing methods. The herbs are ground into coarse particles before they are enclosed in vegetarian capsules, free of solvents and alcohol.
The company says its ingredients are grown in organic farmland in India, cultivated by Indian farmers who are experts in organic agricultural practices. It pays the farmers a premium market price for the herbs and the fees for the ingredients to be certified organic in India. At present, Organic India states that its products also carry United States Food and Drug Administration organic certification, which means they are compliant with the FDA’s stringent specifications for organic products.
According to the company, its ashwagandha supplement, which is gluten-free, is halal and non-GMO project-certified Their ashwagandha product is an adaptogen that enables the body to adapt to different types of stress, whether emotional, environmental, or physical, and promotes “restful sleep,” the state of sleep in which the body is at its most still. It states the herb also supports vitality and endurance.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/organic-india/ashwaghanda-90-vegcaps
Nutritional value: One serving size contains 800 mg organic ashwagandha root.
Price: $25.49
Producer: Organic India
Its form: Vegetarian capsule
Is it vegan? Yes.
Is it for energy? Yes.
What are its ingredients? Apart from organic ashwagandha root, the supplement contains vegetable pullulan capsules and certified organic ingredients.
What is the serving size? Two vegetarian capsules.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take two capsules two times daily with food and water. If pregnant or nursing, a physician must be consulted prior to consumption.
6. Jarrow Formulas Ashwagandha 120 Vegcaps
Founded in 1977, Jarrow Formulas guarantees rigorous testing before its products are released on the market. The company says it invests time in selecting raw ingredient suppliers to ensure only the best are used to create its products. Specialists analyze the components in the company’s state-of-the-art facility, a 125,000-sq-ft building located in Santa Fe, California. They use high-performance thin-layer chromatography to check for the possible presence of heavy metals and look at the physical and chemical composition of the herbs for quality assurance. According to Jarrow Formulas, its products are based on formulations backed by scientific research. The final products are tested to ensure compliance with cGMP and organic certification.
Jarrow Formulas says its ashwagandha supplement is a full-spectrum extract from the herb’s root, which is used to ensure overall health in Ayurveda. The company also notes that ashwagandha has been found to help alleviate physical and mental stress and improve muscle and cognitive function. The supplement also supports resistance to occasional fatigue.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/jarrow-formulas-ashwagandha-120-vcaps
Nutritional value: One serving contains 300 mg Ashwagandha root extract.
Price range: From $14.97 to $24.95
Producer: Jarrow Formulas
Its form: Vegetarian capsules
Is it vegan? Yes.
Is it for energy? Yes.
What are its ingredients? Apart from ashwagandha root extract, the supplement includes cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, water for the vegetarian capsule, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate (vegetable source).
What is the serving? One vegetarian capsule.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take one vegetarian capsule to two capsules per day or as directed by a healthcare professional. If you are trying to conceive, pregnant, lactating, under 18, or with a medical condition, prior consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
7. Herb Pharm Ashwagandha Extract 4 Oz
Herb Pharm grows more than 65 herbs on its farm in Southern Oregon, where it sources the raw ingredients for its products. The herbs that cannot be grown in those environmental conditions, such as maca, which only grows in South America, are sourced from other farmers. According to Herb Pharm, each herb undergoes a rigorous risk assessment to avoid contamination. If the herb passes the test, only the relevant plant part is extracted to ensure a higher concentration of phytochemicals, the chemicals produced by plants that are believed to yield health benefits. Herb Pharm says it doesn’t just follow stringent guidelines in creating its products. It also follows the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP) and subjects its facilities to third-party audits.
Herb Pharm states that its ashwagandha extract is derived from the root of the herb that is harvested when ready and then shade-dried. The company says this process ensures that the aroma and color of ashwagandha are retained. Once harvested, it is identified via organoleptic and macroscopic analysis. Its identity is again confirmed with the use of high-performance thin-layer chromatography. According to Herb Pharm, the extract is obtained using certified organic cane alcohol, thereby ensuring the balance of phytochemicals in the final product as it is found in the plant. Herb Pharm says ashwagandha, in general, is used to promote a healthy stress response and as vitality and energy support.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/herb-pharm/ashwagandha-4-oz
Nutritional value: One serving size contains 626 mg Ashwagandha root extract at an extraction rate of 175 mg per herb per 0.7 mL.
Price: $46
Producer: Herb Pharm
Its form: Liquid extract
Is it vegan? Yes.
Is it for energy? Yes.
What are its ingredients? Apart from ashwagandha root extract, the supplement contains 61% to 71% certified organic cane alcohol and distilled water.
What is the serving size? 0.7 mL
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Shake well before using. Then add one full squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz juice or water twice or thrice daily. Herb Pharm states that the liquid extract is best taken between meals. Those who are pregnant should consult with a healthcare professional prior to consumption. The bottle should be kept out of reach of children and stored away from light or heat.
8. Nature’s Way Ashwagandha 60 Vegcaps
Nature’s Way was the first company to achieve Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification from the National Sanitation Foundation and still leads the market today. It takes pride in its rigorous processes that ensure the quality of its products. According to Nature’s Way, its ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers worldwide, many of whom have decades of experience in farming. These herbs are harvested following sustainable practices, the manufacturer states. According to Nature’s Way, once the ingredients are collected, they undergo rigorous testing in the company’s state-of-the-art lab. It adds that many of its products are TRU-ID-certified, which means what consumers find in the product label is exactly what’s inside the bottle.
Nature’s Way ashwagandha supplements are created from the herb’s root and enclosed in bottles made from 97% post-consumer recycled content. The producers say the herb has been used as early as 3,000 years ago and is an Ayurvedic herbal medicine native to the Middle East, India, and Africa that can help the body adapt to stress.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/natures-way/ashwagandha-60-vegcaps
Nutritional value: One serving size contains 500 mg ashwagandha root extract, standardized to 4% withanolides or 20 mg.
Price: $20.99
Producer: Nature’s Way
Its form: Vegetarian Capsule
Is it vegan? Yes.
Is it for energy? Yes.
What are its ingredients? Apart from ashwagandha root extract, the supplement contains hypromellose or plant-derived capsule, cellulose, and magnesium stearate. It does not contain yeast, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or wheat.
What is the serving size? One vegetarian capsule.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take one vegetarian capsule two to three times daily, preferably with food or water. If nursing, pregnant, with diabetes, or taking medications, prior consultation with a healthcare professional is advised. The supplement should be kept out of reach of children.
9. Garden Of Life Ashwagandha Stress & Mood Organic 60 Tabs (Best for Reducing Cortisol Level)
Garden of Life states that the process it follows to produce its supplements is different from the processes followed by most supplement manufacturing companies. For example, in determining what products to create, the producer says it first looks at the components of high-quality food that aren’t generally found in diets. Garden of Life calls this the science of whole food.
The company also takes pride in the traceability of each ingredient used in its products. Garden of Life states it makes sure it is aware of where they come from and the practices used to cultivate them. It says that this is to help ensure the quality of raw elements used to create its supplements.
Garden of Life has several certifications under its belt. It is USDA Organic, which means its supplements contain at least 95% organic content. It is also non-GMO Project-verified. The company only supports farms that shy away from injecting pesticides or bacteria into seeds to ensure they grow when planted. Their products are also certified gluten-free, vegan, and kosher.
Garden of Life says the ashwagandha root extract in its Stress and Mood Organic tablets are derived from the herb using an organic and non-GMO extraction method, which means no corn alcohol or harsh chemicals are used. Ashwagandha, in general, is used to relieve stress, fight fatigue, and boost energy levels. Its ashwagandha supplement contains added probiotics and organic fermented ginger root for ease of digestion and synergy.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/garden-of-life/ashwaganda-stress-mood-organic-60-tabs
Nutritional value: One serving size contains 600 mg organic ashwagandha root extract with 30 mg withanolides, 50 mg organic fermented ginger root, and 4 mg probiotic blend composed of Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14.
Price: $24.99
Producer: Garden of Life
Its form: Organic tablets
Is it vegan? Yes.
Is it for energy? Yes.
What are its ingredients? The supplement contains a clean tablet technology blend (patent pending), Organic Dextrose, Organic Gum Arabic, Organic Tapioca Maltodextrin, Organic Coating, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Guar Gum, and Organic Palm Oil.
What is the serving size? One tablet.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take one tablet daily. Keep out of reach of children.
10. Dr. Mercola Organic Ashwagandha 60 Caps
Dr. Mercola sources its ingredients from farmer-partners who harvest sustainably. To create its products, Dr. Mercola says it uses advancements such as liposome-based technology and micronization to ensure users maximize each product’s health benefits. Liposome-based technology is a delivery method that revolves around using small vesicles to make sure nutrients reach the intended organ. Micronization, for its part, is the process of reducing particle sizes to enhance bioavailability.
According to Dr. Mercola, all its products undergo a stringent assessment to ensure their safety and adherence to the highest quality standards. Each product is checked for possible contaminants and given a performance evaluation before its release on the market. As much as possible, Dr. Mercola states that its ingredients are soy and gluten-free, and organic. It is also against the use of GMOs as much as possible. It says many of its products are free from these and labeled as such.
According to Dr. Mercola, its organic ashwagandha capsules were exclusively formulated to include the entire ashwagandha root, which yields multiple health benefits. The product, the company states, was produced by one of its partner manufacturing companies in India that has years of expertise in Ayurveda. The supplement does not contain fillers, excipients, or additives. In general, Dr. Mercola states that ashwagandha is an adaptogen and ensures a balance of functions in the body that allows users to deal with stress. This homeostasis also helps enhance the immune system. The herb, which contains alkaloids, withanolides, flavonoids, phytosterols, coumarins, and essential oils that exert synergistic efforts to yield health benefits, can also be used to increase energy levels, and ensure nervous system and adrenal health, according to the supplement manufacturer.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/dr-mercola-organic-ashwagandha-60-vcaps
Nutritional value: One serving contains 800 mg ashwagandha root powder.
Price: $11.97
Producer: Dr. Mercola
Its form: Vegetarian capsule
Is it vegan? No.
Is it for energy? Yes. Dr. Mercola says ashwagandha ensures homeostasis in the body, which helps boost the immune system.
What are its ingredients? Apart from ashwagandha root powder, the supplement contains organic rice hull concentrate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
What is the serving size? Two vegetarian capsules.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Adults should take two capsules daily with a meal. If nursing, pregnant, taking medication, or with a medical condition, a physician should be consulted prior to consumption.
11. Planetary Herbals Ashwagandha 570mg 120 Tabs (Best for Helping Increase Fertility in Men)
Planetary Herbals states that it controls every stage involved in manufacturing its products. Once sourced, a team evaluates the composition of each raw ingredient and assesses for any possible contamination and its chemical composition using both classical and modern methods. These methods include spectrophotometry, which uses light to determine the amount of a specific chemical in a given compound, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which involves ionizing a sample to evaluate the presence of heavy metals. Planetary Herbals does not specify how each product is manufactured on its website but attests to each raw ingredient’s “purity and authenticity.” It also notes that before the final products are packaged, they are tested to ensure the accuracy of the final product labels.
Planetary Herbals states that its full-spectrum ashwagandha tablets combine root powder and root extract that capture all the herb’s valuable ingredients. The herb is used for its stress-relieving and rejuvenating properties. In Ayurvedic tradition, Planetary Herbals says ashwagandha is also used to improve reproductive function both in men and women.
Link to purchase: https://www.premierformulas.com/planetary-herbals/ashwagandha-570mg-120-tabs
Nutritional value: One serving size contains 500 mg ashwagandha root, 70 mg ashwagandha root extract, and 56 mg calcium in the form of dibasic calcium phosphate.
Price: $21.50
Producer: Planetary Herbals
Its form: Tablet
Is it vegan? No.
Is it for energy? Yes.
What are its ingredients? Apart from ashwagandha, the supplement contains dibasic calcium phosphate, silica, stearic acid, and modified cellulose gum.
What is the serving size? One tablet.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take one tablet twice daily with meals. If pregnant, may be pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any form of sedative, consumption is not advised. Keep the product out of children’s reach.
12. Goli Nutrition Ashwagandha Gummies 60 Ct (Best for Difficulty Swallowing Pills)
Goli Nutrition is a company that focuses on creating products that yield health benefits. Their products are flavored for ease of consumption and have two major product lines: Bites and Gummies. The products under both lines are manufactured in the company’s state-of-the-art facility in the U.S. Its facility complies with cGMP and has been certified allergen-free.
Goli Nutrition attests to the high-quality ingredients used to create its products, sourced both locally and internationally. The company conducts rigorous testing from manufacturing to packaging stages before the products are sold on the market. No chemicals are used to produce the supplements. The flavor, Goli Nutrition says, is achieved without the need for artificial sweeteners. Goli Nutrition states that its Ashwagandha Gummies contain Vitamin D and are generated from KSM 66 ashwagandha, a full-spectrum extract from the herb’s roots derived following green chemistry principles, without using hazardous chemicals.
According to Goli Nutrition, ashwagandha, in general, is an adaptogen that can help reduce cortisol levels, thereby mitigating the body’s stress response. It can also be used to enhance cognitive function, particularly concentration and memory, and as sleep support. Goli Nutrition says the herb can also help boost physical performance by increasing testosterone production and enhancing reproductive function in both men and women. Vitamin D, meanwhile, plays an essential role in bone, muscle, and teeth health and helps boost the immune system.
Nutritional value: One gummy contains 0.15 g KSM 66 Ashwagandha root extract, 1.25e-5 g Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), 3.5 g total carbohydrates, and 2 g total sugars.
Price range: From $17.91 to $19
Producer: Goli Nutrition
Its form: Gummy.
Is it vegan? Yes. The gummies are not made with gelatin but with pectin from fruit peel, making them vegan-friendly, Golu Nutrition states.
Is it for energy? Yes. Goli Nutrition adds Vitamin D to its supplement, which also helps boost the immune system.
What are its ingredients? Apart from KSM 66 ashwagandha root extract and ergocalciferol, the product contains organic tapioca syrup, water, pectin, malic acid, natural flavors, organic cane sugar, organic vegetable and fruit juice, organic sunflower lecithin, sodium citrate, and citric acid.
The gummies do not contain yeast, milk, wheat, gluten, eggs, gelatin, soy, peanuts, dairy, artificial flavors and sweeteners, shellfish, agave, salicylates, or artificially-sourced colors.
What is the serving size? Two gummies.
When to use it? Daily.
How to use it? Take two gummies daily.
How To Use An Ashwagandha Supplement?
One doesn’t need to follow a complex process to consume ashwagandha and reap its health benefits.
To consume ashwagandha in tablet or capsule form, follow these steps:
- Drink the tablet or capsule with water or other beverages during meals.
To consume ashwagandha in liquid extract form, follow these steps:
- Shake the supplement bottle well.
- Add the recommended dose to a beverage. Many supplement manufacturers recommend adding the desired amount to 2 oz juice or water.
- Drink. Some supplement manufacturers like Herb Pharm say the liquid extract is best taken between meals.
The steps one needs to follow to consume ashwagandha raw powder vary, depending on the form.
If purchased as raw powder, follow these steps:
- Purchase the recommended dose of raw powder.
- Mix with water, other beverages, or food.
- Consume.
If purchased as a raw powder in infusion bags:
- Use one infusion bag.
- Soak in hot water.
- Wait for one to two minutes.
- Consume tea.
The process of consuming ashwagandha gummies is straightforward. Since they can be chewed, one can take them with or without water or another beverage. Gummies can be easily consumed on the go.
How Do You Determine The Correct Ashwagandha Supplement Dosage?
The correct supplement dosage of ashwagandha will depend on the type of health benefit one wishes to gain from the herb. For example, to improve testosterone levels in infertile men, a study by Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad et al. found that 5 g/day ashwagandha root powder mixed with milk and taken for three months sufficed.
Another study by Ashwinikumar A. Raut et al. found that the muscle strength of healthy volunteers aged 18 to 30 improved after consuming ashwagandha aqueous extract capsules in two doses per day. Each dose was increased every ten days for a 30-day treatment period. For the first ten days, the amount was 750 mg/day; after ten days, it was 1,000 mg/day, and after another ten days, the dosage was 1,250 mg/day.
However, in some instances, researchers looking into the same health benefit of ashwagandha used different doses in their clinical trials. For example, researchers Jaysing Salve et al. found a reduction in the anxiety and stress levels and improvement in sleep quality of participants who received 250 mg/day and 600 mg/day ashwagandha for eight weeks compared to the placebo group. Another study by K. Chandrasekhar et al. found the stress levels of patients who took ashwagandha root in capsule form two times a day for 60 days were also reduced compared to the placebo group, based on stress-assessment questionnaires. Each capsule contained 300 mg ashwagandha. Because of the different doses used in some scientific studies looking into the same health benefits of the herb, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised prior to consumption.
What Are The Possible Risks (Side-Effects) Of Ashwagandha Supplements?
Although ashwagandha has a relatively good tolerability profile when taken in excess, it can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Skin irritation
However, these side effects are not severe and can disappear after a short period. Skin irritation, for instance, has been found to improve with discontinued use of the herb. Researchers Virendra N. Seghal et al., who documented the side effect in a 28-year-old man after treatment of ashwagandha at 5g/day for ten days, noted that the itching and discoloration in his genitals disappeared after discontinued use of the herb and topical use of a clobetasol propionate cream.
Is Ashwagandha Habit-Forming?
No. In her article published in the Natural Medicine Journal, Wendy Wells, NMD, said like lorazepam, a pharmaceutical typically prescribed to treat patients with anxiety and chronic stress, ashwagandha has been found to alleviate stress and treat generalized anxiety disorder by improving the Gamma-aminobutyric acid signaling dysfunction associated with the condition. However, the herb doesn’t come with the possible habit-forming side effect of lorazepam. This effect led some researchers to conclude that ashwagandha could treat symptoms of depression. However, the herb should not be used to substitute medication prescribed by a doctor. Scientific studies have found that ashwagandha can treat symptoms of depression, not depression itself. Instead, the herb can complement antidepressants since it has no known interactions with any drug, including antidepressants.
What Will Happen If You Overdose With Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha has a relatively good patient acceptability rating. However, when taken in excess, it can cause nausea, diarrhea, and drowsiness, Khara Jefferson, DNP, APRN, said. Researchers C S Van der Hooft et al. also documented a case of thyrotoxicosis that developed in a healthy 32-year-old woman following consumption of ashwagandha. However, these side effects are not severe and typically disappear after a short period. For instance, c S Van der Hooft et al. said the 32-year-old woman’s symptoms disappeared after she stopped using ashwagandha capsules.
What Is The Main Benefit And Use For Ashwagandha Supplement?
Ashwagandha has been proven to yield many health benefits. Below are some of those major benefits:
- It reduces cortisol levels: A study by Jaysing Salve et al. found that the serum cortisol levels of subjects given 250 mg/day and 600 mg/day aqueous ashwagandha root extract for eight weeks were reduced significantly compared to the cortisol levels of the placebo group.
- It helps reduce stress: The same Jaysing Salve et al. study found that the participants who received 250 mg/day and 600 mg/day ashwagandha for eight weeks had reduced stress levels based on their Perceived Stress Scale scores.
- It reduces depression symptoms: A study by K. Chandrasekhar found that, compared to a placebo group, depression-related symptoms such as social dysfunction, anxiety, and insomnia exhibited by patients with chronic stress were significantly reduced after ashwagandha treatment, based on a Depression Anxiety Scale questionnaire and a General Health Questionnaire. The patients consumed two capsules of 300 mg high-concentration root extract each for the treatment period of 60 days.
- It increases fertility in men: A study by Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad et al. found that sperm concentration, motility, and sperm count significantly improved in three groups of infertile males (asthenozoospermic, oligozoospermic, and normozoospermic) given 5 g/day ashwagandha root powder mixed with milk for three months compared to pretreatment status.
- It reduces blood sugar levels: A study by Smita Sontakke et al. concluded that the hypoglycemic effects of ashwagandha were “significant” and deserved further investigation. The researchers decided this after finding the blood glucose levels of patients with schizophrenia decreased after consuming the herb. Patients were given one capsule containing 400 mg powdered ashwagandha three times daily for one month.
- It can help with cancer: A study by Pratima Sinha et al. found that the Withaferin A content in ashwagandha reduced the production of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which play a role in the progression of tumors. They noted that when administered at a 1, 2, 4, 8 mg/kg of body weight thrice a week every other day in mice with cancer, the herb decreased the tumor weight in the animals.
- It improves brain function: A study by Dnyanraj Choudhary et al. found that the general and immediate memory of subjects given 300 mg ashwagandha root extract two times daily for eight weeks improved significantly, based on their scores in Wechsler Memory Scale III subtests. Their information-processing speed, executive function, and attention also increased.
- It lowers cholesterol and triglycerides: A study by Ashwinikumar A. Raut et al. found that healthy volunteers yielded significantly lower cholesterol levels after 30 days of treatment of the herb at increasing dosages after every ten days, from 750 mg/day to 1,000 mg/day to 1,250 mg/day. The researchers also found a decreasing trend in triglycerides with each follow-up visit after 10, 20, and 30 days of treatment.
What Are The Forms Of Ashwagandha Supplements?
Ashwagandha supplements can come in many forms. They are the following:
- Ashwagandha pills: The powder or liquid extract from ashwagandha leaves and roots may be sold in the form of capsules, tablets or softgels. Many scientific studies that have proven ashwagandha’s health benefits involved clinical trials in capsule form, with root powder and not leaf-powder enclosed. Many supplement manufacturers sell ashwagandha supplements in capsules with varying ashwagandha doses. For instance, one Nature’s Way capsule contains a fixed amount of 500 mg ashwagandha root extract. Meanwhile, one Organic India Ashwagandha veg cap has 800 mg organic ashwagandha root.
- Ashwagandha raw powder: This powder can be derived from crushing the herb’s leaves or roots and consumed in many ways. The powder may be taken with water, other beverages, or food such as yogurt. Some supplement manufacturers also sell the raw powder in infusion bags for dipping in boiling water to make tea.
- Ashwagandha gummies: Goli Nutrition is known for its ashwagandha gummies, which can be chewed on the go. Goli Nutrition says its gummies are produced from vitamin D and KSM 66 ashwagandha, a full-spectrum extract derived from the herb’s roots without hazardous chemicals. The producer says the flavor is added to the gummies without artificial sweeteners.
- Ashwagandha liquid extract: This is typically derived via a cold-pressing method. The liquid extract can be mixed with water, other beverages, or food.
Those who wish to benefit from ashwagandha may consume any of these forms, depending on their preferences. However, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised prior to consumption.
What Is The Difference Between Liquid And Pill Ashwagandha Supplements?
Liquid and pill ashwagandha supplements differ in other ways apart from their physical form. These are the main differences:
- If the consumer finds a pill form in the dosage they want, it is easier to consume the desired dosage than having to measure out the proper amount of liquid each time. However, with liquid supplements, the user can take any dose they want and not be restricted by pre-determined dosages.
- Ashwagandha liquid extract, rather than pills, allows for faster absorption and optimized use: According to Medicare Europe, the body doesn’t need to break liquid extracts down for digestion. Only 22 to 30 seconds are required for 85% to 90% of the liquid supplement to be assimilated by the body. When it does get assimilated, Medicare Europe says the body uses 98% of the liquid extract. In contrast, the body only uses 10% to 20% of the pills’ nutrients upon assimilation, Medicare Europe says.
- For some people, ashwagandha liquid extract is easier to consume than pills: This is especially true for patients who have difficulty swallowing. Liquid extracts may be consumed entirely as liquids or mixed with water or other beverages.
Is Liquid Ashwagandha Supplement Better Than Ashwagandha Pills?
It depends on the consumer. For patients who have difficulty swallowing, liquid ashwagandha supplements may be better than pills. However, capsules and tablets may be easier than liquid supplements for those always on the go.
Many of the scientific studies that have proven ashwagandha’s health benefits involved clinical trials in capsule form. However, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised prior to consumption regardless of the type to be consumed.
Does Ashwagandha Powder Supplement Have Less Nutritional Value Than Pills?
No. A pill is ashwagandha powder enclosed in a capsule or solidified into a tablet. The nutritional value, therefore, is in all likelihood the same.
The difference between the two supplements lies in their physical form. The decision on which to consume depends on the user’s preference. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised prior to consumption.
Should I Buy Gluten-Free Ashwagandha?
Gluten-free ashwagandha supplements are better than non-gluten-free ones since they do not contain gluten or ingredients from wheat, rye, or barley. The starches found in non-gluten-free supplements can be used in tablets and capsules as excipients, diluents, disintegrants, or binding agents for low-quality supplement manufacturers. Due to the assurance that there are no hidden gluten compounds in gluten-free ashwagandha supplements, people with certain health conditions, such as Celiac disease, prefer them.
Who Are The Best Producers Of Ashwagandha Supplements?
The following are considered the best producers of ashwagandha supplements:
- Euromedica
- Pure Encapsulations
- Protocol for Life Balance
- Ayush Herbs
- Organic India
- Jarrow Formulas
- Herb Pharm
- Nature’s Way
- Garden of Life
- Dr. Mercola
- Planetary Herbals
- Goli Nutrition
These established supplement manufacturers sell ashwagandha pills, liquid extract, or both. Goli Nutrition sells ashwagandha in gummy form.
How Does Premier Formulas Choose The Best Ashwagandha Supplements?
At Premier Formulas, we only select ashwagandha supplements that have undergone an extensive assessment of documented proof that the manufacturing company follows federal cGMP regulations and guidelines. Samples of their products from our inventory must also pass initial and quarterly randomized testing from independent laboratories. Our key mission is to provide high-quality supplements and the information for our patrons to use them in an educated, effective, and safe manner. We want you to know that we care about your health when choosing your ashwagandha supplements. After all, we give the same products to our family as we provide to you and your family.
What Is The Best Form Of Ashwagandha Supplement For Anxiety?
The best form of supplement is always the one the consumer is more likely to take. If the user does not like swallowing pills, then having a liquid form that they are more likely to consume is best. Scientific studies have proven the positive effects of ashwagandha on people with this condition. Researchers Jaysing Salve et al., for instance, concluded that the anxiety and stress levels of subjects who consumed 250 mg/day and 600 mg/day ashwagandha in capsules for eight weeks declined, based on their Perceived Stress Scale scores. According to researchers, their sleep quality improved based on a seven-point sleep scale compared to the placebo group.
Another study by J. Chandrasekhar et al. found patients who took ashwagandha root capsules two times a day for 60 days scored high in stress-assessment questionnaires after the treatment period compared to the placebo group, indicating the herb reduced their stress and anxiety levels. Each capsule contained 300 mg ashwagandha.
These studies did not specify the individual component of ashwagandha that helped reduce stress and anxiety. Still, Adrian Lopresti et al. noted that this might have to do with the herb’s mitigating effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which regulates stress responses. Flavonoids are a primary ashwagandha component found to attenuate the HPA axis function.
Can Ashwagandha Be Used As Relaxant?
Yes. Using animal models, a study by S K Bhattacharya et al. found the bioactive glycowithanolides present in ashwagandha caused anxiolytic effects when consumed. The researchers said the glycowithanolides, isolated from the herb’s roots, produced a calming response in subjects that consumed 20 and 50 mg/kg of the same for five days. They added that these anxiolytic effects were comparable with those induced by the benzodiazepine lorazepam in another set of subjects. Doctors typically prescribe lorazepam to treat anxiety. In humans, Desiree Nielsen, RD, says based on her experience as a registered nutritionist and as a consumer of ashwagandha, one can feel the calming effects of the herb with a single dose.
Can Ashwagandha Make You Drowsy?
Yes. According to Khara Jefferson, DNP, APRN, drowsiness can be a side effect of the herb. These effects, she says, may be more pronounced in people who are also on sedative drugs such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
Ashwagandha has also been found to enhance sleep quality. Researchers Jaysing Salve et al. noted in their study that the sleep quality of subjects who received 250 mg/day and 600 mg/day of ashwagandha for eight weeks improved based on a seven-point sleep scale compared to the placebo group.
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