Best Ashwagandha Supplement (2024): 12 Options to Keep Calm and Ashwa On

Did you know ashwagandha¹ got its name because its roots smell like a horse (from the Sanskrit word for horse, “ashwa”)? But don’t let that tidbit run you off, as consuming ashwagandha is said to give you the power of one!

Ashwagandha—botanically known as Withania somnifera—is one of the most important herbs used in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India traced back to 6,000 BC. For most of these 6,000 years, ashwagandha has been used to promote a youthful physical and mental health state. 

Fast forward to today, ashwagandha continues to provide countless health benefits—like offering stress relief, increasing energy levels, and improving cognitive function—with research to back them. (Ashwagandha may be more like a multi-trick stallion than a one-trick pony.)

Because the best time to take ashwagandha might be right now, join us as we explore the best ashwagandha supplement options on the market. Even the neigh-sayers might be pleasantly surprised to learn how ashwagandha might improve their health and well-being! 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Best Ashwagandha Supplement

• Best Overall Ashwagandha Supplement: Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha
• Best Ashwagandha Gummies: XWERKS Ashwagandha Gummies
• Best Budget Ashwagandha Gummies: Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies
• Best Ashwagandha Blend: KOS Kiss Your Blues Away
• Best Pre-Workout With Ashwagandha: Onnit Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout
• Best Budget Ashwagandha: NOW Supplements Ashwagandha
• Best Greens Powder With Ashwagandha: Athletic Greens AG1
• Best Ashwagandha Supplement for Stress: HUM Ashwagandha Calm Gummies
• Best Vegan Ashwagandha Supplement: Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha
• Best Organic Ashwagandha: Himalaya Ashwagandha
• Best Powdered Ashwagandha: Moon Juice Ashwagandha
• Best Ashwagandha Supplement for Improved Sleep: Stressballs DeStress + Snooze

Best Overall Ashwagandha Supplement: Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha

Good for: Anyone looking for a reputable, high-quality ashwagandha supplement

Best Overall

Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• 600 mg ashwagandha (withania somnifera)
• No artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives
• Patented KSM-66® organic ashwagandha root 
• Vegan and third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
• Third-party lab tested
• KSM-66 is backed by multiple clinical studies
• Every capsule has 5% withanolides
• Vegan
• Subscribe and save 10%
• Serving size is only 1 capsule

Cons

• Some reviewers did not experience noticeable effects
• Products produced in facility that also processes nuts
• Limited customers reviews

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Ashwagandha is a third-party tested daily supplement that provides 600 milligrams of KSM-66® organic ashwagandha. According to Transparent Labs, this product can help control stress, improve mood, ease inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and promote healthy metabolic, endocrine, immune, and sexual function.

Transparent Labs prides itself on being transparent and using the most effective doses to formulate its products. Its ashwagandha supplement is no different and contains only one ingredient—you can likely guess what it is! 

The ashwagandha supplement specifically contains KSM-66®, a patented, full-spectrum ashwagandha extract—full-spectrum means it includes the various active constituents in the original herb. KSM-66® offers the highest concentration of all major root-only extracts available on the market.

KSM-66 only uses the root to produce its highly concentrated extract, which helps ensure you get at least 5% bioactive withanolides²—the main extracts from Withania somnifera that provide ashwagandha’s primary benefits—at the clinically studied dose of 600 milligrams in every ashwagandha capsule. This aligns with research³ suggesting that ashwagandha with 5% of withanolides is the most effective for improving sleep quality and increasing energy levels.

Another study⁴ suggests taking two 300-milligram capsules of KSM-66 daily can effectively reduce serum cortisol levels. Cortisol⁵, the body’s primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, helps mediate the stress response while regulating metabolism, inflammation, and immune function.

Like all Transparent Labs products, the ashwagandha supplement is free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and coloring. You can also view its Certificate of Analysis, conducted by third-party labs, by searching for “KSM-66.”

GGR Head of Content, Kate Meier, says the small pill is easy to swallow and reports no negative side effects.

Best Ashwagandha Gummies: XWERKS Ashwagandha Gummies

Good for: Chewing into stress relief and other ashwagandha benefits 

Best Gummies

XWERKS Ashwa

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 1,500 mg ashwagandha (withania somnifera) 
• Strawberry flavored gummies
• Gluten-free and vegan
• Made in the USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free shipping
• Money-back guarantee
• Made in the USA in an FDA certified facility
• Gummies are gluten-free and vegan
• Xwerks website links to studies backing benefits
• Customers positively review taste

Cons

• Extremely limited customer reviews
• Subscribe and save only 5%
• Only available in one flavor

Bottom Line

XWERKS Ashwa is a daily gummy supplement that claims to help reduce stress, maximize sleep, increase testosterone, and increase physical performance. The Xwerks website links to the clinical studies backing these claims about ashwagandha. There are not many reviews of this product, but they are mostly positive with people saying they like the taste and feel it has helped reduce their stress.

XWERKS Ashwagandha Gummies contain 1,500 milligrams of a 30:1 extract standardized to 3% withanolides. When choosing an ashwagandha supplement, ConsumerLabs recommends when looking for a root extract containing at least 1.5% of withanolides—so checkmark for Xwerks for delivering when choosing an ashwagandha product.

We especially like that XWERKS backs Ashwa’s claimed benefits—like increasing testosterone levels, improving physical performance, reducing stress, and maximizing sleep—with evidence-based studies. Oh, and they offer a money-back guarantee and free shipping on all orders.

The biggest downside is that the gummies only come in one flavor. And like most gummy supplements, Ashwa contains 6 grams of added sugars from glucose syrup, sugar, and glucose. Kate Meier, GGR Head of Content, says, “There is a very slight strawberry taste to these gummies. I think you taste sugar before you taste strawberry. It’s not unpleasant, it’s not delicious, it’s just OK.” 

Best Budget Ashwagandha Gummies: Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies

Good for: Those looking for a gummy for less

Best Budget Gummy

Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies

GGR Score: 4.16

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Product Highlights

• 1,200 mg per serving
• Less than 50 cents per serving
• Customer reviewers love the mixed berry taste
• Contains added sugar and sweeteners

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Customers love the taste
• Falls within the clinically-recommended dose

Cons

• Contains sweeteners
• Higher dose may cause digestive issues for some people

Bottom Line

Nutricost Ashwagandha gummies are one of the most affordable nootropics. The 1,200 milligram serving has been shown to reduce stress and improve sleep and focus, though the higher dose could cause some gastrointestinal distress in some people.

Costing just $0.42 per serving, Nutricost Ashwagandha gummies are a great option for anyone curious about ashwagandha without a big financial commitment. And don’t worry, you won’t have to compromise quality!

Nutricost offers a third-party tested ashwagandha gummy, which we love and allowed for a 5-out-5 score in our third-party testing category, and the gummies are vegetarian, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Each capsule provides 40 milligrams of ashwagandha 30:1 extract, which is equivalent to 1,200 milligrams of ashwagandha. 

This is a relatively high dose, says registered dietitian Perry Nix. “Benefits of ashwagandha are reported in studies with doses ranging from 240 to 1250 milligrams per day. Higher doses may cause some side effects like gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, and nausea for some individuals.” Our tester, GGR senior director of content Kate Meier, didn’t experience any of this, but it’s worth noting!

One serving is two gummies, which Kate said taste spot-on to their flavor, Mixed Berry. One downside of gummies in general is that they do contain added sugar, but Kate, who says she doesn’t mind a little sugar with her vitamins, says they’re the perfect amount of sweet. “I like that these gummies use erythritol over sucralose—it’s much more palatable for me.” While we rated the Nutricost gummies 5 out of 5 in taste, we had to give them a 2 out of 5 in formulation, however, because of the added sugar. 

Kate didn’t perceive any noticeable effects from taking these gummies, but customer reviews on Amazon—which average 4.3 out of 5 stars at the time of this writing—say they taste great and help people fall asleep faster. 

Best Ashwagandha Blend: KOS Kiss Your Blues Away

Good for: Fighting the blues and enhancing brain functions one sip at a time

Best Blend

KOS Kiss Your Blues Away

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Powdered drink made of blue spirulina, organic blueberries, ashwagandha, and reishi mushrooms
• Claims to calm and soothe the body and mind
• Coconut Cooler flavor
• Certified organic

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Customers like the taste
• Alternative way to take ashwagandha if you don't like pills
• Certified organic

Cons

• Considerably more expensive than other ashwagandha supplements
• Some reviewers did not find it effective

Bottom Line

KOS Kiss Your Blues Away is a blend of blue spirulina, organic blueberries, ashwagandha, and reishi mushrooms said to promote calmness and recovery. It provides an alternative way to take ashwagandha if you don't like pills, so that's a plus, and overall, customer reviews on the taste are positive. However, some reviewers found that they didn't notice any difference after taking this.

Feeling blue? “Kiss Your Blues Away” with KOS’ tropical, tranquil blue blend! The blend’s most active ingredients include organic blue spirulina, organic ashwagandha root, organic red reishi mushroom, organic lemon balm leaf, and organic passion flower extract. And yes, it’s also USDA-Certified Organic.

The combo of ashwagandha⁴ and red reishi—also known as Ganoderma lucidum⁶—may reduce cortisol levels and ease inflammation. KOS tells us that lemon balm⁷ is all about the GABA—a neurotransmitter linked to improved memory and mental intelligence—and research⁸ shows that lemon balm can elevate mood and cognitive effects like memory. 

Adding passionflower may ease anxiety even more, while blue spirulina⁹—a type of blue-green algae—could enhance immune functions and anti-inflammatory properties. Spirulina is also packed with nutrients like protein (up to 70% of its content), iron, and vitamins A and B12. 

The blend sounds great, but since it’s a blend, it’s hard to tell the exact dose of each ingredient. Dosing aside, you’ll enjoy a Berry Coconut Cooler flavor that can be blended into cold water, mixed as a hot blue latte, and even added to baked goods. 

Kiss Your Blues Away is produced in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facility and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with your order for whatever reason. It’s also 100% plant-based and soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Best Pre-Workout With Ashwagandha: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout

Good for: Those looking for a pre-workout that delivers mental clarity along with a good pump

Best Pre-Workout With Ashwagandha

Onnit Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 200 mg of caffeine
• Includes beta alanine and L-citrulline
• Priced around $3/serving; subscribe-and-save option available
• 2 flavors currently available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 200 mg of caffeine
• Tiger's Blood flavor tastes great
• Includes 225 mg of ashwagandha extract
• Contains beta alanine and L-citrulline
• Subscribe-and-save option is available

Cons

• Only 2 flavors available, and Yuzu Peach isn't popular among our product testers
• $3/serving is expensive
• Key ingredients like citrulline and beta-alanine are under-dosed

Bottom Line

Onnit's Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout is a unique blend of ingredients that our testers enjoyed for workouts where they wanted to be focused and energized. It only comes in two flavors; the Tiger's Blood flavor is our preferred choice.

In addition to containing all the classic ingredients found in the best pre-workouts, Onnit Alpha Brain also has 225 milligrams of NooGandha—a patented form of ashwagandha. You might ask, “Why would someone want a pre-workout with ashwagandha?” The answer is that the herbal root can help improve strength/power, cardiorespiratory fitness, and fatigue/recovery, according to a February 2021 meta-analysis.

“In fact, the probability of at least a small effect size on physical performance favoring subjects supplemented with ashwagandha is very high,” researchers noted. In English, there’s at least a 95 percent change that ashwagandha can help your performance in the gym.

And that’s exactly what a group of competitive weightlifters experienced when they tested Onnit Alpha Brain pre-workout. “We had multiple people on our team try this, and they all agreed: This brings great focus and clarity to your workout,” says Kate Meier, GGR’s head of content and a USA Weightlifting Level-1 coach. “It’s not overly stimulating; it’s more of just feeling very present and ready to do the work.”

Jacob Penner, USAW-L2 coach and owner of Endless Strength Weightlifting, also endorsed the pre-workout’s mental benefits and added it’s pretty good in the physical department, too. “While I didn’t get the tingles like I do with other pre-workouts, I definitely still got a pump,” Jacob says.

Ashwagandha isn’t Onnit Alpha Brain’s only unique ingredient. It also contains Dynamine, a substance that can prolong caffeine’s energy-boosting effects. Because of this, Onnit warms that you shouldn’t take this pre-workout with any other substances that contain caffeine. That’s because Dynamine has a longer half-life than caffeine, meaning it takes longer to leave your system.

Alpha Brain comes in two flavors: Tiger’s Blood and Yuzu Peach. Although neither was our favorite in the taste department, Tiger’s Blood is the better of the two due to its coconut, watermelon, and strawberry flavor notes. 

Best Budget Ashwagandha: NOW Supplements Ashwagandha

Good for: Budgeting money and prioritizing health while alleviating financial and day-to-day stress 

Best Budget

NOW Supplements Ashwagandha

GGR Score: 3.2

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Product Highlights

• 450 mg ashwagandha (withania somnifera) 
• Made in the USA
• Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable per serving cost
• Made in the USA in a GMP certified facility
• Dairy-, egg-, nut-, and soy-free
• Non-GMO
• Kosher, vegan, and vegetarian

Cons

• Recommended to take 2-3 times per day
• Made in a facility that also processes allergens
• Not third-party tested
• Some customers reported allergic reactions

Bottom Line

NOW Supplements Ashwagandha has 450 milligrams per capsule. This is a very affordable ashwagandha supplement with a price per serving as low as $0.09 per serving if you purchase the 180-capsule version. Now Supplements suggests you take a capsule 2-3 times per day to help your body adapt to stress and support your immune system. Some customers did report experiencing an allergic reaction resulting in itchiness and/or nausea.

Costing just $0.10 per serving, NOW Supplements Ashwagandha is a great option for anyone curious about ashwagandha to try without the financial stress. And don’t worry, you won’t have to compromise quality!

Each capsule provides 450 milligrams of ashwagandha with a minimum of 2.5% total withanolides. NOW also suggests taking the capsules up to three times daily to help you adapt to “temporary normal stress” and support a healthy immune system.

NOW Supplements ashwagandha is free of GMOs, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. However, it’s manufactured in a GMP-certified facility that processes other products with those food allergens. 

GGR Head of Content, Kate Meier, did say that she felt the least effect from these, compared to all the other kinds of ashwagandha she’s taken, likely due to the lower dosage.

Best Greens Powder with Ashwagandha: Athletic Greens AG1

Good for: Reducing daily stress while optimizing daily nutrients 

Best Greens Powder

Athletic Greens AG1

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
• Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
• Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
• Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
• Magnesium is added to boost energy
• May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backed by notable health experts
• Transparent and detailed ingredient list
• 75 vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviewers dislike the taste

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you're willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.

As we explained in detail in our Athletic Greens review, AG1 is one unique product: It serves as a multivitamin, provides whole-food-sourced nutrients, supplies probiotics, and delivers a bounty of adaptogens, because why not? And not surprisingly, ashwagandha joins the 20+ roster of adaptogens—along with beet powder, dandelion root, green tea extract, and milk thistle, just to name a few—to help you adapt to stressful situations. 

The downside of AG1 is that most of the ingredients are bulked into blends, so it’s hard to tell how much ashwagandha you’re actually getting out of the 2,732 milligrams “Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidant” blend. But we can at least identify the ashwagandha as a root extract in a 5:1 ratio. 

But as some major pluses, AG1 has undergone 50+ iterations and counting over the past decade—insinuating that the formula continues to be modified to (hopeful) perfection. It’s also made in TGA-registered, NSF-GMP facilities and is NSF Certified for Sport®, so you can rest easy knowing that AG1 is third-party tested and free of unsafe levels of contaminants, prohibited substances, or masking agents.

GGR senior editor Nicole Davis said, “I’m always trepidatious before my first sip of a new greens powder, expecting my mouth to fill with the flavor of straight grass. But thankfully, that’s not what you get with AG1. While the powder itself isn’t named with a flavor and there are no flavor options, it tastes mildly like pineapple and vanilla with earthy hints. It is slightly sweet, due to the small amount of Stevia used, but no artificial sweeteners are present.” 

Best Ashwagandha Supplement for Stress: HUM Ashwagandha Calm Gummies

Good for: Keeping calm, clearing the mind, and alleviating stress two gummies at a time

Best for Stress

HUM Ashwagandha Calm Gummies

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Ashwagandha gummies formulated to help calm the mind
• Contain 125 mg of Sensoril, a patented type of ashwagandha
• Two Mixed Berry gummies per serving
• $0.87 per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Gummy form might be more enjoyable
• Overall, reviewers like the taste
• Third-party tested

Cons

• Contain added sugar
• Some reviewers said the gummies had an odd texture

Bottom Line

HUM Ashwagandha Calm gummies are designed with 125 milligrams of a patented ashwagandha blend that is supposed to support stress relief. One serving is two of the Mixed Berry-flavored gummies, which overall have good reviews regarding taste. Some reviewers did say they have a strange texture though, with small hard pieces inside that are hard to chew.

HUM Ashwagandha Calm Gummies are formulated to relieve stress and clear the mind, thanks to a patented extract of ashwagandha and l-theanine. Specifically, the gummies contain 125 milligrams of Sensoril®, an extract that uses both the leaves and root to deliver optimal efficacy for mood, memory, and sleep support. 

HUM supports the use of Sensoril® by referencing a 2008 randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study¹⁵ where participants were assigned to take Sensoril® ashwagandha root and leaf extracts (125 milligrams once per day, 125 milligrams twice a day, or 250 milligrams twice a day) or a placebo for 60 days. Compared to placebo participants, supplementing with 125 milligrams of ashwagandha once daily improved many health metrics—like cortisol levels, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar levels, and lipid profiles—without side effects. 

Two hundred milligrams of L-theanine, an amino acid naturally found in green tea, also joins in on the stress-relief fun. According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food¹⁶, L-theanine helps relieve stress disorders, improve mood, and maintain normal sleep. A 100-gram dose of L-theanine improves working memory and executive function, although 250 milligrams shows to sustain attention best. 

HUM’s Ashwagandha Calm Gummies are formulated by RD nutritionists and triple-tested and third-party validated for purity and quality. They also contain verified “clean” ingredients and are free of the “Tricky 12”—a set of 12 ingredients HUM avoids in supplements—that includes artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives. 

Best Vegan Ashwagandha Supplement: Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha

Good for: Plant-based and vegan dieters looking to elevate their overall health and wellness

Best Vegan

Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• 500 mg ashwagandha (withania somnifera) 
• Vegetarian capsule
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Dairy, soy, egg, nut, and GMO-free

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dairy, soy, egg, nut, and GMO-free
• Certified gluten-free
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Vegan and vegetarian
• Available in multiple container sizes
• Manufactured in cGMP certified facilities

Cons

• Some Amazon customers received products with broken seals
• Multiple customers had allergic reactions

Bottom Line

Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha provides 500 milligrams per servings without unnecessary fillers. Pure Encapsulations says that this product helps improve physical and mental health, helps your body adapt to stress, and supports cardiovascular, immune, cognitive, and joint health. Some customers reported having allergic reactions which resulted in stomach issues.

Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha provides “everything you need and nothing you don’t.” And in this case, 500 milligrams of ashwagandha root extract were standardized to contain 2.5% withanolides without using any artificial colors, GMOs, unnecessary fillers, hydrogenated oils, common allergens, and more. 

The ashwagandha capsules claim to promote mental and physical health, including stress relief, cognition, thyroid support, and joint health. Some research¹⁰ suggests taking 600 milligrams of ashwagandha daily may normalize thyroid levels in patients with an underactive thyroid. Other research¹¹ supports that 250 milligrams of ashwagandha can reduce pain and stiffness in knee joint patients. 

And as the best vegan ashwagandha supplement on our list, we can’t help but mention that Pure Encapsulations is dedicated to a more sustainable and greener future. And in addition to being vegetarian and vegan-friendly, the ashwagandha capsules are also certified gluten-free. 

Pure Encapsulations is also NSF-GMP registered in the US and GMP certified in Canada and exceeds the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards for supplement manufacturing. Any herbal ingredients are tested for 70 different pesticide compounds, along with testing for metals, toxins, contaminants, and allergens.

Best Organic Ashwagandha: Himalaya Ashwagandha

Good for: Anyone who prioritizes organic products without the worry of unwanted additives 

Best Organic

Himalaya Organic Ashwagandha

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 380 mg organic ashwagandha root powder 
• 280 mg organic ashwagandha root extract 
• 10 mg organic ashwagandha supercritical co2 extract
• USDA certified organic and certified non-GMO
• Gluten, wheat, corn, soy, and dairy free

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60-day satisfaction guarantee
• 3 kinds of ashwagandha source
• USDA certified organic
• Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, and corn free
• Produced in a cGMP-certified facility
• No artificial fillers
• Herbs grown through fair trade farming partnerships
• Available in multiple container sizes

Cons

• Mixed customer reviews on effectiveness
• Some Amazon customers received products with broken seal
• Customers reported experiencing many broken caplets

Bottom Line

Himalaya Organic Ashwagandha provides users with a total of 670 milligram of ashwagandha from root powder and root extract; the brand claims that using different parts of the plant gives a more potent supplement. Himalaya states that this supplement helps with stress relief, increasing energy, and improving sleep. Customers using Amazon reported receiving products with broken seals and numerous damaged caplets, so you’re probably better off ordering from the company website or grabbing in person at a store.

Formulated with organic ingredients and without GMOs, Himalaya Ashwagandha is our top pick for the best organic ashwagandha supplement. Yes, it’s USDA-Certified Organic! 

Unlike the other ashwagandha supplements on our list, this one lists organic ashwagandha on its supplement facts list three times, so bear with us. With each caplet, you’ll get 380 milligrams of organic ashwagandha root powder (0.2% withanolides), 280 milligrams of organic ashwagandha root extract (0.5% withanolides), and 10 milligrams of organic ashwagandha supercritical CO₂ extract (8% withanolides). 

The root extract and powder are familiar, but what’s the “supercritical CO₂ extract” all about? Well, a study published in Toxicology Reports¹² tells us that this standardized ashwagandha extract is signature to The Himalaya Drug Company and undergoes good agricultural and collection practices (GACP) during the plant’s farming, harvesting, and collecting. Really, it’s just a potent concentration of ashwagandha—that’s also been grown in its native Indian soil!—and adds to the overall total of the supplement.

While it goes without saying, the 100% ashwagandha supplement is free of any “extras” like synthetic additives and artificial binders. It’s also routinely tested for purity and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. 

GGR editor Frieda Johnson reports that although it has a mild bitter taste, the pill is small and easy to swallow.

Best Powdered Ashwagandha: Moon Juice Ashwagandha

Good for: Blending ashwagandha into your favorite drinks and foods 

Best Powdered

Moon Juice Ashwagandha Root Powder Extract

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• 600 mg KSM-66 ashwagandha (withania somnifera) 
• 15:1 full-spectrum root extract
• Single-ingredient product
• Eco-conscious packaging
• Organic, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free

Pros & Cons

Pros

• KSM-66 ashwagandha
• Gluten free and vegan
• Organic and non-GMO
• 100% traceable ingredients
• Subscribe and save 10%
• 45-day money-back guarantee
• Eco-conscious packaging

Cons

• Limited customer reviews
• Extremely mixed reviews on taste
• Customer reviews indicate it does not mix well

Bottom Line

Moon Juice Ashwagandha Powder contains 600 milligrams of KSM-66 ashwagandha per serving. Moon Juice states that their powder can help reduce stress, regulate cortisol levels, enhance focus and mental stamina, and reduce irritability. Customer reviews vary extensively on taste—ranging from “easily hidden” to “impossible to cover”—with numerous customers not finishing their supplement because of the taste.

While Moon Juice Ashwagandha might not blast you off into the stars, it may help relieve stress, enhance your focus, and improve your mood. Like Transparent Labs’ ashwagandha capsules, Moon Juice provides 600 milligrams of full-spectrum organic ashwagandha root powder as KSM-66 but in powder form. 

You can enjoy Moon Juice blended into any beverage or food product, though they recommend the bitter flavor pairs well with chocolate, coffee, maple, and baked goods. Moon Juice also provides a recipe for “Ashwagandha Butter Coffee”—a blend of 1 tablespoon of ashwagandha powder, 2 tablespoons of ghee, 8 ounces of coffee, and an optional sweetener. But do note that a serving size is about ¼ teaspoon, so the coffee recipe is an extra potent concoction. 

Digging into Moon Juice’s FAQ page, the brand claims its chosen ingredients are of the highest quality and clinically tested. The plants also undergo two rounds of identity testing, where they are tested for bioactive compounds, heavy metals, mycotoxins (naturally occurring toxins in fungi), and pesticides.

The Moon Juice powder is also organic, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free. However, it is packaged in a facility that handles tree nuts, making it a potentially unsuitable option for anyone managing a tree nut allergy. 

Our tester for this product, GGR editor Frieda Johnson, said, “To me it tastes like dried, powdered mushrooms; not unpleasant, but a bit earthier than I would want to drink just mixed with water. It blends into liquid fairly well, but does settle a bit and needs to be stirred several times if you’re not chugging it.” She also noted that she likes the brand’s focus on more sustainable packaging.

Best Ashwagandha Supplement for Improved Sleep: Stressballs DeStress + Snooze

Good for: Winding down your day and going from restless to stress-less sleep

Best for Improved Sleep

Stressballs DeStress+Snooze Gummies

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Herbal supplement designed to help promote sleep
• Contains ashwagandha, chamomile, lemon balm leaf, valerian root, lavender, and melatonin
• Gummy form with 2 gummies per serving
• Do contain added sugar
• $0.56 per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Gummy form that tastes good
• Affordable

Cons

• Proprietary blend so exact dosages of each herb is unknown
• Added sugar

Bottom Line

Stressballs DeStress+Snooze gummies provide a proprietary herbal blend that's supposed to help you sleep. It contains ingredients like ashwagandha, melatonin, lemon balm extract, and lavender. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, just be aware that these gummies do have added sugar.

Stress ruining your slumber? Say no more with Stressballs DeStress + Snooze, ashwagandha gummies formulated to fight stress so your tired brain doesn’t have to. 

The Blackberry-flavored gummies contain 230 milligrams of “Stressballs Snooze Herbal Blend,” which is a combo of extracts from ashwagandha, chamomile, lemon balm leaf⁷, valerian root, and lavender. Chamomile¹³, valerian root, and lavender are some of the most ancient medicinal herbs used to treat many ailments like inflammation, insomnia, depression, and pain. Again, with the Stressballs mostly being a blend, the amount of each individual ingredient isn’t known to the naked eye. 

But we do know that the gummies also provide 2 milligrams of melatonin, a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness to help time the body’s natural circadian rhythm. There’s no one-size-fits-all in how much melatonin¹⁴ you should take, although doses used in studies vary from 0.1 to 10 milligrams taken up to two hours before bedtime. 

Another potential downside is that the gummies contain 5 grams of added sugar and the artificial coloring Blue 2. It’s also unsuitable for anyone with a soy or tree nut (coconut) allergy, although it is gluten and lactose-free. 

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a shrub that belongs to the nightshade family that grows in India and parts of the Middle East and Africa. It’s been used for thousands of years by non-Western cultures, dating back as far as 6,000 B.C., to promote vitality, youthfulness, and decrease stress.

The plant made its way to the United States in recent years and can now be found in most mainstream supermarkets and supplement stores. As is the case with many ancient herbs or plants that become big in Western cultures, some companies may try to sell you ashwagandha that’s under-dosed or a weaker form of the plant. Luckily, you have nutrition professionals like us to show you how to find the best ashwagandha supplements.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Ashwagandha Supplements

When picking and testing the best ashwagandha supplements on the market, we curated our selections based on the following: 

• Ashwagandha dose: Because there’s quite a bit of variability regarding how much ashwagandha to take, we enlisted products with varying daily doses. Research¹⁷ does support that at least 240 milligrams of ashwagandha can be effective, so our top picks follow suit accordingly.  
• Ingredient quality and testing: Ingredients truly matter most, so we’re always searching for products that contain high-quality ingredients in clinically-effective doses—and our ashwagandha picks are no different. 
• Form: Not everyone likes to chew gummies, just like how not everyone wants to blend and drink a powder. Because there are different ways to take ashwagandha, we rounded up reputable products in various forms.
• Cost: At GGR, we always strive to make our product recommendations inclusive for any and all budgets. 
• Third-party testing: Dietary supplements are not tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so we prioritize products that have been independently third-party tested (more on this below). 
• Company reputation and reviews: We always strive to have our readers’ backs, so we never want to direct them to a company that doesn’t have their best interests in mind! We always review the brand’s reputation by combing through its mission, core values, manufacturing processes, and consumer reviews where available. 

Benefits of Ashwagandha Supplements

Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, ashwagandha continues to prove itself as beneficial. Here’s what the most up-to-date research tells us about the benefits of ashwagandha.

Reduces Stress

One of the most notable and longstanding benefits of ashwagandha is its potential to reduce stress levels as an adaptogen¹⁸—a substance that enhances the “state of non-specific resistance” in stress. Recent 2021 data¹⁹ reiterates that ashwagandha supplementation may improve stress’ physiological, cognitive, and psychological effects.

Improves Sleep

A 2021 meta-analysis²⁰ suggests that ashwagandha extract can improve sleep (and mental alertness) in adults. Ashwagandha, especially with higher levels of withanolides, may also help treat insomnia, according to newer 2022 data³.

Enhances Physical Performance and Recovery

According to a 2021 meta-analysis²¹, ashwagandha supplementation may improve variables related to physical performance—like muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness—in healthy men and women. Another 2021 review²² hints that withanolides in ashwagandha may manage muscle repair and recovery while improving body composition. 

Increases Testosterone Levels

Testosterone plays critical roles in sexual health, lean body mass, mental health, cognition, bone density, cardiovascular function, and metabolism, just to name a few. In a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health²³, supplementing with ashwagandha showed to increase testosterone levels.

Boosts Memory and Cognition

Research published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements²⁴ hints that ashwagandha may effectively enhance immediate and general memory and attention in people with mild cognitive impairment. 

Bolsters the Immune System

While mostly tested in animal studies, recent 2021 research²⁵ appears to be the first of its kind to investigate ashwagandha extract on the immune system in humans. The researchers found that the extract significantly improved the immune profile of healthy subjects, positioning itself as a potential therapy to reduce viral and microbial infections.

Lowers Inflammation

Inflammation²⁶ is a complex biological response to harmful triggers—like infection, tissue injury, and tissue stress—and can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other chronic conditions. Ashwagandha offers several beneficial compounds that may protect against inflammation in the body and associated health risks. 

Dosing and Interactions 

There’s currently no standard dosing recommendation for ashwagandha, as dosage often varies based on the type and the intended use. But evidence²⁰ shows that dosing between 240-600 milligrams is effective. And according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, adults have most often used ashwagandha in doses of up to 1,000 milligrams daily for up to 12 weeks.

It’s also important to note that while ashwagandha appears safe²⁷ and tolerable for users, herbal supplements should be cautiously approached. This is especially true for anyone managing a health condition and taking a prescription, as ashwagandha may interact with certain medications. 

This said, dosing can vary widely, so starting low and slow overall is best. We also recommend consulting with your healthcare team before taking any supplement for your utmost safety. 

Third-Party Testing

The best supplements typically undergo third-party testing to ensure the product contains what it’s claimed to have, ashwagandha included. Common indications of third-party testing include: 

• Informed Choice Certified 
• Informed Sport Certified 
• NSF Certified for Sport 
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Third-party verifications can also be helpful if you have specific dietary restrictions, needs, and preferences like:

• Certified Gluten-Free
• Certified Vegan
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• USDA Organic

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Ashwagandha Supplements

Ready to see how ashwagandha can benefit your health and well-being? Lean on these tips before sealing the deal: 

• Intent for use: Because ashwagandha is far from a one-trick pony, it’s wise to consider what exactly you wish it to accomplish. For instance, if you want to use ashwagandha to kickstart your day, you might want to steer clear of a blend formulated for sleep. 
• Additional ingredients: Some ashwagandha supplements are single-ingredient while others contain additional ingredients—like melatonin, L-theanine, and lemon balm. Consider whether or not you want (or need) different ingredients to elevate your ashwagandha experience. 
• Form: Prefer swallowing a capsule, chewing a gummy, or sipping on a blendable powder? Ashwagandha comes in many forms, so find one that best matches how you wish to take it (consistently). 
• Budget: How much are you looking to spend on ashwagandha (and your full supplement stack)? If you’re new to ashwagandha, starting with a more budget-friendly product might be worthwhile before making a heftier splurge. 
• Third-party testing: ‘Nuff said. OK, but really, try to prioritize third-party tested products manufactured in GMP facilities. 
• Brand reputation: We recommend reviewing the brand behind the product, particularly looking to identify if they are reputable, manufacture high-quality products, and will be readily available if any issues arise. Searching for customer reviews—like on its main company page or third-party seller sites (such as Amazon)—can also give you a great deal of insight about the brand.  

Best Ashwagandha Supplements FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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2. White PT, Subramanian C, Motiwala HF, Cohen MS. Natural Withanolides in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;928:329-373. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_14
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11. Ramakanth GS, Uday Kumar C, Kishan PV, et al. A randomized, double blind placebo controlled study of efficacy and tolerability of Withaina somnifera extracts in knee joint pain. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2016;7(3):151-157. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2016.05.003
12. Vidyashankar S, Thiyagarajan OS, Varma RS, et al. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supercritical CO2 extract derived withanolides mitigates Bisphenol A induced mitochondrial toxicity in HepG2 cells. Toxicol Rep. 2014;1:1004-1012. Published 2014 Jul 2. doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2014.06.008
13. Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6):895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377
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15. Auddy B, Hazra J, Mitra A, et al. A standardized Withania Somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Am Nutra Assoc. 2008;11:50-56.
16. Baba Y, Inagaki S, Nakagawa S, et al. Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. J Med Food. 2021;24(4):333-341. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.4803
17. Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Gho C, et al. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2021;6(1):20. Published 2021 Feb 11. doi:10.3390/jfmk6010020
18. Panossian A, Wikman G. Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010;3(1):188-224. Published 2010 Jan 19. doi:10.3390/ph3010188
19. Remenapp A, Coyle K, Orange T, et al. Efficacy of Withania somnifera supplementation on adult’s cognition and mood. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2022 Apr-Jun;13(2):100510. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.08.003. Epub 2021 Nov 25. PMID: 34838432; PMCID: PMC8728079.
20. Cheah KL, Norhayati MN, Husniati Yaacob L, et al. Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2021;16(9):e0257843. Published 2021 Sep 24. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843
21. Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Gho C, et al. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2021;6(1):20. Published 2021 Feb 11. doi:10.3390/jfmk6010020
22. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/11/10/1454
23. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. 2019;13(2):1557988319835985. doi:10.1177/1557988319835985
24. Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Bose S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(6):599-612. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970
25. Tharakan A, Shukla H, Benny IR, et al. Immunomodulatory Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extract-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial with an Open Label Extension on Healthy Participants. J Clin Med. 2021;10(16):3644. Published 2021 Aug 18. doi:10.3390/jcm10163644
26. Logie E, Vanden Berghe W. Tackling Chronic Inflammation with Withanolide Phytochemicals-A Withaferin a Perspective. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(11):1107. Published 2020 Nov 10. doi:10.3390/antiox9111107
27. Verma N, Gupta SK, Tiwari S, et al. Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, study in Healthy Volunteers. Complement Ther Med. 2021;57:102642. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102642
28. Devkar ST, Kandhare AD, Sloley BD, et al. Evaluation of the bioavailability of major withanolides of Withania somnifera using an in vitro absorption model system. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2015;6(4):159-164. doi:10.4103/2231-4040.165023

Sydney Lappe, R.D.

Sydney Lappe is a St. Louis-based Registered Dietitian with 6+ years of nutrition editing and writing experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed undergrad work in psychology. While fitness wasn’t in Sydney’s routine growing up, it quickly became a large part of her daily life while studying the facets of health and nutrition. Also managing chronic pain, she has come to fully realize movement is a special gift to never take for granted and hopes to inspire others to invest in their physical, mental, and emotional wellness while they can. Including her passion for all things health, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being active in various capacities, drinking bottomless cups of coffee, eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal, and letting her creativity roam through writing and graphic design.

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