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The 10 Best Ashwagandha Supplements Will Bring Out the Cool, Calm, Collected You
With favorites from Life Extension, Moon Juice, and Youtheory.
Byrdie
In the world of adaptogens and stress-helping supplements, ashwagandha is one of the most talked-about. “Ashwagandha has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties,” says Kelsey Lorencz, a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and owner of Graciously Nourished. “As an adaptogen, it has the ability to help our bodies better respond to stress.” She explains that, unlike other adaptogens, ashwagandha is more sedative. “While it can help your body respond to chronic and oxidative stress, it can also help with tension and nerves,” she says.
We asked nutrition experts from all over the world to weigh in on the best ashwagandha supplements, including Lorencz, Kimberly Snyder, a three-time New York Times best-selling author and a plant-based celebrity nutritionist, and Faatimah Bah, a dietitian in Saudi Arabia. We also evaluated each formula on active ingredients, type, dosage, and benefits targeted. After considering dozens of formulations, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Top Picks
Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha at Amazon$10$7
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Himalaya Ashwagandha Capsules at Amazon$20
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YouTheory Ashwagandha at Amazon$17
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Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager at Amazon$69
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Organic India Ashwagandha at Amazon$27
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Nature Made Calm & Relax at Amazon$40
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Thorne Memoractiv at Amazon$68
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Nootropics Depot Ashwagandha Extract Powder at Amazon
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Moon Juice Stress Management Supplement at Amazon$49
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Maharishi Ayurveda Worry Free Calm Remedy at Mapi.com
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Best Overall
Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha
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Gluten-free
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Vegetarian
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Non-GMO
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Should not be used by those on thyroid medication
Type: Capsule | Key Ingredients: Sensoril ashwagandha extract | Age Range: Adult | Dosage: 1 capsule | Certified: cGMP-certified by NSF International, non-GMO
Ready, set…reduce your stress levels! The supplement contains Sensoril ashwagandha extract, which is made from ashwagandha’s root and leaf. It contains both the root and leaf, and 10% withanolide, so it’s very potent. Reviewers noted how quickly it took effect, with many feeling a decrease in stress within a couple of days. They also loved that it improved their quality of sleep.
Best Budget
Himalaya Ashwagandha Capsules
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Affordable
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Dairy-free
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Vegan
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Reviewers note they don’t taste good
Type: Capsule | Key Ingredients: Organic ashwagandha powder, organic ashwagandha extract, organic ashwagandha supercritical C02 extract | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 capsule | Certified: USDA organic, non-GMO, GMP
“This scientifically proven formula is made with 100% pure extracts of ashwagandha,” says Bah. “The ashwagandha content per capsule is 670 milligrams, and much of this is at a higher concentration than a standard supplement.” And, at less than 50 cents per capsule, they’re relatively budget-friendly.
Best Drugstore
YouTheory Ashwagandha
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Gluten-free
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Dairy-free
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Manufacturing facility also processes fish extracts
Type: Capsule | Key Ingredients: Organic ashwagandha root extract, organic ashwagandha root powder, and ginger root extract | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 capsules | Certified: Non-GMO
Many ashwagandha supplements sell online, but here’s one you may be able to find in your local drugstore—our favorite spot for scoring some of our favorite health and beauty products at a reasonable price. We think that this ashwagandha supplement is great because it contains KSM-66, which is an organic, full-spectrum ashwagandha extract that is sourced from the root. Plus, it comes in easy-to-take vegetarian capsules, and it is also dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free.
Best for Sleep
Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager
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Can improve sleep quality
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Vegan
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Can support adrenal health
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Reviewers note receiving less tablets than advertised
Type: Tablet | Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnolia bark extract, phosphatidylserine | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 1 tablets | Certified: Vegan, NSF, Emerson Quality Program, GMP
Ashwagandha combats stress, which is often a major underlying cause of many sleep disorders such as insomnia. That’s why you’ll also find that some ashwagandha supplements are formulated specifically to help with sleep, like this one. It also contains other nutrients, like L-theanine and phosphatidylserine from soy lecithin, needed to restore proper sleep-wake cycles and to help improve both sleep quality and quantity.
Best Organic
Organic India Ashwagandha
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Grown sustainably
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Gluten-free
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Supports healthy energy levels
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Reviewers note it made them feel groggy in mornings when taken before sleep
Type: Capsule | Key Ingredients: Organic ashwagandha root | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 capsules | Certified: USDA organic, non-GMO, B corporation, halal
If you’re wanting to purchase an organic product, look no further than this pick. “This supplement contains a huge percentage of the root extract,” says Bah, so not only does it help to reduce stress and anxiety, but it’s also shown to increase energy and stamina. What’s more, it’s made using sustainable Fair Trade practices. Bah adds, “The ashwagandha is grown sustainably, using regenerative agriculture, which is a plus if you care about the environment.”
Best for Stress
Nature Made Calm & Relax
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Vegetarian
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Gluten-free
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No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
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Doesn’t seem to be widely available
Type: Capsule | Key Ingredients: Magnesium oxide and Sensoril ashwagandha | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 capsules | Certified: Gluten-free
This product is designed to promote relaxation, as it contains 125 milligrams of ashwagandha and 300 milligrams of magnesium. As magnesium is also known for its calming properties, pairing it with ashwagandha is a win-win. We can honestly say this was our go-to supplement for stressful work days. Another nice benefit? This supplement can also be chewed if you’re not keen on swallowing tablets.
Best for Brain Health
Thorne Memoractiv
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Supports brain health
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Gluten-free
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Reduces brain fog
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Contains caffeine
Type: Capsule | Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, acetyl-L carnitine, ginkgo phytosome, bacopa extract, pterostilbene, caffeine, lutein, zeaxanthin isomers | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 capsules | Certified: cGMP certification from NSF International
Thorne Memoractiv formula is all about fighting brain fog, improving focus, and balancing stress. The first ingredient in this supplement, which is designed to support brain health, is ashwagandha. Just note that the ingredient ginkgo is a blood thinner, so discuss it with your doctor before taking this supplement.
Best Splurge
Nootropics Depot Ashwagandha Extract Powder
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Lab analysis
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Contains highest concentration of withanolide available
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Not suitable for anyone pregnant or nursing
Type: Powder | Key Ingredients: Shoden ashwagandha | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 120 milligrams
Per the supplement’s product page, Shoden is a clinically tested, purified extract of ashwagandha that’s made from carefully selected roots and leaves. At $40 for 30 grams, the powder is a bit of a splurge, but we vote that it’s worth it thanks to the product’s high levels of withanolides—a property within the plant that supports pain management and promotes feelings of restfulness.
Best for Energy
Moon Juice Stress Management Supplement
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Improves energy, mood, and focus
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Reduces high cortisol levels
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Sustainably sourced ingredients
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Capsules are large
Type: Capsule | Key Ingredients: Organic ashwagandha root and leaf extract, shatavari root extract, organic amla fruit extract, rhodiola root extract | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 capsules | Certified: Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan
Moon Juice is well-known for their adaptogen supplements and skincare, and this ashwagandha supplement is one of their best-selling products. It contains a combination of ingredients that work together to combat stress for increased energy and focus, including rhodiola, amla fruit, and shatavari. Reviewers noted that they felt more relaxed and alert throughout the day, and that they noticed results pretty quickly after use.
Best for Anxiety
Maharishi Ayurveda Worry Free Calm Remedy
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Relieves tension
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Promotes deep sleep
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Balances emotions
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Not certified organic
Type: Tablet | Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, jatamansi, licorice root, gotu kola, dwarf morning glory | Age Range: 10+ | Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice daily | Certified: ISO, non-GMO
Maharishi Ayurveda is considered one of the oldest Ayurvedic product companies in the States, being founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (who popularized transcendental meditation worldwide). All of their products are sustainably sourced by experts in India with formulas that date back thousands of years. This supplement is a great choice for those who have anxiety or deal with persistent worrying, as the blend caters to easing stress and calming the mind.
What to Look for in an Ashwagandha Supplement
- Certified Organic: When it comes to choosing an ashwagandha supplement, Snyder says that first and foremost, you want to make sure it has the USDA organic stamp. Brands can pretty freely include the words “natural” and “organic” on product packaging regardless of whether or not the formulas are fully organic, but the USDA stamp should ensure that the supplement is made from at least 95% organic ingredients.
- Whole Herb Formulas: Snyder also recommends looking for supplements that contain whole herbs rather than herb extractions. This way, you can ensure you receive the maximum amount of benefits from the plant.
- Properly Grown and Sourced: Where and how ashwagandha is grown will affect how efficacious it will be. “While ashwagandha can grow all around the world, traditionally black soil is considered the most ideal condition for this plant, which is where nature can concentrate its active compounds,” says Snyder. “One such place is the Nagori region of central India, where the high altitude, black soil, and limited rain and fertilizer allow the plant to flourish to its fullest potential.”
In addition to being grown in black soil, Snyder stresses the importance of going with a brand that understands that harvesting time is to be respected. “The fruits of the ashwagandha plant should be mature but not dried out, which is when the active principles are the highest.”
Of course, not all of this information may be listed on a product label, so be sure to do your research or reach out to a brand directly before making a purchase.
Byrdie Tip
Note that when using these products, or any type of supplement, it’s important to consult your doctor for proper dosing information, especially if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
Meet Our Experts
Team Byrdie worked with several experts to determine the best ashwagandha supplements, including:
- Kelsey Lorencz, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the owner of Graciously Nourished.
- Kimberly Snyder, a three-time New York Times best-selling author, a plant-based celebrity nutritionist, holistic wellness expert, and the founder of Solluna by Kimberly Snyder.
- Faatimah Bah, a dietitian in Saudi Arabia.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Amy Gorin, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She specializes in plant-based nutrition and is one of the most recognized nutrition experts in America.
Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best weekender bags.
Shannon Stubbs
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