Ashwagandha is a punchy little herbal remedy for stress, low immunity, and general wellbeing – as you’ll learn in this article. James Dixon’s extensive research and experience also shows you how different supplements offer it, and most importantly the best ashwagandha supplements available.
Ashwagandha, an ancient herb known for its remarkable adaptogenic properties, has gained significant popularity in recent years as a natural remedy to combat stress, boost energy, and promote overall wellbeing. It’s one of my personal favorite supplement ingredients – it’s incredibly rare that I’m not on it in one form or another.
And we’re a bit spoilt for choice – there are plenty of good options to choose from if you want a decent ashwagandha supplement. So I’ve done a bit of legwork, putting together some of my personal favorites for you.
Ashwagandha Supplement: Top Pick
I would push anyone to try Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha. It’s an incredibly good, affordable ashwagandha form that very ably keeps your wallet happy without scrimping on quality. With its standardized extract and positive clinical trial results, it is very, very reliable – it should work wonders in promoting relaxation and overall wellbeing.
The reasonable price point makes it accessible for those on a budget, and the convenient capsule form ensures easy incorporation into a daily routine. For those looking for the benefits of ashwagandha without compromising on quality or breaking the bank, Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha is my top choice.
Our top 4 Ashwagandha Supplements
Let’s take a look at the best 4 ashwagandha supplements that made our shortlist…
Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha
Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha is a powerful and straightforward supplement that stands out from all of its competitors. I give it the top spot in this list quite happily.
With 125mg of standardized Sensoril® per serving, this formulation ensures maximum potency and effectiveness. Sensoril® Ashwagandha, a specialized form of ashwagandha, has been chosen for its potent ability to support healthy cortisol levels and stress response.
The active components in Sensoril® include 32% oligosaccharides and 10% withanolide glycoside conjugates, both of which have been carefully selected to provide the best results possible. It contains the optimal level of withanolides, the active compounds in ashwagandha and exactly what we’re looking for, here.
Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha gives you quite a focused approach. Unlike many similar supplements, it doesn’t contain any additional active ingredients. This purity allows users to experience the full potential of ashwagandha without any interference from other compounds. It should help you to fully realize what the ashwagandha is doing for you.
This simplicity also has a couple of added benefits. Firstly, the dosage instructions couldn’t be simpler or easier. With just one small capsule per serving, taken once daily, it seems like convenience incarnate. It should slip into your routine very easily.
Secondly, this simplicity keeps costs down. Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha one of the most affordably priced ashwagandha supplements on the market – all this despite its high quality and potent formulation.
This combination of effectiveness and affordability makes Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha an excellent choice for those seeking the benefits of ashwagandha without breaking the bank. I can’t think of anything more I would want from a supplement.
Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager
Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager is a highly targeted supplement – where ashwagandha supplements in general are there to give all the benefits to be gained from taking the herb, this one is aimed squarely at promoting healthy cortisol balance and supporting a balanced stress response.
Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, plays a significant role in how effectively our bodies cope with stress. Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager’s distinctive blend of Sensoril® Ashwagandha and l-theanine has been carefully formulated to optimize cortisol levels, giving you everything you need to better – and more healthily – deal with stress and anxiety.
One of the key features of Cortisol Manager is its focus on promoting relaxation to facilitate restful sleep. This supplement acts as a support system, allowing you to unwind and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. By taking Cortisol Manager regularly, you may experience improved sleep quality, waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I’ve always found this with ashwagandha more generally – a targeted formula like this will likely ramp up this benefit a fair amount.
Integrative Therapeutics has struck a good balance with this formulation, positioning it as a more stripped-down version compared to similar products on the market. While still containing the essential ingredients you would want from this kind of supplement, it’s a refined formula, here to ensure optimal effectiveness without unnecessary additives or frills.
As with Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha, this gives you some very immediate, practical advantages.
For example, dosing is easy, at just one tablet per day, to be taken at bedtime. However, in times of heightened stress, you’re invited to increase your intake to two tablets. This flexibility means that you can adjust the dosage as needed, tailoring the supplement to your individual stress levels and circumstances.
It’s also pretty reasonably priced, meaning greater accessibility for more people, and all the benefits inherent to a very good ashwagandha supplement without having to stress about cash.
The proprietary blend of Sensoril® Ashwagandha and l-theanine is the cornerstone of this product. We have already seen Sensoril at work. Pair this with L-theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea, and you get something special – it very ably complements the ashwagandha by promoting relaxation and a calm mental state.
Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager is backed by a strong reputation among healthcare practitioners, further solidifying its status as a trusted and reliable choice. Many dietetics professionals have recommended this supplement to their clients, attesting to its effectiveness in promoting balanced cortisol levels and overall stress management.
By incorporating Cortisol Manager into your daily routine, you can potentially experience the benefits of optimized cortisol levels and a healthier stress response. This can lead to improved wellbeing, reduced feelings of being overwhelmed, and increased resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Nature Made Calm & Relax
I like to give you a few different offerings – not just different products, but products with different goals and philosophies behind them. So far, we’ve had a pure enough ashwagandha and one coupled with l-theanine for cortisol control. Now we turn our attention to Nature Made Calm & Relax.
Nature Made Calm & Relax is a unique 2-in-1 supplement that aims to really zero in on helping you to achieve a state of calm. Its formula couples ashwagandha – once more as Sensoril® – with magnesium.
Magnesium is a crucial mineral involved in a range of bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and the synthesis of protein and DNA. One of its most notable benefits is its ability to promote relaxation and calmness.
Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of neurons and fosters relaxation. It also helps to regulate the production of cortisol, the stress hormone that contributes to feelings of anxiety and tension.
Insufficient levels of magnesium have been linked to higher levels of stress and anxiety. Therefore, supplementing with magnesium may help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote overall relaxation and wellbeing.
When taken together, magnesium and ashwagandha can work synergistically to enhance their individual relaxation-promoting benefits. One study found that combining ashwagandha and magnesium supplementation resulted in significant reductions in stress and anxiety, with a 44% reduction in perceived stress and a 42% reduction in anxiety. Moreover, the combination of ashwagandha and magnesium has been shown to improve sleep quality and support cognitive function.
The capsule form of Nature Made Calm & Relax is also worth noting, as it caters to vegetarian consumers who may prefer to avoid gelatine-based capsules – I include myself, here, and always like to celebrate this kind of thoughtfulness. The brand is considerate of diverse dietary preferences and ensures that their product can be enjoyed by a wider range of users.
Simply take two capsules once daily for a convenient and hassle-free way to bring yourself into a state of relaxation.
Emergen-C Vitamin C Ashwagandha Drink Mix Powder
That’s three capsule-based ashwagandha supplements under our belt. Let’s look again for something a little different, with a drink mix powder. Specifically, Emergen-C Vitamin C Ashwagandha Drink Mix Powder.
Emergen-C Vitamin C Ashwagandha Drink Mix is a convenient powdered formulation of ashwagandha and vitamin C that provides an easy and delicious way to support your health and wellbeing. Though I personally always prefer my supplements in capsule form, powders – and drinks – absolutely have their place. Not least as they are perfect for those who prefer to take their supplements in a drink form, rather than swallowing pills.
Dosing is also a little easier, as you can perfectly tailor the amount you take without having to rely on integers based on capsule dose.
Emergen-C Vitamin C Ashwagandha Drink Mix Powder is a unique and potent supplement that offers a combination of ashwagandha and vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a significant role in supporting the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that help fight off infections and bacteria.
As a large part of ashwagandha’s role is to enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms against various stressors, including physical, emotional, and environmental stress, this is actually a really nice synergy.
You also get a range of really beneficial antioxidants like zinc and manganese in the formula. This all helps to enhance immune function by preventing cellular damage from free radicals that are generated in response to stress and other environmental factors.
In addition, the seven B vitamins present in Emergen-C Vitamin C Ashwagandha Drink Mix Powder support electrolyte balance and help maintain energy levels throughout the day.
This is a good one for anybody worried about immune health and function, then. It doesn’t specifically go after stress and anxiety – though it will undoubtedly help here. Rather, you should see your immune health leap when taking it, keeping you healthy and well, no matter what life throws at you.
The convenient single-serve packets contain an optimal dosing of 250mg of vitamin C, along with these other beneficial ingredients. Simply mix the powder with water, juice, or smoothies to enjoy a delicious and efficacious drink.
While the berry flavor tastes great, it’s worth noting that at 6 grams of sugar per packet, this product may not be the healthiest option – I personally wouldn’t like to be taking in that much added, pure sugar each and every day.
However, the benefits to be gained from taking Emergen-C Vitamin C Ashwagandha Drink Mix Powder, including the beneficial combination of ingredients, and the fact that it is gluten-free and vegan, may still make it a worthwhile choice.
Verdict
We’ve got some great offerings here, each giving us something a little different.
However, for simplicity, purity, quality, and price, I would go with Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha. It truly is a top-quality supplement that harnesses the power of ashwagandha to promote relaxation and overall wellbeing in a way that I have personally benefitted from for years now.
It particularly stands out among the competition for its use of a standardized extract of ashwagandha that contains the optimal level of withanolides, ashwagandha’s active compounds.
One of the most appealing aspects of Life Extension Optimized Ashwagandha is its reasonable price point. At just under $10 per bottle for a 60-day supply, this supplement falls on the lower end of the price range compared to most other ashwagandha supplements out there. In fact, it’s a bit of a steal – a very affordable option for anybody wanting to make the most of this potent little adaptogen.
It’s cheap, effective, and incredibly high quality. It’s rare to see such elegance paired with such potency (and availability). I really do like it.
My experience with ashwagandha
As I use ashwagandha quite extensively, I didn’t have to do too much research for this piece, as honestly, I’ve tried most of the big hitters out there over the years. And there is a good reason – or, rather, there are a few good reasons – why I’ve stuck with it so faithfully.
I turned to ashwagandha to alleviate symptoms of what can often be chronic stress and anxiety. It didn’t disappoint.
Its adaptogenic properties helped my body cope better with stress, promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing my anxiety levels. I also enjoyed better sleep quality, waking up feeling rejuvenated and energized, which is something that I don’t generally experience without a bit of clever supplementation.
What’s more, ashwagandha improved my cognitive function, keeping me sharp and focused throughout the day. I noticed improved memory and attention, resulting in increased productivity and overall satisfaction with my daily routine.
I am also a big fan of nootropics, and typically use them in conjunction with ashwagandha. Obviously, a lot of this cognitive boost will come from them. However, I’m used to nootropics, so I can spot when something else is working in concert with them – ashwagandha gave me a bit of an edge, above and beyond what I would expect from a good nootropic.
Ashwagandha is also thought to positively impact your physical wellbeing. I think it has increased my energy and vitality, which helped to combat any fatigue… I think. Plenty of people have certainly experienced the same. However, my whole lifestyle is geared towards optimizing energy and vitality, so I’m not sure how much of an effect I get from ashwagandha here. It won’t hurt, but I can’t say for sure that it helps all that much.
The immune-boosting properties of ashwagandha have also always appealed to me. Before I got into supplementation, I used to feel run down all the time. I now take plenty of things – including my own homemade ginger shots – to overcome this. As a result, I rarely get ill these days – even when my toddler sneezes directly into my face!
Again, I’m not sure how much ashwagandha underpins this – there is plenty in my diet and lifestyle that should contribute to my immune health. Again, though, it is known to help, so I wouldn’t bet against it.
I love ashwagandha. It keeps my mental wellbeing in check, mitigating the effects of stress, anxiety, and fatigue, whilst likely also keeping my cognitive health and healthy functioning where I want it, boosting my immune health, and keeping inflammation at bay. I cannot recommend it enough.
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (also known as withania somnifera, winter cherry or Indian ginseng) is a pretty humble herb. However, it has quite an illustrious history – it has centuries’ of use under its belt in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian system of medicine. It’s native to India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa, where it grows as a small shrub around 2-5 feet tall.
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, and pain. It is believed to have adaptogenic properties, meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress and other external factors. This is a large part of what I use it for – little helps to lower my stress and anxiety levels like regular ashwagandha consumption.
The herb is also thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage – in part because of this, some of the academic literature surrounding it has suggested that ashwagandha may have potential benefits for conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cognitive function.
You can get ashwagandha in a few different ways, including powders, tinctures, and capsules – capsules being my preferred option. It can be taken alone or in combination with other herbs and supplements – I typically use it as part of a broader testosterone boosting formula, though I’ve also had great results from taking it on its own in the past.
While ashwagandha is generally considered safe, it may interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone. It is always a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement or medication, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or are taking any medications.
FAQs
Q: What is an adaptogen?
An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress and promotes overall wellbeing.
Q: How do you take ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and teas. The recommended dosage will depend on the specific product and your individual needs. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Q: Are there any side effects of ashwagandha use?
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe to use. However, for some people it may cause mild side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. It may also interact with certain medications, so it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha if you are currently taking any medications.
Q: Is ashwagandha safe during pregnancy?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid ashwagandha because there is not enough evidence to determine its safety in these populations.
Q: Is ashwagandha safe for children?
Ashwagandha is not recommended for children under 18 years of age. Again, there is not enough evidence to determine its safety in these populations.
Q: How long does it take for ashwagandha to work?
The effects of ashwagandha may vary depending on the individual and the dosage used. You may notice the benefits of ashwagandha in just a few days, or it may take several weeks to experience its full effects. So long as you’re not suffering side effects, the key is to take ashwagandha consistently to achieve best results. A sprinkle of patience always serves a good supplement well!
James Dixon is one of the key players in the SOMA Analytics’ team. He is a personal trainer and is educated to Masters level in Philosophy. He is a published author and is a keen advocate of high quality nootropic supplements.
James enjoys helping others to reach their peak both physically and mentally and believes that expressing his knowledge through his writing is an effective way to positively impact the wellbeing of others on a larger scale.