For centuries, ashwagandha has been used in Eastern medicine to treat a variety of conditions. More recently, it has made it into the Western world. The plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers, also referred to as “Indian Ginseng” or “Indian Winter Cherry”, and it is native to Southeast Asia and India. People use extracts from the roots or leaves of the plant to treat conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Fertility issues
- Insomnia
- Blood sugar
Of course, that’s not all. There is so much more that ashwagandha can do for you- we just don’t have time to get into all of it here. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the benefits of ashwagandha, and also review what we feel are the top 20 best ashwagandha pills on the market today. There are so many, it can be hard to choose unless you have the time to do all the research. That is why we’ve done it for you.
Ashwagandha is one of the most essential herbs in ayurvedic medicine. This is a traditional type of alternative medicine based on principles of natural healing. In Western medicine, the first line of treatment is often medications. However, in the Eastern world, they focus on more natural alternatives for healing.
For thousands of years, people have used ashwagandha to relieve stress, improve concentration, and increase energy, along with many other conditions. The word “ashwagandha” is a Sanskrit word, meaning “smell of the horse”. This refers to the scent of the herb, as well as it’s purported ability to improve strength.
Effective Dosages for Ashwagandha
As we have stated, ashwagandha is used to treat a variety of conditions. Some of the most common are:
- Reduce stress/anxiety
- Lower blood sugar
- Improve fertility
- Enhance muscle growth/strength
- Decrease inflammation/boost immunity
- Improve memory
Below, we’re going to discuss the effective dosages to achieve these benefits.
Reduce Stress/Anxiety
One of the things that ashwagandha is most commonly used for is to relieve stress and anxiety.
When you are under stress, your body produces a hormone known as cortisol. According to research, ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels, which relieves stress and anxiety. The most effective dosage of ashwagandha is 125 milligrams to 5 grams for a period of 1 to 3 months. Studies show that this dosage for this time lowers cortisol by 11% to 32%.
Additionally, 500 to 600 milligrams of ashwagandha daily for a period of 6 to 12 weeks is likely to decrease anxiety and risk of insomnia in those with stress and anxiety disorders.
The bottom line is that ashwagandha seems to be effective for decreasing stress and anxiety with dosages of 500 to 600 milligrams per day for a period of at least one month.
Decrease Blood Sugar
Another common health issue that ashwagandha has been used for is to lower blood sugar levels in healthy people and those with diabetes.
In fact, one small study of 25 people showed that, over a period of 4 weeks, ashwagandha decreased fasting blood sugar levels 3x more than a placebo. Another study specifically looked at individuals with type 2 diabetes. They were given an ashwagandha supplement for one month. It was found that ashwagandha was just as effective as oral diabetes medications.
The dosages in these studies ranged between 250 milligrams to 3 grams and were typically divided into 2 to 3 equal doses throughout the day.
The bottom line is that ashwagandha seems to be effective for lowering high blood sugar levels. The benefits seem to start with a dosage of 250 milligrams per day.
Improve Fertility
There is some research indicating that perhaps ashwagandha is effective for improving fertility and promoting reproductive health, especially in men. One study looked at 75 men who were experiencing infertility and, over a 3-month period, a dosage of 5 grams of ashwagandha per day improved sperm motility and count.
Another study looked at men who were highly stressed and found that 5 grams of ashwagandha per day improved the quality of sperm. Additionally, by the end of the 3-month period, 14% of their partners were pregnant.
A few other studies offered comparable results with similar dosages.
The bottom line is that a dosage of 5 grams of ashwagandha per day may improve male fertility in as little as three months.
Enhance Muscle Growth/Strength
There is some research indicating that ashwagandha may also enhance muscle mass and improve strength.
In one study, over a period of 8 weeks, men were given 500 milligrams of ashwagandha per day. Their muscular power was increased by 1%, but there was zero improvement in the group that was given a placebo.
Another 8-week study gave men 600 milligrams of ashwagandha per day. This resulted in a 1.5 to 1.7 increase in strength and 1.6 to 2.3 times larger muscle size compared to a placebo.
Similar effects were observed in other studies with dosages of 750 to 1,250 milligrams of ashwagandha per day for a period of 30 days.
The bottom line is that research indicates a daily dose of 500 milligrams or more of ashwagandha may offer small increases in strength and muscle mass in 8 weeks. Most of the research has been focused on men, but there is some indication that women may observe the same benefits.
Decrease Inflammation/Boost Immunity
There is some research suggesting that ashwagandha may help decrease inflammation and give your immune system a boost.
Research indicates that 12 milliliters of ashwagandha root extract daily may increase immune cells, which can help fight off infection. Additionally, a daily dose of 250 to 500 milligrams of ashwagandha over a period of 60 days may lower C-reactive protein levels, which are an indicator of inflammation, by 30%.
The bottom line is that ashwagandha supplementation may help to lower inflammation and fight off infection. Research indicates that supplements need to contain at least 12 milliliters of ashwagandha extract or 250 milligrams of ashwagandha in order to be the most effective.
Improve Memory
Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used in ayurvedic medicine to improve memory- and there does seem to be some science behind this.
For example, participants in one small study were given 300 milligrams of ashwagandha twice daily for a period of 8 weeks. Results indicated an improvement in general memory, task performance, and attention. Those who took the placebo saw little to no improvement.
Additional research indicated that men who were given 500 milligrams of ashwagandha every day for a period of two weeks had improved reaction times and task performance compared to the placebo group.
However, at this time, human research into this is limited. We need more before we can have a solid conclusion.
The bottom line is that 500 to 600 milligrams of ashwagandha per day may improve memory- but we need more research to be sure.
Top 20 Best Ashwagandha Pills Highlights
| Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|
| XWERKS Ashwa |
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| Oweli Ashwagandha |
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| Simple Life Nutrition Ashwagandha |
|
| Zhou Ashwagandha |
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| Essential Elements Ashwagandha |
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| Nuzena Ashwagandha Pure + |
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| Prime Male |
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| Performer 8 |
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| TestoPrime |
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| Nutraville Helix-4 |
|
| Ikigai Weight Loss |
|
| Unity |
|
| Over 40 Thyroid Detox Formula |
|
| Slim Leaf |
|
| Sleep Guard Plus |
|
| UpWellness Rest & Recharge |
|
| Vista Clear |
|
| Wejoy Balance |
|
| Amy Myers MD ZenAdapt |
|
| BioTrust Ageless Body |
|
Top 20 Best Ashwagandha Pills Reviews
As you can see, ashwagandha is quite popular and offers a lot of benefits. That being said, there are a lot of options to choose from- it can get complicated. That is why we’ve taken the time to do it for you. We’ve gone through many brands and come up with what we feel are the top 20 best ashwagandha pills on the market today.
There are several categories, including:
- Best Pure Ashwagandha
- Best Ashwagandha for Men
- Best Ashwagandha for Weight
- Best Ashwagandha for Sleep
- Best Ashwagandha for Eyesight
- Best Ashwagandha for Menopause
- Best Ashwagandha for Overall Balance
Best Pure Ashwagandha: XWERKS Ashwa
When it comes to nutritional supplements, XWERKS is one of the most popular companies on the market. Their ashwagandha supplement, Ashwa, is one of the most known and loved on the market today. The ashwagandha in this supplement is supported by more than 5,000 years of use. This high concentration formula promises to combat any stressors that come your way.
That being said, Ashwa by XWERKS is designed for men, as it’s formulated to boost testosterone and improve physical performance. There are a few other ashwagandha supplements that are marketed as testosterone boosters. In addition, the company claims Ashwa can improve sleep, decrease stress, and balance out cortisol levels.
Another great thing about XWERKS Ashwa is that it’s a gummy. Each serving of XWERKS contains 15,000 milligrams of ashwagandha. This supplement is non-GMO, Vegan-friendly, and gluten free. A bottle of this supplement will cost $19.
| Product | Gummies |
|---|---|
| Cost | $19 |
| Serving Size | 2 gummies/daily |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Pure Ashwagandha: Oweli Ashwagandha
Oweli Ashwagandha is formulated to improve mood and relieve stress. According to the company, if you take two capsules of this supplement every day, you can elevate your body’s response to stress, improve sleep quality and quantity, and naturally enhance cognition- along with a variety of other benefits.
A few of the other benefits of Oweli Ashwagandha include: improved body composition, reducing mental and physical stress, improved mood and overall well-being. Of course, that’s not all, but the benefits are too numerous to mention here.
Most importantly, Oweli Ashwagandha has been lab-tested for quality, purity, and potency. Additionally, their standards are the same as the other companies on our list that include zero additives and are non-GMO.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $19.99 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Pure Ashwagandha: Simple Life Nutrition Ashwagandha
When it comes to pure ashwagandha supplements, Simple Life Nutrition Ashwagandha is one of the best. This supplement is one of the most popular, high quality products on the market. It features 1,300 milligrams of ashwagandha per serving to support stress relief, immunity, and cardiovascular health. This is one of the highest doses of ashwagandha available.
According to research, black pepper extract helps to make it easier for your body to absorb the ashwagandha. So, another feature of this product is that it contains 10 milligrams of organic black pepper.
Finally, instead of using the cheap gelatin capsules that many of the supplement companies use, Simple Life Nutrition uses high quality vegan-friendly capsules. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting a product that is not only good quality but fits in with the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Taking this supplement on a daily basis has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and support overall thyroid and adrenal health.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $17.99 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/daily |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Pure Ashwagandha: Zhou Ashwagandha
Zhou Ashwagandha is a concentrated adaptogen formulated to soothe infrequent mental and physical stress. This supplement costs $14.96 per bottle, making it one of the most budget friendly options on our list. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, which equals 30 servings, that provide a variety of benefits including supporting normal blood sugar levels, heart health, and restful sleep, along with several others.
Each serving of this supplement contains 1,200 milligrams of ashwagandha, which means it’s among the strongest dosages on the market. In addition, this supplement contains 5 milligrams of black pepper extract to improve absorption, as well as 250 milligrams of Zhou’s proprietary blend that includes holy basil, Rhodiola root extract, Schisandra berry extract, and more to strengthen the benefits of this supplement.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $14.96 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Pure Ashwagandha: Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha
Out of all of the ashwagandha supplements on our list, Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha offers the highest dosage. This supplement features 1,950 milligrams of ashwagandha, as well as 15 milligrams of black pepper extract to improve absorption.
According to the company, by taking 3 capsules each day, you can experience a variety of benefits, including relief from stress and anxiety, boost concentration and clarity, and improve mood and energy levels. Plus, this formula is non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and shellfish-free.
It’s also important to note that Essential Elements Organic Ashwagandha is budget friendly, costing $19.95 per bottle. If you purchase in bulk or if you subscribe to have it delivered on a consistent schedule from the company, you can save a little bit of money.
If you want a highly potent ashwagandha supplement that is easily absorbed by your body, this should definitely be something you consider.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $19.95 |
| Serving Size | 3 capsules/daily |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Pure Ashwagandha: Nuzena Ashwagandha Pure +
Nuzena is a nutritional supplement company based in Delaware. They are known in the industry for manufacturing a wide variety of supplements that help you meet your health and wellness goals.
Nuzena Ashwagandha Pure + is made with pure, natural ingredients in an FDA approved facility that follows GMP guidelines. This formula is suitable for both men and women and naturally improves mood, regulates thyroid issues, and reduces anxiety, along with an array of other exceptional benefits.
This supplement is a bit higher than some of the others on the list, but it’s definitely not the highest. Each bottle of Nuzena Ashwagandha Pure + will cost you $35. However, it is among the higher dosage formulas, with 1,300 milligrams of ashwagandha and 10 milligrams of black pepper extract.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $35 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Men: Prime Male
Prime Male is one of three ashwagandha supplements on our list that is specifically formulated for men that want to improve their testosterone levels. According to the company, you can see an improvement in testosterone levels and libido, build lean muscle mass, and boost energy levels.
According to research, when you are under stress, your body produces cortisol. This cortisol hampers the natural production of testosterone. However, ashwagandha has been shown to interfere with the production of cortisol, which means the body is able to produce more testosterone.
Each dose of this supplement contains 300 milligrams of ashwagandha, along with 12 other vitamins and minerals that improve energy, facilitate weight loss, support healthy skin condition, boost testosterone levels, and so much more.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $69 |
| Serving Size | 4 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Men: Performer 8
The second ashwagandha supplement on our list that is specifically formulated for men is Performer 8. According to the company, this is an all-natural male enhancement system for men who want to improve their performance in the bedroom. Men who take this supplement experience an increase in libido, sexual energy, and stamina, along with a variety of other benefits.
This supplement contains a combination of 500 milligrams of KSM-66 ashwagandha per dose, along with ginseng, grape seed extract, iron, maca root, and so much more. One of the reasons we love this supplement so much is because they offer a lifetime guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied, contact them and they will refund your money.
This non-GMO, soy-free supplement is natural, safe, and proven effective for men of all ages.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $64.99 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
|
Best Ashwagandha for Men: TestoPrime
Finally, TestoPrime is our third ashwagandha supplement that is formulated specifically to boost testosterone levels in men. According to the website, by taking 4 capsules of this supplement per day, you can naturally increase testosterone levels.
Often, when people consider the benefits of ashwagandha, the first thing that comes to mind is stress and anxiety relief- not testosterone production. That being said, stress and anxiety can actually inhibit testosterone production. If you can soothe those things, your body can get back to producing testosterone like it’s supposed to.
According to the website, TestoPrime can increase physical and mental energy, even after a long day at work. Additionally, this supplement can boost motivation by improving confidence and mood. TestoPrime offers a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied at any time, they will be happy to refund you.
TestoPrime contains 668 milligrams of ashwagandha per dose, along with 6.68 milligrams of black pepper extract and a variety of other ingredients that support male health and vitality.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $64.99 |
| Serving Size | 4 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Weight: Nutraville Helix-4
Helix-4 by Nutraville is formulated to facilitate weight loss and help you feel better. The company claims that this supplement blocks the absorption of fat and calories, which will keep you from gaining weight. Plus, it curbs cravings, improves your mood, and increases energy levels.
According to their website, Nutraville Helix-4 is one of the most effective supplements on the market to support your weight loss efforts. It is a 100% natural, non-GMO, vegetarian and vegan-friendly, and stimulant-free supplement.
In addition to 300 milligrams of ashwagandha, this supplement contains 75 milligrams of passionflower, 300 milligrams of cissus quadrangularis extract, and 100 milligrams of lemon balm to facilitate weight loss efforts.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $49 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best for Weight Loss: Ikigai Weight Loss
Ikigai Weight Loss is an all-in-one formula that contains ashwagandha, along with a variety of other ingredients. It was created by Dr. Hiroyuki Ichikawa, who is said to have helped more than 150,000 people in 27 countries achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall health.
This company claims that this supplement facilitates real, lasting weight loss, as well as decreasing cortisol, managing stress, and boosts metabolism, with ashwagandha, chamomile, Rhodiola, and more.
Simply take 1 capsule per day of this supplement to enjoy all of the benefits it has to offer.
| Product | Capsule |
|---|---|
| Cost | $99 |
| Serving Size | 1 capsule/day |
| Servings per container | 180 |
| Highlights |
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Best for Weight Loss: Unity
Unity is a weight loss supplement containing ashwagandha, along with several other ingredients that help you burn fat and regenerate your body. According to the website, each dose improves vitality and energy, supports health, facilitates weight loss and so much more.
This company offers a 60-day money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the results, simply contact them and they will be happy to walk you through the process.
As mentioned, ashwagandha isn’t the only active ingredient in this supplement. There is also B12, L-tyrosine, schisandra fruit extract, minerals, and more. This supplement is made in the USA in an FDA approved facility. Each dose contains 1,000 milligrams of their proprietary blend.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $69 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 180 |
| Highlights |
|
Best for Weight Loss: Over 40 Thyroid Detox Formula
Over 40 Thyroid Detox formula is a weight loss supplement formulated and marketed to men and women over the age of 40 who are struggling with weight loss. Each capsule contains plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, & herbs to help.
There are eight active ingredients in this supplement: ashwagandha, schizandra, kelp, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B12, copper, cayenne, and molybdenum. Their website claims that Over 40 Thyroid Detox Formula can help anyone get in the best shape of their lives, no matter what their age.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $59 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Weight Loss: Slim Leaf
In case the name isn’t giving it away, Slim Leaf by Barefoot Origins is formulated to help with weight loss. The company claims that this supplement can help flip that “carb burn switch” and quickly melt away the extra weight.
By taking Slim Leaf every day, you can easily lose weight with 1,230 milligrams of their proprietary blend which includes ashwagandha, holy basil, lemon balm, skullcap, L-theanine, and more. In addition to weight loss, you can enjoy the benefits of getting better quality sleep and managing your stress and anxiety. Plus, you can still enjoy eating your favorite foods and still lose weight while taking this supplement.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $59 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Sleep: Sleep Guard Plus
Over the past few decades, sleep deprivation has become quite common. Sleep Guard Plus promises to fix this by helping you to get good quality sleep. This supplement contains ashwagandha, vitamin B6, L-tryptophan, passionflower and more. When combined, these ingredients help with managing stress and anxiety so you can get the sleep you need to function.
According to the manufacturer, you’re not sleeping because of things like gut bacteria and sugar. After all, your gut is where your health starts. This supplement is FDA approved, 100% natural, non-habit forming, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $69 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Beset Ashwagandha for Sleep: UpWellness Rest & Recharge
UpWellness Rest & Recharge is specifically formulated to promote restful sleep. Millions of people around the world are affected by sleep deprivation. This supplement contains a blend of ingredients including 200 milligrams of ashwagandha, 100 milligrams of 5-HTP, 200 milligrams of magnolia bark, 1 milligram of melatonin, 100 milligrams of L-theanine, and a few others to help fix that.
According to the website, this is a non-drug solution to ensure that you get good, quality sleep- and enough of it. Plus, this supplement is doctor-formulated, so you know it has plenty of research behind it.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $47 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Eyesight: Vista Clear
Vista Clear is the only supplement on our list that specifically targets eyesight. According to the manufacturer, toxins are what is causing your bad vision. This 26-in-1 formula that includes ashwagandha can flush those toxins right out- which will improve your vision.
While this may sound unusual- eyesight isn’t one of the common reasons for using ashwagandha after all- according to the manufacturer, there are some indigenous tribes in Australia that have been using it for centuries to help with their eyesight. Now, you can use that same formula to improve yours.
This is one of the more expensive supplements on the list, but if you have bad eyesight, it might be worth a shot.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $79 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Menopause: Wejoy Balance
Earlier, we mentioned a few ashwagandha supplements specifically targeted to men, now we’ve got one that is specifically targeted to women. Wejoy Balance promises to help regulate the symptoms of menopause including mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, insomnia, and more by targeting two key hormones: cortisol and estrogen.
According to reviews on their website, Wejoy Balance worked within a few days to regulate menopause symptoms. Plus, the relief was long lasting, not short term like with some of the supplements on the market. This company has more than 100,000 happy customers, which means it’s one of the best ashwagandha supplements on the market to help women get through menopause and also offers overall balance.
Wejoy Balance contains 600 milligrams of ashwagandha and 160 milligrams of their proprietary blend.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $49 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Overall Balance: Amy Myers MD ZenAdapt
If you’ve been in and around the nutritional supplement world for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the name Amy Myers MD. This company was founded by a doctor who struggled with chronic symptoms that nearly destroyed her. Then, she took back control when conventional medicine failed her.
There are many supplements offered by this company that can help you naturally target your health issues, including their ashwagandha supplement, ZenAdapt. This supplement is formulated to help balance cortisol and your body’s stress response. It contains a combination of PEA, ashwagandha, saffron extract, and other ingredients that can help calm your nerves.
ZenAdapt is a highly potent, unique formula for overall balance. If balance is what you are looking for, this is the supplement you need.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $39.92 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Best Ashwagandha for Longevity: BioTrust Ageless Body
BioTrust Ageless Body supports healthy aging and longevity with ashwagandha and a variety of other ingredients.
This supplement contains 125 milligrams of ashwagandha, as well as 75 milligrams of glutathione, 250 milligrams turmeric extract, 150 milligrams CoQ10, and 100 milligrams of Vitamin C. all of these together are believed to boost anti-aging effects in your body, which makes it easy to boost longevity.
BioTrust offers a 60-day money back guarantee. Therefore, you’re not really risking anything. If you try it and it doesn’t work for you, contact them for a refund. After all, with this company (and most of the other companies on our list), the customer is always right and customer satisfaction is a priority.
| Product | Capsules |
|---|---|
| Cost | $79 |
| Serving Size | 2 capsules/day |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Highlights |
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Is Ashwagandha Safe?
For most people, ashwagandha is considered safe. That being said, there are a few populations that should not take it, such as:
- Women who are pregnant/breastfeeding
- People with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Individuals taking certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, blood sugar medications, and thyroid medications
It’s important to note that most of the studies have been small, so the information regarding the effectiveness and safety might not be the most accurate. We need more research to confirm what has been seen.
How We Chose the Best Ashwagandha Pills
Every ashwagandha company on the market claims that their pills are the best and contain a strong dose for maximum results. However, this isn’t always true. In order to come up with what we feel are the 20 best ashwagandha pills on the market, we considered the following factors:
Dosage of Ashwagandha
When it comes to dosages, you will find them as low as 25 milligrams and as high as 2,000 milligrams per serving. If you are going to use an ashwagandha supplement, you want one with a strong dosage. This way, you know you can expect it to work.
Quality & Concentration of Ashwagandha
Another factor we considered was the quality and concentration of ashwagandha. One thing to keep in mind is that not all ashwagandha types are created equal. For example, according to industry standards, KSM-66 is the best for bioavailability, purity, and potency. As you will see, many of the ashwagandha pills on our list include this specific type of ashwagandha. Of course, there are some supplements that include 2.5% + ashwagandha for maximum absorption.
Does it live up to its claims?
Unfortunately, since supplements are not regulated by the FDA, many times, companies will make half-true statements and untrue claims. Some of them claim that their products will help you lose 20 pounds in a month, relieve all inflammation overnight, cure heart disease, and more. Be careful with these- instead, choose companies that don’t make outrageous statements.
Manufacturer Reputation, Transparency, and Location
We chose companies that are honest about their location, where they source their ingredients from, and the other aspects of their processing. Some companies have been in business for years and been creating high quality supplements. On the other hand, some are just getting started. We don’t have anything against new companies, but we prefer supplements that have a proven history.
Complementary Ingredients
According to research, ashwagandha offers many benefits by itself. However, it’s even more effective when paired with complementary ingredients. For example, a good ashwagandha will include black pepper extract along with other complementary ingredients to facilitate absorption, increase effects, and make sure the supplement does what it promises.
Price vs. Value
Ashwagandha is not rare, so it should not be overly expensive. However, you will find some that are expensive and only have a small dose of ashwagandha. However, most of the ones on our list are not expensive at all. We did not have any specifications for a particular price point- but we did consider price versus value when we were choosing the top 20 best ashwagandha pills.
Doctor Formulated
You will find that some of the supplement companies have a board of medical personnel to work on their formulations. Others use certified nutritionists, naturopathic physicians, and other professionals to create formulas you can trust.
Black Pepper Extract Included
According to research, your body has a difficult time absorbing ashwagandha alone- but when combined with black pepper extract, bioavailability is increased. Most of the supplements on our list also include black pepper extract (5 to 10 milligrams) for increased absorption.
Refund Policy
A good, reputable ashwagandha supplement company will have a money-back guarantee. After all, if you purchase one and it doesn’t work, you should be able to get your money back so you can find one that does. Most of the supplement companies we chose offer at least a 30 to 60-day money back guarantee. There are some out there that offer a full 365-day return policy.
FAQs about Ashwagandha Supplementation
Of course, there are always questions that arise when you start considering a new supplement- and there should be. You want to make every effort to make sure that you are fully educated before you start taking something. That’s why we’ve gone through some of the most frequently asked questions here:
How should ashwagandha be taken?
Ideally, ashwagandha should be taken on an empty stomach. This way, the herb can hit the system all at once. You won’t have to worry about it processing through food and drinks. If you do experience digestive discomfort, consuming a small snack may help.
Can ashwagandha be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding?
According to the medical experts, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this or any other supplement without clearance from their medical professional. There have been some cases where ashwagandha has been associated with miscarriage. Therefore, if you are already pregnant or you are trying to conceive, you should avoid taking this supplement.
Also, while this supplement has been deemed safe, it’s not clear how it affects infants, so if you are breastfeeding, you might want to stop.
How does ashwagandha work?
Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen. This means that it works in a variety of bodily systems to reduce stress. At this time, there are only a few studies on how it works at the cellular level, so we’re not 100% clear on how exactly it does what it does.
Is there anyone that should not take ashwagandha?
Yes, there are a few populations that should not be taking ashwagandha supplements.
As mentioned, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, should not be taking ashwagandha. At this time, there is not enough information indicating what effects the herb could have on the baby.
In addition, those who have elevated thyroid levels should avoid ashwagandha supplements because it can increase hormone levels even more.
Finally, those with autoimmune system conditions, such as Hashimoto’s, lupus, and others should not be taking this supplement. While it is believed that ashwagandha relieves inflammation, it could actually cause conditions to become worse. If you have these or other autoimmune conditions, be sure to check with a medical professional before taking it.
What are the side effects with ashwagandha?
There are a few mild to moderate side effects associated with ashwagandha, but they are typically well-tolerated. Some of these include: stomach upset, sleepiness, and headaches. That being said, since ashwagandha is fairly new in the Western world, we need more information to understand long-term effects.
How long should you take ashwagandha?
This is really a personal decision. There are some people that take it every day for years and others who only take it every now and then when they need an extra boost. You must determine what it is you hope to achieve by taking it and then take it until that goal is met.
When should ashwagandha be taken?
Again, this is a personal decision. You can take it at any time during the day. The only recommendation is that it be taken on an empty stomach. If you want to benefit from the relaxing properties, you may want to take it in the evening before bed. On the other hand, if you take it in the morning, you increase the absorption because you haven’t had anything to eat yet.
Conclusion
In Eastern ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. This supplement is still a newcomer to the Western world, but it does seem to be gaining popularity. So much that there are companies popping up all the time. This makes it hard to find a good, quality supplement without spending hours doing research. That is why we came up with what we feel are the top 20 best ashwagandha pills on the market today.
Citations
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