Best Ashwagandha Supplements for Stress and Health: Top Expert Recommendations
Ashwagandha is a super herb claimed to boost focus, sleep, and immunity while reducing stress and anxiety. But is it as effective as claimed? Find out in this comprehensive best ashwagandha supplements review.
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Introduction
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, has been used in the traditional Indian system of healing (Ayurvedic medicine) for over 4000 years. It is a powerful adaptogen that can help in the management of stress by regulating the cortisol hormone. This property also promotes mood balance and overall health.
Recently, ashwagandha has gained popularity in all parts of the globe and is used as a supplement to prescribed medications or on its own. Here, we take a closer look at this remarkable herb and its potential benefits.
What Are Ashwagandha Supplements?
Ashwagandha supplements are dietary supplements formulated using ashwagandha extracts. Scientifically, ashwagandha is identified as Withania somnifera and is primarily promoted to improve the body’s adaptability and management of physical and mental stress.
These supplements are available in different forms, including capsules, gummies, and powders that work to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, enhance mood, boost cognitive function, and support athletic performance. And by relaxing the nervous system, ashwagandha is able to foster a calmer state in its users.
Ashwagandha has been shown to help regulate the body’s stress response by lowering cortisol levels. This adaptogenic herb is not only a great tool for reducing stress but also supports sleep, mental clarity, and overall well-being. — Dr. Sarah Thompson, Functional Medicine Expert
Other than stress relief, ashwagandha improves overall health through lipid metabolism and blood sugar regulation, thus elevating immune function and energy levels.
Why Ashwagandha Supplements Are Important
As a versatile herb, ashwagandha offers many health benefits that make it an important supplement in our day-to-day lives. Some of the benefits of ashwagandha supplements are stress relief, better sleep, mental clarity, hormonal balance, and a boost in energy levels.
With work/school and home life balance becoming a never-ending struggle in this fast-paced world, ashwagandha offers a natural solution to managing modern-day stresses while improving overall health and wellness. If that’s not a super herb, then what is?
Benefits of Ashwagandha Supplements
- Stress relief – as an adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha works to lower cortisol, the stress hormone, thereby promoting relaxation and calmness.
- Improved sleep – ashwagandha works as a neurotransmitter modulator that increases the brain’s GABA and histamine receptors, thus enhancing the sleep-inducing effect. Individuals diagnosed with insomnia can benefit immensely from ashwagandha.
- Mental clarity – this herb may enhance cognitive function and reduce anxiety, paving the way to improved mental clarity.
- Hormonal balance – by reducing cortisol levels, ashwagandha impacts other hormones, including testosterone, thyroid hormones, estrogen, and reproductive hormones such as FSH and LH. Therefore, ashwagandha may help improve fertility in men by increasing testosterone levels, while in women, it may alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Enhanced energy levels – ashwagandha helps reduce stress levels and boosts sleep quality, which are required for enhancing energy levels. This, in turn, improves physical stamina and endurance.
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How We Researched and Selected the Best Ashwagandha Supplements
The criteria used for selecting the best ashwagandha supplements include:
- Ingredient quality – supplements that are organic, root-based, and non-GMO were selected. Ashwagandha roots are the main component of this herb, so any product that is not root-based was not listed. Ingredient transparency was another aspect considered, whereby ingredients were tested and verified against their labels.
- Third-party testing for safety – ashwagandha supplements from brands that carry out third-party testing offer products that are free from heavy metals and pesticides. Allergen-free formulations also require third-party testing to ensure there are no traces of food allergens.
- Customer reviews and expert recommendations – customer reviews provide a glimpse of how this product works while expert recommendations further reinforce the effectiveness of the product. The Best Ashwagandha Supplements have both expert recommendations and positive customer reviews.
- Dosage flexibility – ashwagandha products that made it to the list have dosage flexibility, which is the ability to adjust supplement dosages to suit your individual needs. For instance, if a supplement that requires you to take 3 capsules daily has an allowance of taking 1 capsule daily for the first week, then 2 capsules in the next weeks until you’re comfortable with 3 capsules.
Our Top Picks for Best Ashwagandha Supplements
Our Score Breakdown
Effectiveness
Ingredient Quality
Safety & Side Effects
Convenience
Value for Money:
Flawlessbloom Menocil – Best Menopause Support Formula
Flawless Bloom Menocil is a multi-symptom menopause support formula crafted with black cohosh, chasteberry, dong quai, red clover, and wild yam extracts.
In a clinical trial published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine, participants who underwent black cohosh treatment showed significantly more improvement than the control group in terms of psychiatric, physical, sexual, and vasomotor menopausal symptoms.
This menopause supplement targets perimenopause symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes, making it one of the best ashwagandha supplements for women. Its consistent use may help women achieve hormonal balance, menopause relief, and improved quality of life.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- It provides relief for menopausal symptoms
- Helps relieve stress and balance mood swings
- Helps reduce heat sensation frequency and severity
Cons
- Available online only
- Results may vary among users
Our Score Breakdown
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WOWMD Ashwagandha Extra Strength Formula – Best for Overall Health
Ashwagandha Extra Strength Formula by WOWMD is a dietary supplement that aims to support overall health and well-being. It contains organic ashwagandha root enhanced with black pepper for extra absorption.
According to studies in the Pharmaceuticals Journal, ashwagandha has adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, hormone action, sedative, and cardio-protective properties, which may foster overall wellness.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- It promotes relaxation and calmness
- Supports a healthy response to day-to-day fatigue
- Helps users maintain overall resilience and vitality
Cons
- Results may not be as prompt as some users may expect
- Only available on the official website
Our Score Breakdown
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Organic Ashwagandha – Best for Mood Balance
Mary Ruth’s Organic Ashwagandha Root Liquid Extract is a dietary supplement that targets the soothing effect of ashwagandha to calm the nervous system and manage healthy stress levels. It also claims to support your body’s homeostasis.
A fact sheet published by the National Institutes of Health provides that ashwagandha induces sleep as its species name, somnifera, suggests. Derived from a Latin word, somnifera simply means sleep-inducing, which is a property of ashwagandha.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Provides a soothing and calming effect
- It helps maintain healthy stress levels
- Supports homeostasis
Cons
- As a popular product, it goes out of stock fast
- May cause mild side effects such as nausea and diarrhea
Our Score Breakdown
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Nutricost Ashwagandha – Best for Anxiety
Nutricost Ashwagandha Root Capsules is a dietary supplement that offers a hassle-free solution for incorporating ashwagandha into your routine while managing your anxiety. It is claimed to be a high-potency supplement that provides 600 mg of ashwagandha extract with each serving.
According to the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, ashwagandha lowers serum cortisol levels and, as such, all scores on the stress-assessment scale, including anxiety, are significantly reduced.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Helps reduce stress levels and anxiety
- Contains 120 capsules per bottle, which is a 3-month supply
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Results vary from user to user
- There are plenty of counterfeit Nutricost products
Our Score Breakdown
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Nature’s Bounty Ashwagandha – Best Rated for Stress Relief
Nature’s Bounty Ashwagandha gummies offer an easy and tasty way of relieving stress and adding ashwagandha to your daily routine. Two gummies of this supplement contain 300 mg of KSM-66 Ashwagandha®. It features pectin instead of gelatin; thus, it is vegetarian-friendly.
A clinical study published in the Cureus journal investigated the effectiveness of KSM-66 Ashwagandha on stress and anxiety in participants with a baseline perceived stress scale score of >20. The study found that Ashwagandha root aqueous extract was beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha® is a patented form of ashwagandha claimed to be formulated through a process that took 14 years of research and development by Ixoreal Biomed Inc. As such, it is believed to be one of the best ashwagandha extracts on the market.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- KSM-66 Ashwagandha has been researched extensively and proven to be effective
- May provide its adaptogenic properties to users
- Offers convenience in terms of taste and form – mixed berry flavored gummies.
Cons
- May cause mild gastrointestinal issues
- Lacks long-term safety data
How Ashwagandha Works
Ashwagandha mainly works as an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress. It does this by regulating the body’s response to stress and bringing it back into balance. This herb is able to do this by lowering serum cortisol levels, thus influencing hormonal balance. Through this action, ashwagandha is able to influence the endocrine system by reducing anxiety, supporting thyroid function, improving sleep quality, and impacting both physical and mental performance.
Key Ingredients in Ashwagandha Supplementss
- Wild Yam Extract – a clinical trial in the Climacteric journal claims that topical wild yam extract may have little effect on menopausal symptoms and is free of side effects.
- Red Clover Extract – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the Nutrients journal concluded that red clover extract moderately reduced the daily frequency of hot flushes.
- Black Pepper – a review published in the Journal of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that piperine, the key alkaloid in black pepper, assists in cognitive brain function, boosts nutrient absorption, and improves gastrointestinal functionality.
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PRODUCT COMPARISON
Product |
Flawlessbloom Menocil | WOWMD ashwagandha Extra Strength | Organic ashwagandha | Nutricost Ashwagandha | Nature’s Bounty Ashwagandha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating |
5.0/5
|
5.0/5
|
 4.5/5
|
4.0/5
|
4.0/5
|
Price |
$65.60 | $192.00 | $21.95 | $16.97 | $13.99 |
Dosage |
3 capsules | 1 capsule | 15 drops | 1 capsule | 2 gummies |
Key benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
Return Policy |
60-day money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee | Return within 30 days of delivery | 60-day money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee |
Why Trust Flawlessbloom?
Flawlessbloom is an American brand that manufactures supplements with clinically-studied ingredients that are non-GMO, gluten-free, and contain no artificial additives. These products are formulated in an FDA-registered facility that adheres to GMP standards (good manufacturing practices).
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is an herb to be reckoned with. Whether you want to manage your menopausal symptoms, enhance your fertility as a man, or manage daily stresses, this remarkable supplement can do it all. However, to find the best ashwagandha supplements on the market, you need to make careful considerations.
If, for instance, you are looking for the best ashwagandha supplements for men, you will need to look at the key ingredients and go for those that boost testosterone levels. Similarly, if you are searching for the best menopause supplements, focus on ingredients that support hormonal balance and relieve symptoms. Other than ingredients, check out for brand reputation, expert recommendations, customer reviews, and product price. And by doing so, you will get a supplement that fulfills your user needs.
FAQs
Our Top Menopause Choices
Here are our top picks for the most effective Menopause products currently available in the market, as per our assessment.
#1. Menocil®
-
Pros
- Reduces hot flashes and night sweats*
- Helps balance hormones during menopause*
- Supports mood stability and emotional well-being*
- Made with natural ingredients and backed by clinical studies*
-
Cons
- Results may vary depending on individual hormone levels
- May take a few weeks for noticeable effects
- Not suitable for individuals with certain sensitivities to herbal ingredients
Rating Breakdown
- Ingredients
- Effectiveness
- Safety
- Cost
Overall Rating
4.9
#2. Menorescue
-
Pros
- Provides relief from common menopause symptoms like hot flashes*
- Supports hormonal balance and overall well-being*
- Includes herbs known to alleviate mood swings and irritability*
- Aids in improving sleep quality during menopause*
-
Cons
- Best results are seen with consistent use
- Some users may experience mild digestive discomfort initially
- May not be effective for everyone, depending on the severity of symptoms
Rating Breakdown
- Ingredients
- Effectiveness
- Safety
- Cost
Overall Rating
4.8
#3. MenoSoothe
-
Pros
- Helps alleviate hot flashes and night sweats*
- Supports mood stability and emotional well-being*
- Includes natural ingredients like Black Cohosh and Red Clover for menopause relief*
- Promotes overall hormonal balance during menopause*
-
Cons
- Results may take a few weeks to show
- Some users may experience mild digestive discomfort
- May not be effective for severe menopause symptoms
Rating Breakdown
- Ingredients
- Effectiveness
- Safety
- Cost
Overall Rating
4.8
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References
Flawless Bloom has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, academic institutions, governmental agencies, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Read more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial process.
- Efficacy of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L.) in Treating Early Symptoms of Menopause: A Randomized Clinical Trial https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4029542/
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10147008/#:~:text=It%20was%20observed%20that%2072,(wake%20after%20sleep%20onset)
- Ashwagandha: Is it Helpful for Stress, Anxiety, or Sleep? https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
- A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3573577/
- Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/
- Evaluation of Clinical Meaningfulness of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Extract to Relieve Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Post- Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8069620/
- Black Pepper and Health Claims: A Comprehensive Treatise https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23768180/