Nature's treasures often hold the key to rejuvenation and balance - enter, the best ashwagandha. Yes, ashwagandha is among these treasures and has recently emerged as a superstar in the world of herbal remedies. Although the word ashwagandha does sound like a spell from Harry Potter, the name actually derives from the Sanskrit words 'Ashva', meaning horse, and 'Gandha', meaning smell. This is because its roots are said to exude a distinct equine aroma.
Ashwagandha is a small, woody shrub native to the arid regions of India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Often referred to as 'Indian Ginseng' or 'Winter Cherry', it has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. This unique herb, praised for its adaptogenic qualities, helps the body adapt to stress. All while supporting a wide range of physical and mental health concerns.
The best ashwagandha at a glance:
• Best overall ashwagandha: New Leaf Products Ashwagandha - View now on Amazon
• Best organic ashwagandha: Organic India Ashwagandha - View now on iHerb
• Best tea ashwagandha: Tipson Organic Infusion Ashwagandha - Mango - View now on Holland & Barrett
What are the benefits of ashwagandha?
Some benefits include stress reduction, enhanced mental clarity and improved energy levels. Like many of the best supplements, ashwagandha offers a holistic approach to wellbeing. It has also been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and even enhance muscle strength and endurance.
We caught up with Jaspreet Randhawa (MRPharmS, IP), aka the Whole Body Pharmacist, to explain the most important benefit of this versatile herb.
"Ashwagandha is known for a number of benefits. The one for me, which is the most prevalent and profound is the calming of the nervous system. Nervous system regulation is so vital in our everyday lives to help reduce anxiety have peace and clarity, maintain focus and for our general health and well-being. I believe that this herb is an important one to consider if suffering from symptoms of nervous system dysregulation, often presenting as anxiety, insomnia, depression, low mood and lack of concentration."
The best ashwagandha on the market
As the popularity of ashwagandha continues to grow, you'll probably start to see a little more of this herb. We're here to sift through the options and explore some of the best ashwagandha supplements and products available. Considering key factors like potency, purity and convenience. So whether you plan to spend 30 or 60 days on ashwagandha, let's discover the most effective ashwagandha solutions that can help you harness the full potential of this remarkable herb in your quest for wellbeing.
Best overall ashwagandha
New Leaf Products' ashwagandha is packed with 1,200mg of ashwagandha root extract. With 365 tablets in each bottle, which provides a six-month supply, the UK-made product is formulated and manufactured to the highest industry standards. It's not just powerful; it's also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, ensuring inclusivity in its usage. What sets this ashwagandha apart from other brands is the rigorous third-party testing each bottle undergoes. This includes checks for metals and unwanted compounds, so you know what you're putting in your body is safe.
Pros
- Great value for money as each bottle will last up to six months
- Third-party lab tested so you can be sure there's no unwanted compounds in the tablets
- High strength - provides 1,200mg of ashwagandha extract per serving
Cons
- As with most supplements, side effects are common. While using this ashwagandha, some individuals experienced issues with headaches
Best organic ashwagandha
uk.iherb.com
Organic India ashwagandha is a standout choice due to its reputation for sourcing high-quality, certified organic ashwagandha. Its supplement provides the perfect balance of stress reduction and energy support when needed most. The capsule format ensures convenience, making it easy to use for individuals with busy lifestyles. Its supplement also offers 800mg of organic ashwagandha, providing a natural and effective solution to stress management and overall vitality.
Pros
- Suitable for individuals with various dietary requirements: Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Kosher
- 800mg of ashwagandha per serving
- Sourced from certified organic farms
Cons
- Cannot be used while pregnant or nursing
- Two Capsules per day isn't ideal for individuals who don't like taking tablets or often forget to take them
Best tea ashwagandha
www.hollandandbarrett.com
The Tipson Infusion ashwagandha tea is a blend that marries the ancient wisdom of ashwagandha with the delightful taste of mango. This unique herbal infusion provides a soothing and rejuvenating experience, combining the properties of ashwagandha with the refreshing sweetness of ripe mango. With the potential to reduce stress and enhance relaxation, Tipson's tea is a flavourful way of incorporating this herb into your daily routine. It also brings a taste of tropical tranquillity in every sip.
Pros
- Tea format makes it easy to incorporate ashwagandha into your daily routine
- Can be enjoyed hot or cold
- Naturally caffeine-free for individuals with caffeine allergies
Cons
- Low organic ashwagandha content (5%)
Best one-a-day ashwagandha
uk.iherb.com
With its dedication to purity and quality, Himalaya ashwagandha contains 280mg of extract and 380mg of powder. These are both sourced from the pristine Himalayan region. Its supplement is thoughtfully crafted to help the body adapt to stress, boost energy levels and support overall wellbeing. Himalaya, a trusted name in herbal supplements, is committed to organic farming and sustainable practices, all to ensure its ashwagandha is of the highest quality.
Pros
- Only one capsule required per day, which is great for individuals who often forget to take tablets
- Suitable for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free individuals
- Himalaya is a family-owned business and has been for over 85 years
Cons
- Two month's supply means you may find yourself having to repurchase regularly
Best small tablet ashwagandha
Supplemented ashwagandha is crafted with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients for quality. It's sourced and produced in the UK under the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, ensuring transparency and reliability. Another thing to mention is its packaging, which is eco-friendly and designed to fit seamlessly through your letter box. With a focus on high bioavailability, purity and potency, Supplemented makes sure the product ensures maximum absorption, guaranteeing the most effective results.
Pros
- Letter-box-friendly packaging for easy delivery
- Premium ingredients are used to ensure the highest bioavailability for maximum absorption
- Small, easy-to-swallow tablets
Cons
- Not great tasting if left to linger in the mouth
Best powered ashwagandha
Sevenhills Wholefoods Raw Ashwagandha Powder is a premium, all-natural dietary supplement embodying the essence of holistic wellbeing. As it's made only from ashwagandha roots, the powder is high in fibre. This can make for a great addition to your diet as fibre helps with digestion, and healthy weight control and lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes. It's also important to note that this product is completely allergen-free and registered with the UK Vegan Society, so it's suitable for everyone.
Pros
- High in fibre as the powder is made from ashwagandha roots only - great for the digestive system
- Allergen free and 100% pure, so it's suitable for all
- Packaging is made from recyclable LDPE plastic and can be recycled at the supermarket
Cons
- Taste isn't good but can easily be improved by mixing it with another liquid
Best ashwagandha gummies
WeightWorld's Ashwagandha Gummies are an easy way to harness the many benefits of this revered adaptogenic herb. Its gummies offer a tasty and enjoyable means to incorporate ashwagandha into your daily wellness routine. Made with high-quality ingredients and infused with 1200mg of ashwagandha, they can support stress reduction, increased energy levels and overall mental and physical well-being. With their pleasant flavour and easy-to-consume format, the WeightWorld Gummies make managing stress easier than ever and boosting resilience easier.
Pros
- Great taste - natural raspberry flavour to make taking the tablet more pleasant
- High strength of 1200mg so you get the most our of your ashwagandha
- Free of lactose, gluten and GMOs for individuals with specific dietary requirements
Cons
- High dosage may not be for everyone
Best ashwagandha with root KSM-66 extract
KSM-66 is a highly regarded and clinically tested form of ashwagandha extract as it's the root only. Wellgard's commitment to quality ensures that its supplement is free from animal products or derivatives, gluten, wheat, yeast, milk, lactose, soy and artificial flavours. Adding a combination of ashwagandha with KSM-66 into your daily routine can provide a convenient and effective way to combat the chaos of modern life. Meanwhile, it promotes inner calm and supports you on a journey to a balanced and healthier you.
Pros
- One-a-day formula so you don't have to worry about remembering to take multiple per day
- Contains root only with more than 5% withanolides (no leaves used) - you know what you're getting is pure
- Sourced from the Indian state of Rajasthan, which is known to grow some of the best quality ashwagandha in the world
Cons
- The bottle doesn't come with a childproof lid, so make sure to keep it out of the way of any little ones
The best ashwagandha: FAQs
Is ashwagandha safe?
Our bodies are our temples, so if you're worried about whether taking ashwagandha is safe, Jaspreet is here to assure you that the herb is relatively safe for the vast majority of people.
"Discussing the benefits of Ashwagandha with an Ayurvedic Doctor in India enlightened me with the benefits of a daily dose of this supplement. However, as with all Ayurvedic treatments, it is recommended that you continue for a maximum of three months and then stop. You then should restart taking it again after approximately a month of not taking it. The reason for this is to assess whether it’s actually doing anything for you. It’s only when you stop taking it can you feel the difference."
What strength ashwagandha is best?
The ideal strength of ashwagandha can vary depending on an individual's specific needs and tolerance. Jaspreet suggests: "Some studies have researched doses of Ashwagandha up to 5000 mg per day. But, this is a very high dose. In both Ayurveda & the Western world, the most commonly produced supplement of Ashwagandha is 600 mg daily. If you feel that you need a higher dose, there shouldn't be any reason why you couldn’t go to 1200mg daily."
What are the alternatives to ashwagandha?
If ashwagandha doesn't sound like your thing, there are several natural alternatives.
Rhodiola rosea: This is another adaptogenic herb known for its stress-reducing properties and energy-boosting effects. So in terms of adaptogenic support, this herb could be a good substitute for ashwagandha.
Holy basil (Tulsi): Holy basil, or Tulsi, is a herb that's also effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Maca root: Maca is a Peruvian superfood known for its ability to boost energy levels and balance hormones. It's often used as an alternative for enhancing vitality and stamina.
Ginseng: Ginseng has been used for centuries to improve physical and mental energy and clear brain fog. Ginseng is also an adaptogen that can help combat stress.
About the expert
This article contains expert advice from Jaspreet Randhawa (MRPharmS, IP), aka the Whole Body Pharmacist. She is a holistic and clinical prescribing pharmacist who has founded a new online health and wellbeing consultation service, with a 'whole body' approach, in which she can help with existing ailments and/or discuss preventative health measures. She uses her intuition, experience, and clinical knowledge to navigate any problems, whether the origin is emotional, environmental, or physical.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness Writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts, or attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes.
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