In a world obsessed with wellness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But finding the best ashwagandha supplements for you may be one addition that you actually benefit from. So much so, I’ve personally kept it in my rotation for quite some time. Why? This natural herb is cited by experts to improve sleep, lower stress levels, and improve brain function — areas I’m always trying to work on.
But what actually is it? “So-called because of its ability to adapt to the body’s needs — whether they be physical, mental, or emotional — ashwagandha is classed as an adaptogenic plant,” explains nutritional therapist at Wild Nutrition, Sasha Parkin. “The benefits of ashwagandha are far-reaching — but it’s most widely used for its support in the management of stress and anxiety.”
In agreement, Registered Nutritional Therapist Sandrine Olmi explains that high-quality ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties, meaning it works in harmony with your body’s needs. “Research shows that ashwagandha can improve sleep, which in turn helps to reduce stress levels,” she says. “It can decrease morning cortisol levels, which indicates stress-relieving properties when taken for four to 12 weeks.”
She adds that several studies presented benefits of high-quality ashwagandha in fertility problems, sleep quantity and quality, anxiety, metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes, cognitive function and memory (visual memory, reaction time, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning), and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The list really does go on.
So how should you add ashwagandha to your supplement routine? Sometimes referred to as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, ashwagandha supplements are typically taken as a tincture, capsule, or powder. But to make sure that you’re actually getting the good stuff, finding a supplement that’s been made with KSM-66 Ashwagandha is your best bet. The subject of many studies, KSM-66 is extracted solely from the ashwagandha root — never the leaves — which means it has the highest percentage of potent withanolides.
Thankfully, I’ve tracked down a host that suits the above criteria and have personally tested them all. So, read on for our editors’ recommendations for the best ashwagandha supplements, as well as insight from industry experts and answers to all your FAQs.
How I tested the best ashwagandha supplements:
The Glamour team are a high-performing bunch, moonlighting as athletes, mothers and side-hustlers at weekends. As a result, they had no complaints when asked to road-test a selection of supplements — sleep supplements, electrolytes, green powders — to see which would help them meet their fitness, focus and health goals.
Each willing volunteer was asked to try one ashwagandha supplement for a minimum of four weeks. At the end of their trial period, they were asked to consider the ease of use, efficacy — how long until they noticed a difference, if any at all — taste and value for money. Unsurprisingly, only our favourites made it into our edit below.
At the end of their trial period, they were asked to rate it against the following criteria:
- Ease of use — Were the capsules easy to swallow? Did the powder mix well with water?
- Efficacy — How long into the four weeks did they notice a difference, if any?
- Taste — On a scale of one to five, how pleasurable was the taste?
- Value for money — Would they be happy to commit to the weekly, monthly or bi-monthly spend?
Why you can trust me: Freelance contributor, Cat Hufton
I’m an experienced lifestyle journalist who has tested hundreds of products in my quest to find the best products worthy of your hard-earned money. I became particularly interested in wellness and health products after having children seven years ago, and I needed a little extra helping hand in feeling my best. Finding supplements to help me manage the everyday stresses of work and family life has also become a personal passion project of mine.
As such, I’ve spoken to countless industry experts, tested a wide variety of supplements and wellness products, and become pretty astute at knowing what really makes a difference.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that this article isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, and our recommendations won’t replace a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.