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We’ve all heard it: stress is the ultimate killer. While you can’t eliminate it, you can manage it and adaptogens like ashwagandha can help. The best ashwagandha supplements work in tandem with healthy lifestyle habits that can naturally tackle stress like balancing blood sugar, taking walks outside, breathwork, spending time in nature, meditating, journaling, and more. “Ashwagandha is an important rejuvenating herb in Ayurvedic medicine thanks to its ability to nourish, restore, and promote longevity,” explains Ayurve…
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
We’ve all heard it: stress is the ultimate killer. While you can’t eliminate it, you can manage it and adaptogens like ashwagandha can help. The best ashwagandha supplements work in tandem with healthy lifestyle habits that can naturally tackle stress like balancing blood sugar, taking walks outside, breathwork, spending time in nature, meditating, journaling, and more. “Ashwagandha is an important rejuvenating herb in Ayurvedic medicine thanks to its ability to nourish, restore, and promote longevity,” explains Ayurvedic nutrition and wellbeing expert Jasmine Hemsley. Even though the plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, it’s becoming more and more mainstream.
Vogue’s Favorite Ashwagandha Supplements:
Best Overall
Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager
Best For Stress
Stress Relief
Best For Sleep
AG1 Greens AGZ Nightly Sleep Support
Part of the reason is that it’s an adaptogen, meaning it’s a natural remedy that can help the body cope with daily stress. “It’s traditionally used to help the body manage stress and help calm the nervous system by regulating the body’s stress response over time,” explains naturopathic physician, functional medicine doctor, and chief science and nutrition officer at AG1, Dr. Ralph Esposito, IFMCP. “Consistent clinical evidence supports its benefits for relaxation and sleep quality.”
Better sleep, less stress, and total relaxation? Sign us up. If you’re looking to reap the many benefits of this natural stress reliever, there’s a few things to consider. We consulted with nutritionists, Ayurvedic wellbeing experts, and naturopathic physicians to give us all the intel and break down the best ashwagandha supplements to try now. Everything you need to know, below.
In This Story:
- What is ashwagandha?
- What are the benefits of ashwagandha?
- What form of ashwagandha is most effective?
- How to Take Ashwagandha for Maximum Benefits
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager
Integrative Therapeutics
Cortisol Manager
- Why We Love It: Registered dietitian and wellness advisor for The Lanby Taylor Fazio often recommends Integrative Therapeutics’s Cortisol Manager for patients with elevated cortisol or difficulty falling asleep. “It contains Sensoril, a root-and-leaf extract with a higher concentration of withanolides, making it especially helpful for stress reduction and sleep support,” she says. Sensoril is a patented form of ashwagandha that’s been well-researched for its effects on cognitive health support. “Adults dealing with ongoing stress, mild anxiety, fatigue, or sleep issues may benefit most from ashwagandha,” adds Fazio. “But, as always, consult with a trusted medical provider before taking a new supplement to ensure it is right for your goals and clinical profile.” This gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan tablet is also supercharged with L-theanine, another stress-balancing adaptogen, for total relaxation amidst the most turbulent of days.
- Key Ingredients: Sensoril, L-theanine,
- Form: Tablet
- Serving Size: 2 tablets
- Certifications: NSF-certified, cGMP-certified, ISO accreditation
Best for Stress: Ritual Stress Relief
Stress Relief
- Why We Love It: One thing is for certain—modern day life means you can’t escape stress—it’s unavoidable and present at pretty much every turn. With constant overstimulation and minimal relaxation, our bodies amp up cortisol production to deal, which can be harmful when those levels stay elevated over long periods of time. However, while cortisol often gets a bad rap, balanced levels are essential for key functions like metabolism, blood pressure, and more. Fortunately, Ritual’s capsule is a brilliant line of defense against stress—with a special time release capsule that works instantly and over the span of 4 and 8 hours respectively, by releasing a special combination of ashwagandha, L-theanine, and saffron to fight stress, which supports balanced cortisol levels overall. “Ashwagandha has been shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce perceived stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality,” says Fazio. “It may also help with energy, focus, and immune support by working on the same stress pathways.”
- Key Ingredients: Shoden® Ashwagandha, Suntheanine® L-theanine, affron® Saffron Extract
- Form: Capsule
- Serving Size: 1 capsule
- Certifications: Non GMO Project verified, ClimeCo certified, Clean Label Project certified
Best for Sleep: AG1 Greens AGZ Nightly Sleep Support
AG1 Greens
AGZ Nightly Sleep Support
- Why We Love It: By reverse-engineering the biology of sleep, the team at Athletic Greens researched the core systems that influence good sleep, including clinically-studied nutrients and botanicals that support those tentpoles. “For AGZ, we identified six key systems that impact sleep, and carefully mapped them to ingredients, including the stress system (HPA Axis) which ashwagandha supports,” explains Esposito. “This multi-system approach supports sleep in a 360 degree way through three different phases of rest—calming the body in the evening, improving sleep quality through the night, and helping you wake up feeling more refreshed.” Made with ashwagandha (5% withanolides), saffron, L-theanine, Magtein magnesium L-theronate, and chamomile flower extract, it’s basically a great night’s sleep in a tiny packet. There’s three delicious flavors—mixed berry, chocolate, and chocolate mint—so you’ll find one version tailored to your taste preferences. Use a frother to blend it with 4 ounces of water or milk (again, your choice) that’s cold, room temperature, or warm. Use one packet right before bed to signal your brain and body that it’s time to begin winding down and doze off to dreamland.
- Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, saffron, L-theanine, Magtein magnesium L-theronate
- Form: Powder
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Certifications: NSF-certified, third party tested
Best for Emotional Balance: Thorne Ashwagandha
Thorne
Ashwagandha
- Why We Love It: With a concentrated dose of the bioactive components of Shoden ashwagandha (both root and leaf), this extract is standardized to 35% withanolide glycosides. “When looking for ashwagandha for sleep or stress support you want to look for one that is standardized to withanolides,” says Esposito. “These are the active constituents that have been studied for their restorative and rest promoting effects.” Thorne has long been a favorite among doctors and physicians for their transparency and stringent testing, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to support physical, mental, and emotional health. “This option from Thorne is a high-quality, well-tolerated formula that provides standardized ashwagandha in a clean, reliable supplement,” says Fazio.
- Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha extract (root, leaf)
- Form: Capsule
- Serving Size: One capsule
- Certifications: NSF-certified, third-party tested
Best for Anxiety: Moon Juice Ashwagandha
Moon Juice
Ashwagandha
- Why We Love It: Known for their incredible adaptogen supplements, Moon Juice has a few different offerings made with ashwagandha, but none are more powerful or potent than this finely milled 100% ashwagandha powder. It’s made with only a single ingredient—an organic, super concentrated root-only ashwagandha extract called KSM-66—which has shown to reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) as well as anxiety and restlessness. KSM-66 has been clinically studied to help manage stress and improve sleep over time. For the best results, take it consistently—its not an overnight one and done. “Most people do not feel an immediate effect but instead build up the benefits over time,” explains Esposito. “I suggest giving it several weeks before assessing the full benefit.”
- Key Ingredients: Organic KSM-66 ashwagandha
- Form: Powder
- Serving Size: 1/4–1/2 tsp
- Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan
Best Ashwagandha Gummy: Gaia Herbs Organic Ashwagandha Gummies
Gaia Herbs
Ashwagandha Gummies
- Why We Love It: For a plant-powered boost, these organic gummies taste like an apple cinnamon donut and are naturally sweetened with apple, date, and blueberry extracts. Three gummies is all you need for a 600mg dose of ashwagandha root extract. “The most studied dose is 300–600 mg per day of standardized root extract, taken with food,” says Fazio. “You can take it in the morning for focus and energy, or in the evening to support relaxation and sleep.” And because they’re delicious, it’s easy to keep up with taking them consistently. “Consistency is key to get the best results: use daily for at least 6-8 weeks to see how you feel,” adds Fazio. It is worth noting that there are 4 grams of added sugars so it may not be the best option for those looking to lower sugar intake.
- Key Ingredients: Organic shwagandha root extract, cinnamon bark, ginger
- Form: Gummy
- Serving Size: 3 gummies
- Certifications: USDA organic, Non-GMO Project Verified
Best Liquid Ashwagandha: MaryRuth Organics Ashwagandha Root
MaryRuth Organics
Ashwagandha Root
- Why We Love It: If you have trouble swallowing capsules, a liquid supplement is an excellent option that’s easier and more palatable to take. Formulated with glycerin and water (instead of alcohol), it comes with a brilliant dropper for precise doses. MaryRuth’s has pretty rigorous quality and testing standards, making it a great choice for anyone new to ashwagandha, too. “It’s important to choose supplements that come from a vetted brand, that has clinical research, and are third-party certified,” says Esposito. “This not only confirms the quality of the ingredient but also confirms that it is truly ashwagandha.“
- Key Ingredients: Organic ashwagandha root extract
- Form: Liquid
- Serving Size: 0.5mL
- Certifications: USDA organic, Non-GMO Project verified, B Corp certified, Clean Label Project certified, cGMP certified
Best Ashwagandha Blend: Needed Cognitive Support
Needed
Cognitive Support
- Why We Love It: Made specifically to support women at every life stage, this capsule is research-backed, thoughtfully-made, and ideal for those who are feeling depleted with brain fog and fatigue. With 125mg of the patented ashwagandha complex Sensoril, as well as nootropics like lion’s mane and reishi, it offers full-spectrum support. “In Ayurvedic tradition and now through modern studies, ashwagandha is regarded for reducing stress and anxiety by supporting the nervous system,” says Hemsley. “Modern forms of ashwagandha are capsules and tablets which are convenient, but the traditional way to take herbal remedies is with a carrier such as warm milk, ghee, or unpasteurised honey to enhance absorption.” If you’re looking to take ashwagandha the Ayurvedic way, Hemsley recommends emptying the capsules—which are already precisely dosed—into your preferred “carrier” to meet the Ayurvedic recommendation.
- Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, coffee fruit extract, lion’s mane, reishi
- Form: Capsule
- Serving Size: 2 capsules
- Certifications: The Climate Label certified, B Corp certified, Clean Label Project certified, certified plastic neutral
Everything You Need to Know
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a nightshade plant whose root and leaf are sometimes used to make adaptogenic supplements. “Ashwagandha’s latin name—Withania somnifera—will hint at exactly what it has been seen to do,” says Esposito. “Somnifera means sleep inducing and is related to the word we use today, somnolence.”
What are the benefits of ashwagandha?
There’s a wide range of benefits associated with using ashwagandha—some include lowering cortisol levels, supporting lower stress levels and sleep, combating anxiety, and improving cognitive function. “Strong clinical trials show that ashwagandha root extract can significantly lower stress and anxiety, and improve sleep when taken regularly,” says Fazio. “However, more large-scale and long-term research is still needed.” There’s also some emerging research that shows it could also help with energy, focus and immune support by working on the same stress pathways. On the Ayurvedic front, it can help with seasonal changes in autumn and early winter, too. “At this time of year when the seasons are changing, which affects our inner environment, ashwagandha can be particularly useful to strengthen ‘Ojas’ (the vital energy or “life force” that sustains physical and mental health),” says Hemsley. “It’s responsible for immunity, resilience, and vitality.” Some research attributes improved thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism as well as enhanced memory and cognitive improvement for adults with mild cognitive impairment and people with schizophrenia.
What form of ashwagandha is most effective?
There are multiple forms of ashwagandha and the impact really depends on what the intent for use is. “When looking for ashwagandha for sleep or stress support, you want to look for one that is standardized to withanolides,” says Esposito. Ashwagandha is rich in phytochemicals, including alkaloids and withanolides—the latter are believed to be responsible for ashwagandha’s effects.
While ashwagandha is well-tolerated by most people, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements—including ashwagandha. “That way you can ask questions about combining it with other medications, specific health concerns, and more,” says Esposito.
How to Take Ashwagandha for Maximum Benefits
Like most supplements, consistency is key in order to see any real results or benefits from taking ashwagandha. “Most studies show the greatest benefit when ashwagandha supplementation is taken consistently for at least 6-8 weeks,” says Fazio. Fazio recommends capsules and tables with standardized root extracts with at least 5% withanolides. “While liquid extracts and gummies may provide convenience, they often vary in potency or absorption,” says Fazio.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to ashwagandha supplements, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: form, third-party testing, Standardized extracts, clinical studies, and the purported concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Ralph Esposito is a licensed naturopathic physician, certified functional medicine doctor (IFMCP), and the Chief Science and Nutrition officer at AG1.
- Taylor Fazio is a New York registered dietician and wellness advisor for The Lanby.
- Jasmine Hemsley is an Ayurvedic nutrition and wellbeing expert and author of East By West.