Ashwagandha is a very popular Indian herb that bestows many benefits to those looking to feel rejuvenated, relaxed and a general sense of wellbeing.
Plenty of research has also gone into determining the benefits of Ashwagandha. Whether you are looking to mitigate the effects of migraines, mood swings, fatigue, and low libido among others, Ashwagandha can help.
Being a popular herbal supplement, many brands have put up their own Ashwagandha product and anyone who is looking to get started with this supplement can become quite overwhelmed by the amount of choice.
Read on to learn more about the best Ashwagandha brand and the criteria for evaluating this herbal supplement.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has numerous health benefits, making this a highly sought after herb. The herb contains many useful ingredients including amino acids, alkaloids, choline, and withanolides. Below are some of the ways Ashwagandha can restore your wellbeing and improve the quality of your life.
Thyroid
An over-performing or under-performing thyroid can result in a host of health issues including unwanted weight loss or gain, fatigue, and mood swings just to mention a few.
Ashwagandha can regulate a malfunctioning thyroid by boosting the production of the T4 hormone, which helps to balance crucial body functions.
Adrenal Glands
Physical, mental, and emotional stress can result in adrenal fatigue and affect the performance of other hormones including progesterone. The result is a general feeling of tiredness, food cravings, mental fatigue, and problems with low immunity.
Ashwagandha can help to balance hormones, improve adrenal function, boost cortisol production, and more importantly, improve insulin sensitivity.
Brain
Used alongside other conventional treatments, Ashwagandha can help to boost brain health and slow down the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia
In one study, researchers found that Ashwagandha can help to regenerate the dendrites and axons found in nerve cells, which can help to improve brain health. This herb can also help to mitigate the effects of depression and anxiety.
Strength
Ashwagandha is not only useful in promoting mental health and physical wellbeing. This herbal supplement also plays an important role in improving stamina, endurance, concentration, and motivation.
In particular, Ashwagandha works to promote cardiorespiratory endurance and can be particularly helpful to those seeking motivation and strength to sustain an active lifestyle.
How To Choose The Best Ashwagandha Brand
With so many Ashwagandha brands on the market, how do you know the right one to choose?
Here are a few features to consider when selecting the best Ashwagandha brand in the market:
Black Pepper: Black pepper helps with bioavailability i.e. it helps the body to better absorb the Ashwagandha content in the capsules.
Withanolides: Withanolides are the active ingredients in Ashwagandha. However, high quantities of this compound can be harmful. While some brands may claim to contain up to 11% withanolides, look instead for a brand that offers about 5% of this active ingredient to lean on the safer side.
Organic: Look for Ashwagandha brands that are certified organic. Some brands claim that their herb is organically grown but this is not the same as certified organic. Organic certification entails a rigorous process to ensure products are free of harmful pesticides and are non-GMO.
Vegan: If you are looking to cut down on the intake of animal products, consider looking for an Ashwagandha brand that is vegan. If this is important to you, avoid products containing gelatine, which is from an animal source.
Artificial Ingredients: Purity is very important when selecting an Ashwagandha brand. If possible, find out how the brand guarantees purity and potency, ideally through third-party testing. All in all, keep away from products containing harmful ingredients such as lead, mercury, talc, magnesium silicate, titanium dioxide, hydrogenates oils, and artificial colors. Always check product labels and learn more about the ingredients contained in the products you consume.
The Best Ashwagandha Brand
While there are numerous products out there, we have done comprehensive research to find the best Ashwagandha brand on the market.
Below are the top three recommended Ashwagandha brands:
If you are looking for a potent version of Ashwagandha, look to brands that produce KSM-66, a powerful, organic, and root only Ashwagandha supplement.
Freshcare is one of the trusted brands that deliver KSM-66 Ashwagandha. This brand offers non-GMO, gluten-free Ashwagandha capsules backed with many years of research.
In particular, this brand’s extract contains at least 5% withanolides, which is the active ingredient. Most Ashwagandha capsules only contain 2% withanolides, making this one from Freshcare especially potent.
The pills also contain organic black pepper for better absorption and improved efficaciousness.
The Ashwagandha from Freshcare does not contain artificial binders or fillers, harmful chemicals, or artificial ingredients. Rather, the pills are extracted using water and are 100% vegan.
To back up its claim of being the most highly concentrated, root only extract in the world today, Freshcare offers 100% satisfaction and money back guarantee if for any reason you are not happy with the product.
Organic India is a leading herbal brand and it is no wonder it is a highly sought brand of Ashwagandha.
Organic India’s Ashwagandha capsules are synthesized from non-GMO and gluten-free compounds that are certified by the USDA. This organic root extract is formulated specially formulated for bio-availability and fast absorption.
The manufacturer works with many smallholder farmers in India to grow the Ashwagandha herb on thousands of acres of organic farmland.
Organic India Ashwagandha is a potent adaptogen formulation that helps to calm the nervous system to provide a fast, natural and safe way to manage anxiety and stress.
These capsules are also powerful antioxidants that work to destroy free radicals and minimize inflammation.
The Physician’s Choice Ashwagandha brand is a leading brand due to its proven potency and its relative affordability when compared to other brands.
The manufacturer uses Ashwagandha root extract plus black pepper at a ratio of 4:1. Each capsule contains about 650mg of organic Ashwagandha and black pepper. The black pepper plays an important role in enhancing absorption of the herb in the body.
According to the manufacturer, the root extraction process entails the use of water to deliver some of the most potent and pure Ashwagandha on the market today.
The company also subjects its product to third-party audits to guarantee purity and superior potency.
The capsules are manufactured and packed in the USA but the herb itself is sourced from India through the herbalink process. This process ensures the use of pure and fairly-sourced Ashwagandha.
How to Take Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is available in the market in the form of capsules, tea, tablets, and in powdered form. Most experts recommend that you take the herb in root powder form.
However, whichever option you go for, ensure that it is from a reputable source. Additionally, check to confirm that the herb is standardized for human consumption to avoid adverse side effects. The herb is safe for use by most people, but there are certain circumstances when one should only take it after consulting a doctor.
First, the herb should not be used by children before consulting a specialist. The dosage and frequency of use in children varies from that of adults; therefore, you should seek professional advice before using it on a child. Moreover, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid ashwagandha.
Individuals with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, type-1 diabetes, and others may need to seek medical advice before using this herb.
Before taking Ashwagandha, you should ensure that you are using it in the right dosage. The recommended amount will depend on various factors such as age and one’s health history. The standard amount that’s recommended by most doctors is 500mg or around 5% withanolides.
The ideal dosage will vary from one person to another; therefore, it is essential to consult an expert before ingesting the herb.
Ashwagandha Dosage for Anxiety
Ashwagandha has clinically been found to be incredibly helpful in calming anxiety. The herb is an adaptogen, and this means that it helps the body regulate physiological systems such as the adrenals and nervous system.
Ashwagandha can regulate the hormones that are responsible for anxiety. It fires up the body and gives you energy when you are fatigued but also calms the body down and suppresses the stimulatory hormones when you are stressed and anxious.
To enjoy the benefits of ashwagandha for anxiety, you have to take the herb in the correct dosage. Ideally, it is recommended that you use an extract that gives around 5% to 8% withanolides. Alternatively, you can also start with a minimum dose of 300mg daily.
When buying a product, go for a trusted brand with organic ashwagandha extract. Strive to also read the packaging carefully before using the product. If possible, take ashwagandha together with food, preferably in the morning while having breakfast.
Ashwagandha Dosage for Sleep
Ashwagandha is useful in improving sleep in people who have a hard time getting quality sleep due to stress, anxiety, or other disorders such as insomnia. The herb has a tranquilizing effect that reduces physical and mental tension, relaxes the muscles, and relieves stress and anxiety.
To use ashwagandha for better sleep, consume around 300mg to 500mg of the extract every day for at least a month. Mix powdered ashwagandha with milk and honey and take before bedtime to enhance sleep. You can also use capsules, tablets, or ashwagandha-containing supplements depending on your preferred form of the herb. Follow label directions to ensure that you take the herb in the recommended dosage.
To improve the efficiency of ashwagandha for sleep, try to go to bed at the same time every night. Keep the bedroom dark by investing in heavy draping and keep off Smartphone and mobile devices while in bed. Establish a routine that you can follow for quality sleep even after discontinuing intake of the herb.
Summary
Extensive studies show the health benefits of Ashwagandha and many users testify to the positive effects of this herb.
There are numerous brands producing and selling this extract. As such, you need to be on the lookout for only the best Ashwagandha brand.
Ideally, you should opt for brands that deliver organic, non-GMO, additive-free capsules with adequate potency for best results.