5 Best Ashwagandha Supplements (To Boost Your Immunity)

Of all the supplements I’ve taken in my life, ashwagandha is one of my favorites–and the science backs it.

Considered an adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha has demonstrated its ability to promote healthy hormone balance in spite of the stresses of modern life.

It was first used over 8,000 years ago in Indian ayurvedic medicine, and recent studies prove it can help you:

• Decrease stress and anxiety
• Improve mental focus and acuity
• Boost sex hormones and increase vitality
• Help with sleep and heal insomnia

Unfortunately, not every ashwagandha supplement is effective–so it’s important you choose the right one.

But with so many options, which one should you choose?

In this article, I go over the 5 best ashwagandha supplements to help make the best decision.

**Note** If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read, our #1 pick from Nutririse is the one you want. It meets all certifications for quality, has a 4.8 average customer rating. Click below:

#1 Rated Ashwagandha Supplement: NutriRise Ashwagandha (Best Overall Quality)

For readers on desktop, view our quick-view comparison table below:

I’ve done a ton of research and take ashwagandha myself. After you read the article below, I guarantee you’ll find a high-quality ashwagandha supplement.

#1 Rated Ashwagandha Supplement: NutriRise Ashwagandha (Best Overall Quality)

NutriRise Ashwagandha gets the top spot for one major reason–quality!  NutriRise formulas are created under the direction of a scientific advisory panel that includes medical doctors, nutritionists, and natural health practitioners.

Attention to purity and safety exceeds FDA standards with testing for allergens, as well as assurance that all products are free of binders, fillers, soy, dairy, GMO products, artificial ingredients, or other potentially problematic additives.  Capsules are made from hypoallergenic vegetarian ingredients.

In other words, what you see is what you get–an herbal formulation of the highest purity, and nothing else added!

Product features include:

• 1,300 mg organic ashwagandha per 2 capsules serving
• 10 mg organic black pepper
• 60 daily servings per bottle (a 60-day supply)
• $19.99 per bottle, but with a 30-day subscription the cost drops to $16.99 per bottle

The inclusion of black pepper is interesting, as research notes that black pepper may support improved absorption and improved bioavailability of various nutrients, herbs, and pharmaceuticals.

Research demonstrates components of black pepper (piperine) as having inhibitory action on various liver and intestinal enzymes, reducing the breakdown of bioactive compounds.

I’m not the only one who loves this one from Nutririse–their reviews are exceptional, with a 4.8 rating and over 350 reviews.

Pros

• Manufactured in the U.S.A. in a FDA approved facility, GMP certified
• Third party tested
• Certified organic
• Purity standards far exceeds most companies, product is free of fillers, binders, and other additives–you are getting the listed ingredients and nothing else!
• Doctor-formulated
• NutriRise focuses on the wellbeing of their customers and suppliers–as a Fair Trade Certified company, they ensure fair compensation to farmers who produce their products

Cons

• N/A

Final thoughts:  Nutririse ashwagandha is an excellent product and supplement company.  Their devotion to producing pure, quality supplements backed by research and evidence is clear. NutriRise works to not only meet FDA standards but to exceed them, ensuring customers get exactly what they paid for–ashwagandha in its purest form. This is a company and product I definitely trust and have purchased from myself!

#2 Rated Ashwagandha Supplement: Bulk Supplement Ashwagandha Extract (Best Budget Option)

No money wasted on fancy packaging here, just a quality product at an amazing low price. 

While it’s not our top quality option (that definitely goes to Nutririse at #1), when it comes to the value for what you get, this one takes the cake.

It’s by far the most affordable option on our list. 

Similar to our #1 option, Bulk Supplements ashwagandha extract is free of dairy, soy, or other additives.

It has the quality one you want as well–it’s third-party tested and GMP certified.

Product features include:

• 450 mg ashwagandha per ⅕ teaspoon serving, with recommendations for 1-3 servings per day
• 3.5 oz bag of powder contains 222 individual servings.  
• At highest dosing (3 times daily), a 3.5 oz bag lasts 74 days 
• $12.96 for 3.5 oz bag equates $0.06 to $0.18 per day at 1 or 3 servings respectively

Instead of capsules like the other options on our list, this one is taken in powder form. if you are big on taste, not to worry. It has a nutty taste with a sweet tinge, mixes well in smoothies and tea, and is delicious.

The product reviews are also great here, with a customer rating of nearly 5 out of 5 stars based on more than 500 reviews.

Pros

• Manufactured in the U.S.A. in a FDA approved facility, GMP certified
• Third party tested
• Powder form mixes readily into drinks, tinctures, and smoothies
• Value–at $0.06 per individual serving, this is the most affordable option on this list!!
• Transparency:  Certificates of Analysis for all products are available upon request

Cons

• Product is not organic
• While it has good quality, it’s not the best quality option on our list. 

Final thoughts: Bulksupplement.com ashwagandha provides great value, eliminating frills and unnecessary expenses to provide lower prices to the consumer.  The cost reductions do not come at the expense of quality, as attested by Bulksupplements.com commitment to GMP certification, third-party testing, and transparency.

#3 Rated Ashwagandha Supplement:  Four Sigmatic Ground Adaptogen Coffee (Best Substitute For Your Morning Coffee)

Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee?  Even better if that cup of coffee comes blended with some amazing adaptogenic herbs and immune supporting mushrooms!

The Four Sigmatic Ground Adaptogen Coffee makes for a very interesting way to get a dose or two of ashwagandha daily along with some other fascinating ingredients.

In addition to single-origin, Fair-Trade, organic high-quality arabica coffee, each serving contains the following stress-busting ingredients:

• Organic ashwagandha: 300mg
• Organic eleuthero:  dose not listed
• Organic tulsi (holy basil): dose not listed
• Organic chaga mushroom extract:  150mg

Eleuthero:  this herb is also referred to as “siberian ginseng,” though there is no direct relation to the true Panax ginseng species.  Used in China for at least 2000 years, eleuthero is being researched for antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-aging, adaptogenic, and pro-metabolic effects.

Rich in unique phenols called eleutherosides, along with flavonoid antioxidants such as quercetin, anthocyanins, eleuthero is believed to also stimulate endogenous (the body’s own) antioxidants.

Traditional uses include treatment of anemia, inflammatory conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis.  There is not enough research on eleuthero in humans currently to verify the validity of these uses, but the herb is fascinating from a traditional use perspective and early research findings.

Tulsi (Holy Basil):  Native to India, tulsi has been used in ayurvedic medicine for approximately 3,000 years.  It has been referred to as “the Elixir of Life.”  Traditional uses include treatment of bronchitis, fever, inflammatory conditions, among other uses.

A systematic review analyzing the health benefits of tulsi in 31 human research trials–including several double-blinded, placebo controlled trials–found the following health benefits:

• Significant reductions in fasting blood sugar and also postprandial blood sugar (after meals) in numerous studies, with one study showing a near normalizing of blood sugar levels in diabetic participants
• Reduction in body mass index (BMI) 
• Significant improved cholesterol profiles in multiple studies
• Significant reduction in uric acid levels in those with gout related arthritis
• Significant reduction in blood pressure in several studies, with one study noting a 25% reduction in blood pressure (albeit this single study was of short duration)!
• Boosted immune activity such as increases in immune cytokines interferon-ϒ and interleukin-4
• Boosted physical performance/ decrease fatigue, decreased lactic acid
• Reduction in asthma symptoms
• Improved survival rates versus steroid treatment for viral encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Reductions in symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression
• Significant reduction in biological age score

Studies ranged in duration from 12 days to 13 weeks in length and the only adverse effects noted occurred in one study, with mild nausea reported.  Most of the research utilized leaf powder or juice, but some studies used whole plant powder.

Chaga mushroom extract:  we discuss this fascinating mushroom (along with several others!)  in greater detail in our article “7 Types Of Mushrooms To Eat (To Supercharge Your Immune System).”  A brief summary of the research-backed benefits of chaga mushrooms include:

• Improved exercise tolerance
• Antioxidant activity
• Antiviral properties
• Anticancer compounds
• Anti-inflammatory effects

The dosing of ashwagandha per single serving is about half of the dose used in various research protocols, so two cups of coffee would raise the dose to a level used in several of the research studies.

I don’t know about you, but I almost never stop at just one cup of coffee!  Another option would be to dose your ashwagandha in the morning with the Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Coffee, then use a different product for the evening dose. 

Four Sigmatic products, including their coffees, enjoy high ratings from customer reviews along with celebrity endorsements. The Four Sigmatic Ground Adaptogen Coffee boasts a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating based on more than 200 customer reviews.

Pros

• Produced in accordance with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).  
• 3rd party tested
• Certified organic
• Fair Trade certified
• 20% discount if you subscribe for monthly delivery, costs equate approximately $1 per serving with the subscription
• Taste:  this coffee is rated highly by customers for its quality and taste

Cons

• Price. Cost is approximately $1 per serving, but you are getting quality coffee with benefits!
• The dosage amounts for the tulsi (holy basil) and eleuthero herbs are not disclosed

Final thoughts:  Four Sigmatics Adaptogen Coffee is an interesting product and concept–combining high-quality coffee with adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms while still tasting delicious. You drink coffee anyways–why not add some ashwagandha to your morning cup of joe?

#4 Rated Ashwagandha Supplement: Organic India Ashwagandha

Organic India’s Ashwagandha product is sourced, manufactured, and formulated with an intense focus on product quality and integrity.  If you want a supplement company worthy of your trust and business, Organic India is tough to beat.

Organic India has an impressive story, a company founded with a mission to restore sustainable, organic, regenerative farming practices in India while producing quality medicinal herbs.  

In 2018 and 2019 they won the certification for “Best for the World Overall”– a title bestowed upon the top 10% of companies possessing the coveted B Corp certification.  

What does any of this mean?

B Corp Certification is a certification earned by companies that demonstrate high standards of social and environmental responsibility, along with transparency and accountability. Profits and purpose must be held in balance for B Corp certified companies.  

Product features include:

• 800 mg organic ashwagandha root powder per 2 capsules serving
• 45 daily servings per bottle (a 45-day supply)
• $18.99 per 90 capsule bottle, but costs drop to about 14.50/90 capsules if you purchase a 180 capsule bottle for $28.99

The company does not list the percent of withanolides, however, this actually demonstrates a level of transparency. As they note in their FAQ’s sections: “we use the unaltered and natural whole roots and herbs that we grow. Because of this, we don’t measure or print the amount of constituents, such as withanolides, in our herbs because that can vary among different harvests.”  

At $0.45 per daily serving (assuming a 90-capsule / 45-day supply bottle purchase), this product costs more than the top pick listed above. However, if you purchasing a 180-capsule bottle brings the daily cost to $0.32/ serving, approximately equivalent to the NutriRise product listed at the top spot.

This one also has great rankings–28 ratings 4.9 out of 5. I read through the reviews and there many reviews reporting improved sleep, improved sense of calm, improved blood sugar levels, and better energy levels.

All in all, I do absolutely love this one from Organic India, and it’s well deserving of the #4 spot on the list.

Pros

• Manufactured in a plant in India that meets platinum standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) 
• Third party tested to ensure quality in line with standards issued by the American Herbal Products Association
• Certified organic according to USDA, EU and NPOP Organic Standards
• Purity standards exceed most companies, product is free of fillers, binders, and other additives–you are getting the listed ingredients and nothing else!
• Doctor-formulated
• B Corp Certified Company with focus on ethics, Fair Trade, and global welfare
• Compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) manufacturing and testing protocols

Cons

• Withanolide content is variable and not tested routinely, but this is due to the fact that they use the purest form of ashwagandha–the whole root. 
• More expensive than other options on the list

Final thoughts:  Organic India Ashwagandha is a product of exceptional quality. It is certified Organic, 3rd party tested and meets every purity standard in the book. If you are looking for a fantastic ashwagandha supplement, you won’t go wrong with this one.

#5 RatedAshwagandha Supplement:  Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root (Most Socially Responsible Option)

Of all the products listed in this review, Gaia Herbs is the only company that sources ashwagandha grown within the United States–from its own farm located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina!

As noted above, the United States has some of the most strict safety standards in the world when it comes to food and herb production and is one of the reasons I love this supplement.

It’s B Corp Certified, which means the company meets the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, balancing profit with mission.

It must be noted that depending on availability, Gaia Herbs will also source its ashwagandha from India when necessary. All herbs are tested for contaminants, purity, and even DNA tested to ensure there are no adulterants.

Sourcing along with product testing data for YOUR SPECIFIC BATCH of herbs can be viewed using Gaia Herb’s unique “Meet Your Herb” website feature.  Each bottle comes with an identifier number which can be plugged into the website to review the analysis of the batch of herbs used in your product.

While Gaia Herbs notes that they only use third-party testing intermittently, they have an onsite laboratory that utilizes numerous quality control test methods.

Normally, lack of routine third-party testing would be a concern for me, but the Meet Your Herb feature, combined with high product ratings found on consumerlab.com, provide me with a sense of confidence in recommending this product.

Product features include:

• 350 mg ashwagandha root powder and extract per capsule
• 1 bottle has 60 capsules–a 30-day supply  
• “Meet Your Herb” feature allows for review of testing data and sourcing of your specific bottle of ashwagandha 
• $24.99  for a 30-day supply, though the costs drop to approximately $20.50 per 30 days when ordering a 60-day supply.  Also subscribing drops the pricing by 10%.

The Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha product has received more than 2,000 reviews on Amazon.com with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.  Customers report reductions in anxiety, reduction in panic attacks, reduction in night sweats associated with menopause, and improved sleep.

Pros

• Manufactured in the U.S.A., and when supplies allow, ashwagandha is sourced from the company farm in the U.S.A.
• Unique “Meet Your Herb” feature takes transparency to new heights, allowing purchasers to review the purity of their own batch of herbs
• Organic
• Vegan, free of Corn, Dairy, Gluten, Peanuts, Shellfish, Soy, Sugar, Tree Nuts, Yeast
• B Corp Certified Company with focus on ethics, Fair Trade, and global welfare
• Reviews of Gaia products generally on consumerlab.com have found such to have high levels of purity and quality
• Standardized to have 2.5mg withanolides per capsule

Cons

• Most expensive product on our list 

Final thoughts:  While the costs are higher for this product and they lack 3rd party testing, I love their “Meet Your Herb” feature and their positive rating on consumerlabs.com. It’s not the best option on the list, but it definitely deserves a spot.

Choosing the best ashwagandha supplement–and why it matters

As a master’s prepared nurse, my passion first and foremost is promoting health and wellness along with disease prevention for people of all ages.  As such, when making recommendations, assurance of product quality, integrity, and safety is of critical importance to me.

Not all supplements are created equally.  When making a recommendation, these are the questions I ask:

• Is the product certified and manufactured according to FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)?
• Does the company submit its products for third-party lab testing?
• Has the product been reviewed by independent consumer advocacy groups, such as consumerlabs.com?  If so, what are the findings regarding a company or products produced by the company?
• Ingredient sourcing:  where do the herbs come from?  Where are they grown, and what standards of safety exist in their nation of origin?

GMP Certification

GMP certification is important as it tells you that the manufacturing process has been independently inspected and found to be in compliance with FDA standards.  Such standards require that the manufacturing process is designed to promote ingredient purity, assure appropriate dosing, allow for rapid detection in errors, consist of frequent quality control checks and practices, and ensure products are produced by current best practices and technologies.

Third Party Testing

Third-party testing allows for independent analysis of a supplement, providing data on supplement quality, purity, dosing, and integrity.

Consumer Labs

Consumerlabs.com requires a subscription for full access, but is an invaluable resource in providing independent review data regarding a wide range of dietary supplements and products.  This information can be helpful in determining if a company or product passes product testing or fails inspections due to contaminants, false advertising, lack of / insufficient active ingredients, or other quality issues.

Ingredient Sourcing

Products sourced from the U.S. are regulated by the FDA.  While imperfect, the U.S. along with European nations are viewed as having higher standards in terms of regulating products made for human consumption versus other nations.

Asian-sourced herbal products have been found to have potentially higher rates of heavy metal contamination from pollution, and adulteration, such as the fraudulent addition of drugs / pharmaceuticals.  Pesticide contamination is also a concern.

These selected brands in the list above meet most or all of the above mentioned quality markers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ashwagandha Supplements

How safe are ashwagandha supplements?

A concern for any supplement is contamination with impurities and adulterants.  The products described above meet a variety of certification requirements for purity, safety, and product integrity.

As noted in our article “Ashwagandha Health Benefits for Women & Men,” traditional use dates back literally thousands of years.  However, research studies using current research methodology are limited to studies of brief duration, about 2-3 months.

The effects of long term use are unclear.  For me, I like to use ashwagandha for limited durations (such as two months) during periods when I am feeling particularly stressed.

Three cases of liver injury were reported as noted by consumerlabs.com in concentrated products with high withanolide content.  The injuries were not permanent.

The products above actually have lower withanolide contents than the products implicated in the liver injury cases.  This is likely a good thing, as withanolides are only part of the magic of ashwagandha–and excessive doses may not be as safe.

Decreases in blood sugar and blood pressure, and blood thinning are potential effects (though such may be beneficial–talk to your provider if you are taking medications for these conditions).

Medication interactions are possible, and there are uncertainties regarding safety during pregnancy.  Persons with underlying kidney disease or liver disease may want to avoid ashwagandha.

Allergic reactions are possible, especially for those who have allergies to other plants found in the nightshade category (such as peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant).  Overall, ashwagandha is noted to be well tolerated by most users.

How solid is the research on ashwagandha?

We cover the research on ashwagandha in greater detail in our article “Ashwagandha Health Benefits for Women & Men.”  While human trials are still in early phases, current research has validated many of the traditional uses of ashwagandha using subjective and objective measures.

For example, users of ashwagandha in human research trials rated improvements in signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia superior to groups in the same study taking consuming placebos.

Further, tests of hormone levels in research have shown reductions in stress hormones and improvements in sex hormone levels, with trends towards restoring healthy hormone imbalances in high stress groups.  While more research is needed with perhaps larger groups of participants over longer durations, the early research is quite promising.

Wrapping it up!

Ashwagandha is an herb renowned for its stress-busting, anxiety reducing, and vitality restoring properties.  With thousands of years of traditional use supporting these effects, scientific research is increasingly validating effects that ayurvedic physicians and users around the world have long known.

If you want to try it out, and want to know you are getting a high quality product, a good place to start is with our #1 option, Nutririse.

Still Unsure Which Option Is Best For You? Here’s The Recap, Based On Our Testing & Research

• NutriRise Ashwagandha: Best Overall Quality Option. This product is manufactured in the U.S.A. in a FDA approved facility, GMP certified, third party tested, and certified organic. It is free of fillers, binders, and other additives. NutriRise formulas are created under the direction of a scientific advisory panel that includes medical doctors, nutritionists, and natural health practitioners.
• Bulksupplements.com Ashwagandha Extract: Best Budget Option. This product is a more affordable option for those looking to try ashwagandha supplements.
• Four Sigmatic Ground Adaptogen Coffee: Best For Starting Your Day. This product combines the benefits of ashwagandha with coffee to help start your day on the right foot.