11 best ashwagandha supplements for 2026, approved by experts and Glamour editors
Featured in this article
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.
Ahead, the best Ashwagandha supplements for 2026, approved by experts and Glamour editors:
Wild Nutrition Food-Grown KSM-66 Ashwagandha Plus
- Type: Capsules.
- Dosage: 2 capsules per day, morning or night. With or without food.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 600mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: Boasting 500mg of ethically and naturally sourced full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract, this supplement has been designed to support everything from emotional balance and mental function to energy levels and reproductive health. Best of all, swallowing two vegetable capsules will also provide you with 30mg of much-loved magnesium — so take your capsules in the evening if better physical performance and sleep quality are a priority.
Pros:
• Uses withania somnifera root that's ethically sourced from Rajasthan, India.
• Free 15-minute consultations are available to book through the Wild Nutrition website if you'd like to speak to an expert before purchasing.Cons:
•May not be suitable for those who don't like swallowing capsules.Pros & ConsPros- Premium, root-only extract
- Infused with multi-beneficial magnesium
- Free from added artificial colours, sugars, flavourings and preservatives
Cons- Requires a double dose
Feel Ashwagandha + Mushroom Complex
- Type: Capsules.
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily, with food.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 600mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: If focus is the thing you’re after, look no further than this adaptogenic formula of KSM-66, potent mushrooms, botanicals, and B vitamins. Ginkgo Biloba enhances blood flow and oxygen to the brain, vitamins B12 and B5 help ensure optimal neurological functioning, and Bacopa monnieri and Cordyceps promote brain health and prevent cellular damage.
Pros:
•Also formulated with mushrooms, botanicals and B vitamins for added benefits.
•Formula uses Affron® alongside KSM-66® Ashwagandha that is rapidly absorbed in the body after just one-hour of ingestion. So you'll feel benefits almost immediately.Cons:
•This is one of the more expensive options in our roundup.Pros & ConsPros- Infused with 3 functional mushrooms — Cordyceps, Reishi and Lion's Mane
- That subscription offers regular restocks to your door, as well as up to 38% off
- No fillers, binders, or preservatives
Cons- A splurge — but we like to reframe it as a wellness investment
Ashwagandha KSM-66. - GOLD Innovation
- Type: Capsules.
- Dosage: 1 capsule daily, with food or water.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 250mg.
- Vegan? No.
Why we love it: Protein Works is one of our most trusted wellness brands, and its newly released Ashwagandha supplement is good value for money and easy to take. Each capsule contains 250mg of ashwagandha, so while it isn't the most potent in this roundup, it still promises great results. It also comes with the added benefits of vitamin B6 to support both normal psychological function and your nervous system.
Pros:
• You only need to take one capsule a day, and they're easy to swallow.
•This is a really good value-for-money option, so ideal for anyone who wants to try ashwagandha out without spending lots.Cons:
•While it still falls within the recommended dosage, this isn't the strongest ashwagandha supplement in our roundup.Save when you shop the best ashwagandha supplements with these Protein Works discount codes.
TRIP Cherry Ashwagandha Gummies
- Type: Chewable gummy.
- Dosage: Take two gummies daily.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 3,000mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: If you’re the kind of person who can’t stand swallowing tablets, then you’ll likely do better with chewable gummies, TRIP's version flavoured like tart cherry. Two of these (vegan) supercharged sweets will give you a 3,000mg hit of KSM-66, as well as a generous serving of Vitamins B and D, the latter helping your body absorb calcium and phosphate — crucial for keeping your bones strong.
Pros:
•Great alternative for those who don't like swallowing capsules or tablets.
•Suitable for vegans and high potency of KSM-66 in each gummy.Cons:
• Contains the bulking agent maltodextrin, which can cause a spike in blood sugar.Pros & ConsPros- Convenient, on-the-go solution
- Delicious cherry flavour
- Coloured only by black carrot extract
Cons- Contains both glucose syrup and sugar
- Type: Capsules.
- Dosage: 1 capsule daily, with food.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 500mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: Simple and straight to the point, there are no extra nutrients or vitamins to be found in these affordable yet effective ashwagandha capsules. But you can expect an impressive 500mg serving of full-spectrum KSM-66 extract in each individual capsule. As well as helping support symptoms of stress and anxiety, reviewers seem really impressed with how these capsules have positively impacted their muscle endurance during workouts.
Pros:
•Good value for money, so it's an affordable way of trying ashwagandha for the first time.
•Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.Cons:
•Doesn't have any additional ingredients or nutrients within it like some of the formulas in this list.Pros & ConsPros- Great value, costing just 25p per capsule
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly
- On average, rated 4.5-stars by consumers
Cons- With just 500mg of ashwagandha per capsule, this is a lower dose option
- Type: Mango-flavoured greens powder.
- Dosage: Mix one tsp with 500ml of water, or stir it into a smoothie.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 600mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: Designed specifically to support female wellness, this plant-based blend is packed with 21 nutrient-rich ingredients. Not just an ashwagandha powder, one serving will not only provide you with a hefty dose of KSM-66 — but it’ll also see that you’re stocked up on plenty of green goodness — like spirulina, wheatgrass, organic chlorella, and more. With just one drink a day, you’ll be properly supporting your digestive system and microbiome.
Pros:
•Specifically beneficial to women's health and the digestive system.
•Great alternative to capsules and tablets.Cons:
•Flavours of greens within the powder may not be for everyone.Save when you shop the best ashwagandha supplements with these Amazon discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- Of 150 Free Soul Greens users, 93% felt more digestive ease after 14 days, while another 84% felt more body confident
- Works out at just 80p per serving
- Vegan, gluten- and dairy-free
Cons- Just a touch too sweet
- Type: Capsules.
- Dosage: 1 capsule per day.
- KSM-66 per dosage: Unknown.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: It's understandable that our team of testers preferred an ashwagandha supplement that fit seamlessly into their current AM and PM routines. They appreciated that Charava's supplement — infused with a highly concentrated, full-spectrum extract of Withania somnifera root — can be taken morning or night, and requires swallowing just one tablet with water. They also praised the fact that it's GMO-, allergen, gluten and filler-free. While the premium price tag was a concern for some, they did comment on the usefulness of the option to subscribe to regular deliveries. In terms of effectiveness, most commented that they felt less groggy after a month of daily dosing and felt more in control of their stress levels.
Pros:
•You can enjoy the full benefits by taking just one tablet per day.
•Free from GMOs, glutens and bulking agents.Cons:
•One of the most expensive options on our list.Pros & ConsPros- Derived from the root only, ensuring a balanced profile of active constituents without unnecessary leaves or fillers
- Third-party tested
- Choose from a 60, 120 or 160-day supply
Cons- Your only option for a subscription is to shop direct
Nutrition Geeks Ashwagandha Calm+
- Type: Capsules.
- Dosage: Take 1 capsule daily with a glass of water, ideally 1 hour before sleeping.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 250mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: As well as playing host to a reasonable dose of KSM-66, each of these nifty capsules has been enhanced with mood-boosting Vitamin B6, and two key amino acids: stress-relieving L-Theanine, and serotonin-increasing L-Tryptophan. Particularly effective at improving sleep, they work best when taken an hour before sleep — and have even been laced with black pepper to aid speedy absorption.
Pros:
• A particularly good option for those wanting to improve the quality of their sleep.
• Good value for money and only one capsule per day required.Cons:
• Capsules may not be suitable for everyone.Save when you shop the best ashwagandha supplements with these Amazon discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- Infused with black pepper to aid absorption in the body
- Cruelty-free and low carbon footprint
- A single-dose option
Cons- A very subtle, but slightly bitter aftertaste
- Type: Liquid sachet.
- Dosage: One sachet a day, stored refrigerated or at room temperature.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 500mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: Whether you slurp it up on its own, or mix it into your yoghurt or smoothie in the mornings, this little sachet has a pioneering lipid formulation that supports optimal absorption of the KSM-66 into your bloodstream — so you’ll feel the benefits quickly. Best of all, it’s been infused with natural pink guava extract, which gives it a deliciously tropical and refreshing taste.
Pros:
• Multiple ways of taking it so it can fit comfortably into your routine.
• Its liquid formula is easy for the body to absorb and for you to feel the benefits.Cons:
• This is admittedly one of the most expensive options on our list.Save when you shop the best ashwagandha supplements with these health and beauty discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- No need to measure out a daily dose — but grab and go
- Sweetened with natural sorbitol rather than refined sugar
- Tasty tropical passion fruit flavour
Cons- Works out at £1.57 a sachet
- Type: Capsules.
- Dosage: Two capsules daily, with or without food.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 800mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: Designed to help contribute to normal psychological function, this fatigue and stress-fighting herbal formula is our top ashwagandha for anxiety. As well as a hefty dose of KSM-66, the formula contains B Complex vitamins to help regulate hormonal activity, soothing Passion Flower, which supports relaxation, and a dash of piperine (more commonly known as black pepper) to boost absorption.
Pros:
•Gluten and dairy-free and suitable for vegetarians.
•This high-quality supplement also provides added benefits from thiamine, B2, B6 and B12.Cons:
• For the recommended dosage, you need to take two tablets a day which some may not like.Pros & ConsPros- Combined with calming passion flower and B vitamins
- Gluten and dairy-free
- Made in the UK, and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons- A spenny option
Nutravita Organic Ashwagandha KSM-66
- Type: Capsules.
- Dosage: 1 capsule daily, with food or water.
- KSM-66 per dosage: 500mg.
- Vegan? Yes.
Why we love it: Great value for money, one bottle of these ashwagandha capsules will see you through two whole months. Each capsule contains 500mg of KSM-66, and according to the reviews, they’ve had high levels of success in a range of areas — from tackling joint pain and symptoms of menopause, to soothing feelings of stress and anxiety, and improving sleep quality.
Pros:
•Many reviewers note its ability to help with a wide range of health issues and its one of the cheapest in our roundup.
• Suitable for vegans and vegetariansCons:
•The capsules are on the larger size which may not suit some. However, they can be opened and the contents sprinkled into a smoothie or drink as an alternative.Save when you shop the best ashwagandha supplements with these Superdrug discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- Our testers confirmed that those capsules are easy to swallow
- Suitable for vegans
- Certified to be organic by the Soil Association
Cons- Not the most aesthetic packaging
Your ashwagandha FAQs, answered:
What are the benefits of ashwagandha?
Among experts and those in the know, Ashwagandha is praised for its many uses. However, it’s perhaps best known for how it can help the body adapt to both physiological and psychological stresses by reducing the activity of the HPA axis — AKA the body's main stress response system.
In doing this, your stress response isn’t activated, which means that the pituitary gland doesn’t stimulate the production of cortisol (AKA the stress hormone). As well as this, ashwagandha may also help with your sleep, focus, energy levels, and cognitive function, as well as balancing your blood sugar levels.
“Growing scientific evidence supports the many health benefits of ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb,” says Dr Sidra Samad, Medical Consultant at Charava. "By lowering cortisol levels, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall resilience, it helps the body adapt to stressful situations. Clinical research has demonstrated improvements in mood stability, cognitive function, and sleep quality, especially in people with chronic stress.
She continues: “By improving mitochondrial function and lowering fatigue, ashwagandha also promotes energy and endurance. According to research, it may help regulate thyroid and adrenal hormones in both sexes and increase testosterone and fertility in men.”
Nutritional therapist Caroline Mason agrees that it's especially beneficial for men: “For men specifically, ashwagandha is also a great supplement for fertility, and to support the production of healthy testosterone." She flags one study which tested the impact of ashwagandha on men with fertility issues and found it prompted a vast improvement in sperm quality, with an impressive 14% of partners becoming pregnant.
How and when should you take ashwagandha supplements?
“The best way to take ashwagandha depends on your goals, but consistency and quality matter the most," recommends Samad. "Most people benefit from taking 300 – 600 mg daily, preferably with food to enhance absorption.
Sandrine Olmi, a Registered Nutritional Therapist adds that ashwagandha capsules and tinctures can be taken at any time of day, depending on your needs. “You can choose to take it in the morning to support energy levels and stress management, or if you are looking for calm and relaxation, it is best to take it at night,” she says. It is normally recommended to take Ashwagandha with food.
In terms of which types — capsules, gummies, gels or drinkable powders — Samad praises capsules for their convenience and accurate dosing. However, powders added to warm milk, smoothies, or herbal tea avoid adding a step to your morning routine.
How do I know if an ashwagandha supplement is high quality?
When it comes to finding the most high-quality ashwagandha, Olmi explains that there are two forms available: KSM-66 and regular ashwagandha. “Traditional ashwagandha is composed of extracts derived from both the leaf and root of the ashwagandha plant, whereas KSM-66 ashwagandha combines a clinically validated dose of the most researched ashwagandha root extract with third-party testing.”
Can you take too many supplements?
“While supplements are considered safe to take, more isn't always better,” details Samad. "For example, ashwagandha doesn't require high or frequent dosages to work; rather, it restores hormonal and stress balance gradually. According to research, most adults can safely and effectively take doses of 300 – 600 mg of standardised extract daily.”
Of course, following the manufacturer's dosage instructions is always recommended, and if concerned, check in with your GP — especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking any other medication.
How long does it take for ashwagandha to start working?
Consistency is key when it comes to starting your ashwagandha journey: “In most cases, it makes a wonderful daily supplement — and you can expect to feel the difference in four to 12 weeks,” details Mason.
Who shouldn't take ashwagandha — and are there any side effects?
As always, if you’re unsure about whether a supplement is suitable for you, check with your GP or a trusted healthcare professional — especially if you have underlying medical issues. It's also not advisable to take ashwagandha if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
“Anyone who’s taking medication should definitely speak with their doctor or seek medical advice beforehand, as ashwagandha can interact with blood pressure, immunosuppressants, sedatives, anti-seizure, diabetic and thyroid medications,” says Mason.
In terms of potential side effects, only a small percentage of people who use ashwagandha have issues with ashwagandha. “Side effects are very rare — but as typically reported to be nausea, a change in bowel movements, or an upset stomach," says Mason.
Olmi does add, however, that although most research data indicate that ashwagandha supplementation is safe and tolerable for up to three months, more data is needed to evaluate the safety of higher doses and longer periods of supplementation.
Meet the experts:
| Caroline Mason | Registered Nutritional Therapist at Baldo & Mason. |
| Sasha Parkin | Nutritional Therapist at Wild Nutrition. |
| Sandrine Olmi | Registered Nutritional Therapist |
| Dr Sidra Samad | Medical Consultant at Charava. |
