Advertising sponsored by the sellers of Live Conscious® Beyond Collagen Capsules

Top 5 Ashwagandha Supplements To Help Manage Stress And Improve Focus

Learn how Ashwagandha can help keep your stress levels in check, restore calm & focus, promote mental clarity, and more.

  • Written by: Brilliant Staff
bw-bg-top-5-ashwagahndha

According to the latest Stress in America™ survey from the American Psychological Association (APA), roughly 84% of US adults experience emotions related to prolonged stress.1 That number is up from recent years, thanks in large part to the pandemic.

And while some stress is normal, persistent and high levels of stress can lead to weight fluctuations, hypertension, and reduced cognition.2 As Americans become increasingly aware of the hazards of stress, many have also begun to take a more holistic approach to their physical and mental well-being, including the use of herbal supplements and adaptogens like ashwagandha.

bw-bg-benefits-infographic

A staple of Indian ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been used for centuries to help relieve stress, restore calm and focus, and promote better sleep. Its growing popularity in the West has lead to an influx of ashwagandha supplements. While that's good news for consumers eager for the ancient root, it also opens the door for shady companies to throw their low-grade products into the mix.

Needless to say, sussing out the good products from the bad can be... stressful. That's why we put together a quick and easy guide to show you what to look for in a high-quality ashwagandha supplement.

ASHWAGANDHA FAQ

How does Ashwagandha work?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a class of plant-based remedies that help our bodies resist—or 'adapt'—to physical and chemical stressors in our environment.

Research suggests the secret to their power lies in their ability to 'hack' the body's stress-protection response, allowing us to maintain resilience during stressful situations.

Why take Ashwagandha?

Used for centuries to promote positive mood, relieve stress, support relaxation, and mental clarity, ashwagandha sales have skyrocketed lately for general mood support and focus.

In a double-blind, randomized study on ashwagandha from Sleep Medicine, 72% of participants noticed a difference in sleep quality, and a significant increase in quality of life.3

Another study from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine showed that ashwagandha helped support muscle strength as well as reduce strain on muscles.4

The Focus-Promoting Dream Team

Ashwagandha is certainly unique in its ability to manage stress—but it's not alone. Over the years, several so-called 'nutraceuticals' have emerged claiming to reduce stress. The truth is, some are effective, while others are complete duds.

However, there is one standout ingredient with a proven track record: L-theanine. This potent amino acid is derived from green tea and has been shown to help reduce subjective stress levels. People who take L-theanine also claim that it gives them a sense of calm, and clear focus.

For these reasons, and because it works synergistically with ashwagandha, we recommend finding a supplement that includes both. But before you pony up to any old product, it's important to know which types and how much of each to look for in an effective supplement.

Look For The Following Quality Ingredients:

Clinically-Studied Ashwagandha

Manufacturing ashwagandha is a challenging process. Common extraction methods often result in diluted, and even ineffective, end products. For best results, we recommend opting for clinically studied ashwagandha like KSM-66®.

KSM-66® ashwagandha uses cutting-edge extraction methods to maintain potency and a natural proportion of active constituents. They're also backed by numerous blind studies and their findings suggest clinically effective doses start at 600 mg.

L-theanine

L-theanine is a powerful amino acid that helps promote both focus and relaxation. It's commonly used as a coffee additive to prevent 'caffeine jitters' and overstimulation, and works hand-in-hand with ashwagandha to promote a calm, clear mind. For best results, look for a supplement with at least 100 mg of L-theanine.

Step 1

Tellus facilisis donec blandit massa nibh nunc. Ipsum maecenas lobortis turpis amet volutpat sed. Sit lectus velit ac rutrum. Amet suspendisse est suspendisse dignissim euismod amet lorem amet cursus. Massa turpis vitae porttitor et.

Step 2

Tellus facilisis donec blandit massa nibh nunc. Ipsum maecenas lobortis turpis amet volutpat sed. Sit lectus velit ac rutrum. Amet suspendisse est suspendisse dignissim euismod amet lorem amet cursus. Massa turpis vitae porttitor et.

Step 3

Tellus facilisis donec blandit massa nibh nunc. Ipsum maecenas lobortis turpis amet volutpat sed. Sit lectus velit ac rutrum. Amet suspendisse est suspendisse dignissim euismod amet lorem amet cursus. Massa turpis vitae porttitor et.

What To Avoid

Hydrogenated Oils

Hydrogenated oils are used to preserve foodstuffs and are often found in low-grade supplements. They are high in trans fats, which can adversely affect cholesterol levels and lead to increased risk of heart disease.

Relying on Amazon reviews

60% of reviews are written by folks paid to leave positive feedback. Risking your health with reviews that are false is too dangerous a game to play when choosing a supplement.
With these guidelines in mind, we scoured the market for the best of the best ashwagandha supplements.

2025’s Must-Have Ashwagandha Supplements

What We Like:

    • Clinically-studied ashwagandha 
    • L-theanine
    • Non-GMO
    • Vegetarian 
    • GMP compliant
    • 365-day return policy

Room To Improve:

    • Sold exclusively online

Final Thoughts

We chose ZenWell from Live Conscious because it's the only ashwagandha supplement that checks all the boxes in our list of criteria. 

ZenWell uses KSM-66® ashwagandha, the gold standard in high-quality, high-potency ashwagandha, at a clinically-studied, 600 mg dose.

Each serving also contains 200 mg of clinically-studied AlphaWave® L-theanine and 20 mg of black pepper extract to aid in absorption.

To top things off, Live Conscious offers a generous, 365-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.

Product Specs

  • 30 servings per bottle (2 capsules per serving)
  • Organic KSM-66® ashwagandha (600 mg), AlphaWave® l-theanine (200 mg), Organic black pepper fruit extract (20 mg)
  • Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO
  • Price: $$

What We Like:

    • Botanical stress blend
    • Gluten-free
    • Vegetarian
    • Non-GMO formula
    • GMP compliant

Room To Improve:

    • Not clinically-studied
    • Lacks L-theanine 
    • 30-day return policy

Final Thoughts

Taking second place is Plant Powered Chill by Olly. There is a lot to like about this product, including its blend of ashwagandha, with calming botanicals like rhodiola rosea and schisandra - both of which promote relaxation.

While the formula shows promise, Olly's decision not to use clinically-studied ashwagandha or l-theanine raises questions about potency. However, the addition of targeted botanicals may help pick up the slack for stress support. 

For those seeking a botanical approach to stress management, Plant Powered Chill is still a solid choice. But shoppers should note Olly only offers a 30-day return policy.

Product Specs

  • 30 servings per bottle (1 capsule per serving)
  • Ashwagandha extract (125 mg), Rhodiola rosea extract (75 mg), Schisandra extract (50 mg)
  • Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO
  • Price: $$

What We Like:

    • Clinically-studied ashwagandha 
    • Non-GMO
    • Gluten & gelatin free 
    • Vegan 
    • Vitamin D

Room To Improve:

    • Low dose 
    • Lacks L-theanine 
    • 30-day return policy

Final Thoughts

Thanks to the popularity of their ACV gummies, Goli seems poised to parlay their success into a wider selection of gummy offerings, starting with ashwagandha. 

Like our top pick, Goli's Ashwagandha Gummies are made with clinically-studied KSM-66® ashwagandha. However, each serving contains just 300 mg—half the clinically-studied dose. To get an effective dose of ashwagandha, you'd have to consume twice the serving size, or 4 gummies/day.

Each serving also contains 7 g of carbs and 4 g of sugar, which are not staggering amounts, but something to consider if you're on a low-sugar or keto diet

Finally, each serving also contains 25 mcg of vitamin D, which seems like it was added to make the formula unique (but no harm no foul?). If you're not satisfied with this product, you should act quickly, as Goli offers a brief, 30-day return policy.

Product Specs

  • 30 servings per bottle (2 gummies per serving)
  • Organic KSM-66® ashwagandha root extract (300 mg)
  • Other ingredients: organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar, water, pectin, natural flavors, malic acid, citric acid, sodium citrate, organic fruit and vegetable juice (color), organic sunflower lecithin 
  • Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO
  • Price: $

What We Like:

    • Certified organic
    • Potent 1200 mg of ashwagandha per serving

Room To Improve:

    • Does not use clinically-studied ashwagandha
    • Lacks L-theanine 
    • Unspecified return policy

Final Thoughts

Nutraherbal's ashwagandha is both organically grown and free of gluten, soy, and GMOs. While it contains a potent dose of ashwagandha, unfortunately, it does not use a clinically-studied version. Additionally, it lacks L-theanine

On the plus side, it contains black pepper extract to better help with absorption. They don't use any binders and reviewers reported positive benefits after use, however their return policy is unspecified

Product Specs

  • 30 servings per bottle (2 capsules per serving)
  • Premium ashwagandha root powder (1200 mg), Black pepper fruit extract (5 mg)
  • Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO
  • Price: $$

What We Like:

    • Low price
    • Positive customer reviews
    • Non-GMO
    • Third-party tested

Room To Improve:

    • Does not use clinically-studied ashwagandha
    • Lacks L-theanine

Final Thoughts

Havasu Nutrition rounds out our list with their ashwagandha supplement. Reviewers raved about the low price and that it contains no preservatives, chemicals, or sugars.

However, this product does not use a clinically-studied form of ashwagandha and it also lacks L-theanine. They also boast a unique artichoke extract to help with both absorption and digestion.

Product Specs

  • 45 servings per bottle (2 capsules per serving)
  • Ashwagandha root powder (1000 mg), Artichoke extract (100 mg)
  • Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO
  • Price: $

How We Choose Products

Like you, we’re picky about products — and serious about quality. 

Whether we’re featuring an award-winning product from one of our five beauty and wellness brands — or somebody else’s — a Brilliant recommendation doesn’t see the light of day until it has been medically reviewed by our Fact Checkers for accuracy and has fulfilled our Brilliant Criteria. 

At Brilliant, although we often feature products that we sell, we’re not afraid to highlight and celebrate other brands who are doing things right.

Brilliant Criteria

We take great care in handpicking high-quality products to feature on Brilliant. Here’s how we choose them:
  • High-Quality Ingredients: We dig deep into the latest research and look for products that contain comprehensive ingredients for optimal impact. 
  • Pure, Holistic Formulas: We prioritize products that contain clean, wholesome ingredients. A product should only contain what it needs and nothing else—period.
  • Brand Credibility: Each product on our list is produced by a company with trusted credibility. We've also verified that each brand adheres to labeling requirements set forth under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
  • Value: We evaluate products based on industry averages and price per serving or application. We also consider quantity and return policy.

Why Trust Us?

As veteran leaders in the wellness space with an award-winning brand portfolio of 100+ health and beauty products, we are committed to honesty and transparency, providing thoughtful insights into the benefits and limitations of the information and products we evaluate — including our own. Every Brilliant Buying Guide is thoroughly vetted for medical accuracy by our Fact Checkers prior to publication. 

With our discerning selection process, you can feel confident that the products we recommend meet the highest benchmarks of quality, transparency, and efficacy. If we wouldn’t use a product ourselves, it’s not Brilliant. 

Citations

  1. Deshpande, Abhijit, et al. “A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study to Evaluate the Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Extract on Sleep Quality in Healthy Adults.” Sleep Medicine, vol. 72, Mar. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2020.03.012 .
  2. Hadany, Lilach, et al. “Why Is Stress so Deadly? An Evolutionary Perspective.” Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, vol. 273, no. 1588, 7 Apr. 2006, pp. 881–885, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1560227/, https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2005.3384.Medline Plus. “Ashwagandha: MedlinePlus Supplements.” Medlineplus.gov, Sept. 2019, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/953.html .
  3. Hidese, Shinsuke, et al. “Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 10, 3 Oct. 2019, p. 2362, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102362.
  4. Mishra, Lakshmi-Chandra, et al. Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review.
  5. Singh, N, et al. “An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda.” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, vol. 8, no. 5S, 15 July 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/, https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5s.9 .
  6. “Stress in America.” Apa.org, May 2020, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress?tab=1 .
  7. “Stress in America - One Year Later, a New Wave of Pandemic Health Concerns.” Apa.org, 2021, http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2021/sia-pandemic-report.pdf .
  8. Wankhede, Sachin, et al. “Examining the Effect of Withania Somnifera Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 12, no. 1, 2015, p. 43, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26609282, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 .
Read Time: 5 min read
SUMMARY
0%

TOP CHOICE

stars-resized

9.7/10

Sign up for expert articlestrending newsproduct recs

Brilliant insights and expertise delivered straight to your inbox.
  • Expert articles
  • Trending news
  • Trusted product recs