Throughout my years experimenting with nootropics I always avoided the herbs and adaptogens. I was of course on the lookout for supplements and nootropics for my anxiety and depression but assumed these herbal type varieties were weak compared to compounds like Phenibut and Piracetam.

It turns out I was dead wrong. In fact, Ashwagandha has been the most powerful OTC anti-anxiety agent I have ever come across and is now a staple in my nootropics/supplement medicine cabinet.

The problem was there were all these different versions of Ashwagandha floating around and nobody had an answer for what dosage to take for anxiety.

The 3 versions of Ashwagandha

There are 4 main types of Ashwagandha you’ll come across. Each different version packs its own level of potency and therefore dosages will be different. The active components in Ashwagandha are known as Withanolides. These Withanolides are responsible for the calming effects Ashwagandha is known for.

Let’s crack into the different types and discover what is best for you.

Ashwagandha powder – The traditional use of Ashwagandha uses the raw powder from the ground up roots of the Ashwagandha plant. This powder is then mixed into a tonic or tea. The problem with the raw powder is quality control and potency. Depending on who you’re sourcing the powder from, the quality of the powder will vary widely. With the powder it is difficult to gauge how much of the active components are getting into your system. This makes proper dosing next to impossible.

KSM66 – KSM66 is an Ashwagandha extract. Extracts are ultra powerful versions of the original herb and pack a therapeutic dose of effect. With an extract like KSM-66, you are guaranteed a standardized amount of the active ingredients. In the case of KSM-66, the formula is guaranteed to contain 5% of active Withanolides. This makes dosing possible. A standard dose of KSM-66 is 300mg. 

Sensoril – Sensoril is another popular Ashwagandha extract, and also the most potent. Sensoril is standardized to contain 10% of the active Withanolides making for a truly potent extract. Sensoril also uses the leaves of the plant in the formula, not just the roots making for an entirely different experience. A standard dose of Sensoril is 125mg. 

Tinctures – Ashwagandha tincture is another powerful way to get the herb into your system. Taken under the tongue the herb makes quick work of entering your system and exerting potent effects.

What version to choose?

If you’re dealing with serious anxiety I would go for an extracted form of Ashwagandha. Personally, I find KSM-66 is best for the day while Sensoril is better at night. Sensoril is extremely potent and chills you out so much to the point of losing motivation. For extreme anxiety, you may want this. However, KSM-66 is much more energizing while also taking the edge off.

I recommend reading my post on the different versions of Ashwagandha for an in depth guide to the powder, KSM-66, and Sensoril.

TLDR

Start off with 300mg of KSM-66 or 125mg of Sensoril. You can’t get an accurate dosage with the raw powder and you aren’t guaranteed a set amount of active ingredients. Adaptogens like Ashwagandha are most effective when you use them daily for a longer period of time. Stay within the recommended dosage and be consistent with taking it everyday.

Thanks for reading!