Q: What does this product do?
A: This formula is used as a sleep aid to help promote sleep. It helps to temporarily promote relaxation. These are the Health Canada approved uses (NPN 80096717). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: What are the 7 ingredients in this formula?
A: This formula contains 7 medicinal ingredients per 2-capsule dose. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Root and rhizome) 400mg (8:1 extract, equivalent to 3,200mg raw valerian root). Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata, Herb top) 250mg (4:1 extract, equivalent to 1,000mg). L-Theanine (Camellia sinensis, Leaf) 200mg. Damiana (Turnera diffusa, Leaf) 200mg (8:1 extract, equivalent to 1,600mg). L-5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia, Seed) 100mg. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis, Herb top) 150mg (8:1 extract, equivalent to 1,200mg). GABA (Laminaria japonica) 50mg.
Q: What is Valerian and why is it in this formula?
A: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. The root and rhizome are the parts used. Valerian has been used in traditional European herbal medicine for over 2,000 years and is one of the most widely used herbal sleep aids in the Western world. The characteristic strong, earthy odour of valerian root is due to isovaleric acid and valerenic acid compounds. This formula uses an 8:1 concentrated extract: 8 parts raw valerian root were used to produce 1 part extract. Each 2-capsule dose provides 400mg of extract, equivalent to 3,200mg of raw valerian root.
Q: What is Passionflower and why is it in this formula? A: Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America. The herb top (aerial parts) is used. Passionflower has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for relaxation and sleep support and is one of the most studied herbs for these purposes in the Western herbal tradition. This formula uses a 4:1 concentrated extract. Each 2-capsule dose provides 250mg of extract, equivalent to 1,000mg of raw passionflower herb top.
Q: What is Lemon Balm and why is it in this formula? A: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The herb top (leaves and stems) is used. Lemon Balm has been used in European herbal medicine since at least the Middle Ages for calming and sleep support. The name Melissa comes from the Greek word for honey bee, as the plant attracts bees. This formula uses an 8:1 concentrated extract. Each 2-capsule dose provides 150mg of extract, equivalent to 1,200mg of raw lemon balm herb top.
Q: What is Damiana and why is it in this formula?
A: Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a shrub native to subtropical regions of the Americas, particularly Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The leaf is used. Damiana has been used in traditional Mexican and Central American herbal medicine for centuries. It belongs to the Passifloraceae family, the same plant family as passionflower. This formula uses an 8:1 concentrated extract. Each 2-capsule dose provides 200mg of extract, equivalent to 1,600mg of raw damiana leaf.
Q: What is 5-HTP and why is it in this formula?
A: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid and the direct precursor to serotonin. It is extracted from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a woody climbing shrub native to West Africa. 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is then converted to melatonin in the pineal gland — this is the mechanistic link between 5-HTP and sleep. Each 2-capsule dose provides 100mg of L-5-HTP. Because 5-HTP raises serotonin levels, it has significant interactions with other serotonergic substances. Read the full safety information before use.
Q: What is L-Theanine and why is it in this formula?
A: L-Theanine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in tea (Camellia sinensis). It promotes alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a relaxed but alert mental state. L-Theanine does not cause drowsiness on its own but supports the relaxing effects of the other ingredients in this formula. Each 2-capsule dose provides 200mg of L-Theanine, a standard to high dose.
Q: What is GABA and why is it in this formula? A: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In this formula, GABA is derived from Laminaria japonica, a species of brown seaweed (kelp), and is a natural source of this compound. Each 2-capsule dose provides 50mg of GABA.
Q: Why does this formula contain no melatonin?
A: This formula achieves its Health Canada approved sleep aid effect through herbal extracts and amino acids rather than melatonin. The 5-HTP in this formula is a direct precursor to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin in the pineal gland — supporting the body's own melatonin production pathway rather than providing exogenous melatonin directly.
Q: How do I take this product and how long will 60 capsules last?
A: Adults: 2 capsules, 1 time per day, taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. At 60 capsules and 2 capsules per day, one bottle provides a 30 day supply (1 month). The 30 to 60 minute pre-bedtime timing allows the ingredients to be absorbed and take effect before sleep onset.
Q: Is this product suitable for vegans or vegetarians? A: Yes. The capsule shell is Hypromellose (Vegetable Capsule Shell), a plant-derived material. The other non-medicinal ingredients (Microcrystalline Cellulose and Magnesium Stearate) are also plant-derived. There are no animal-derived ingredients in this formula. This product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Q: Who should not use this product?
A: Do not use this product if you have scleroderma. Do not take with alcohol or products that cause drowsiness. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking carbidopa or drugs or supplements with serotonergic activity, including L-tryptophan, SAMe, St. John's wort, antidepressants, pain killers, OTC cough and cold medications with dextromethorphan, anti-nausea medication, and anti-migraine medication. Consult a health care practitioner if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than 4 weeks (chronic insomnia). Stop use and consult a health care practitioner if you show signs of weakness, oral ulcers, abdominal pain accompanied by severe muscle pain, or experience skin changes. Stop use and consult a health care practitioner if you experience changes in mental state (restlessness or confusion), increased heart rate, enlarged pupils, loss of muscle coordination, sweating, shivering, or gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) within a few hours after taking this product. Stop use if hypersensitivity or allergy occurs. Some people may experience drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Keep out of reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
