Calm Now Botanicals
Also known as: Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Rhodiola rosea, Golden root, Arctic root, Bacopa monnieri, Brahmi, Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, Maythorn, Whitethorn, Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, Passion Flower, Passiflora incarnata, Maypop, Hops, Humulus lupulus, Common hop, Calm Now Botanicals
Overview
Calm Now Botanicals is a blend of herbal ingredients traditionally utilized for their stress-relieving, anxiolytic, and cognitive-enhancing properties. Key ingredients include Ashwagandha, known for its adaptogenic qualities; Rhodiola rosea, which supports emotional health; Bacopa monnieri, recognized for cognitive enhancement; and several tranquilizing herbs such as Lemon Balm and Passion Flower. These botanicals are sourced from various native environments worldwide, with Ashwagandha originating from India, and Bacopa monnieri from tropical regions. Research indicates a considerable body of evidence, particularly regarding Ashwagandha and Bacopa monnieri, highlighting their potential benefits for stress reduction, anxiety alleviation, and sleep improvement. The blend may offer a holistic approach to mental wellness, although the quality of evidence varies, necessitating cautious interpretation of results.
Benefits
The primary benefits of Calm Now Botanicals are well-documented across its ingredients. Ashwagandha has been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels—critical for stress management—with a meta-analysis reporting an average reduction of -27.9 ng/mL. Bacopa monnieri enhances memory and cognitive function, evidenced by a standardized mean difference of 0.27 in a meta-analysis. Moreover, Lemon Balm and Passion Flower exhibit anxiolytic effects, significantly reducing anxiety levels as shown in clinical trials. Secondary benefits include mood enhancement from Ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea, as well as potential improvements in sleep quality. The effectiveness seems more pronounced among the general population facing stress and anxiety but may also aid individuals with specific conditions, such as ADHD, where Bacopa monnieri shows promise. Overall, consistent use over weeks to months is necessary to observe these benefits.
How it works
The botanicals within Calm Now operate through various biological mechanisms. Ashwagandha influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, effectively lowering cortisol and modulating the stress response. Bacopa monnieri enhances neurotransmitter activity and synaptic plasticity, crucial for cognitive processes. The calming herbs Lemon Balm and Passion Flower primarily act on GABA receptors, yielding anxiolytic effects, while Rhodiola rosea boosts neurotransmitter levels of serotonin and dopamine, fostering mood support. Collectively, these herbs interact with the nervous and endocrine systems, resulting in a synergistic effect that targets stress, anxiety, and cognitive function.
Side effects
Calm Now Botanicals are generally recognized for their safety when adhering to the recommended dosages. Common side effects experienced may include dizziness, sleepiness, and gastrointestinal disturbances (reported in over 5% of users). Less frequent side effects (1-5%) may include headaches and fatigue. Rarely (<1%), severe allergic reactions can occur, particularly with sensitized individuals. Notable drug interactions involve Ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea with blood thinners and diabetes medications, requiring caution. Bacopa monnieri may increase sedative effects when taken with certain medications. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as caution in individuals with autoimmune diseases and thyroid disorders. Patients are advised to engage healthcare professionals if considering use, especially within vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Dosage
The effective dosing of Calm Now Botanicals varies by ingredient. Recommended daily doses are as follows: Ashwagandha (300-500 mg), Bacopa monnieri (300-450 mg), Rhodiola rosea (100-200 mg), Lemon Balm (80-160 mg), Passion Flower (250-500 mg), and Hops (250-500 mg). It’s best to tailor the dosage according to individual tolerance and specific health goals. Timing is critical, with evening consumption most beneficial for sleep aid. Ethanol extracts are usually preferred due to their enhanced bioavailability. Although specific upper limits are not clearly defined, users are advised to avoid excessive dosages to mitigate potential adverse effects.
FAQs
How long does it take to see benefits?
Benefits can generally be observed within a few weeks of consistent use.
Can I take it with other medications?
Consult a healthcare provider before combining with other medications to prevent possible interactions.
Is it safe for long-term use?
While generally safe, long-term studies are limited; consult a professional for prolonged use.
What are the common side effects?
Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and gastrointestinal issues.
Are there any contraindications?
Yes, particularly for pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with specific health conditions.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2515690X20967323 – A systematic review and meta-analysis identifying Ashwagandha's efficacy in reducing cortisol and stress levels across 17 RCTs with a total population of 1331 participants. The results demonstrated significant reductions in stress scores, although variability in study quality exists.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32813272/ – A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials on Bacopa monnieri revealing significant improvements in memory and cognitive function, with a standardized mean difference of 0.27 across studies with sample sizes totaling 1073.
- https://www.zhounutrition.com/products/calm-now – A product page detailing the individual benefits and research behind each herb in Calm Now Botanicals, summarizing anecdotal and clinical findings supporting their use for anxiety and cognitive enhancement.
- https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0719p12.shtml – An article outlining the properties of herbal supplements including Lemon Balm, highlighting research on its anxiolytic effects in a 15-day RCT which significantly reduced anxiety levels in stressed participants.
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