Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and orange-red fruit have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. The herb is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry.The name ashwagandha describes the smell of its root (like a horse). By definition, ashwa means horse.​​​​​​​

Historically, the roots of ashwagandha have been used to treat:

• constipation
• insomnia
• skin conditions
• stress
• gastrointestinal issues
• diabetes
• nervous breakdowns
• fevers
• memory loss

Safed Musli, sometimes referred to simply as Musli or Indian Spider Plant is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine primarily as an anti-inflammatory, an aphrodisiac, and adaptogen. Its current scientific binomial is Chlorophytum borivilianum registered by Santapau & R.R.Fern and is a member of the Asparagus family. While traditionally the leaves have been eaten, it is the root that is primarily utilized for its medicinal benefits. Currently, the body of scientific literature in humans in limited but growing as researchers continue to expand our understanding of this complex plant.

Current Use:

            Currently, Safed Musli is primarily marketed as useful in supporting men in both vitality and sexual health. Research supports the use of Safed Musli in supporting increased serum testosterone, libido, erectile dysfunction. Additionally, sperm count and physical performance have been studied.

            Additionally, there is growing research in Safed Musli’s use in healthy immune function and anticancer approaches. It is worth noting that the crude extract performed better than the isolated saponins from the plant in cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells in vitro.

Mucuna pruriens contains high levels of naturally occurring L-dopa, which is the precursor to dopamine. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that is essential for sleep, memory, mood, mental functions, and calming the nervous system.
By using this dopa bean supplement, you can support the body’s production of dopamine naturally. L-dopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and aides the body in creating this fantastic feel-good hormone.

As with everything, the right amount of dopamine is crucial. Normal levels keep your nervous system working properly. It promotes healthy levels of motivation, sex drive and appetite. With dopamine being essential for mental function, emotions, and mood, it’s no wonder this magic bean also boosts the mood.

In 2014 researchers studied the effect of mucuna pruriens for reducing anxiety in rats. The results of the study showed a significant anti-anxiety effect in each of the models they studied.[6] Mucuna also shows promise in treating stress and depression.

Traditionally, Bacopa was utilized in various conditions afflicting the mind and nervous system. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Bacopa is a rasayana, or a rejuvenative tonic, which promotes the revitalization of the body and tissues. It was used tonically to promote intellect and longevity*. Modern research on Bacopa shows that Bacopa monnieri extracts are able to improve various cognitive functions in healthy college students. Other studies suggest that Bacopa monnieri decreases the rate of forgetting newly acquired information in healthy adults, and may improve cognitive processes in healthy humans*. As more and more people turn to herbal medicine, Bacopa monnieri is experiencing increasing popularity as a nootropic aid. Study participants noted a sense of calm and wellbeing from Bacopa with short term use, however, studies showed that beneficial cognitive effects of Bacopa are typically seen after 6-12 weeks, with better results seen with long term use*.

Ginseng refers to eleven different varieties of a short, slow-growing plant with fleshy roots. Ginseng is believed to restore and enhance wellbeing. It is one of the most popular herbal remedies. P. Ginseng is believed to boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, treat diabetes, and manage sexual dysfunction in men.  Ginsenosides are the natural pesticides that protect the ginseng plant from insects and bacteria – and us from the stresses of daily life! This is because, when we take them in a supplement they act on the brain to normalise the function of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, which can be disrupted by stress.

Once we’re back in balance, our adrenal glands will produce just the right amount of cortisol to keep us alert and focused, rather than tired and unable to relax. This is because ginseng can help regulate the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. When we are stressed, our adrenal glands may produce too much cortisol (which can leave us unable to relax and sleep) or too little cortisol (which can leave us tired and lacking in energy). Taking ginseng supplements can relieve symptoms of fatigue in healthy adults.

Maca root is a significant part of the Peruvian culture. It has been growing in the pristine altitudes of the Andes Mountains in Peru for over 2000 years and yet it is only now that the healing powers of Maca have been recognized throughout the world and its become popular beyond Brazil. It is also called the ‘Peruvian Ginseng’ for the same reason. Maca belongs to the same plant family as that of broccoli, radish and watercress. Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, Maca is rich in fibre, calcium, iron and amino acids. It is known to boost fertility in men, reduces stress and increases stamina.

Maca’s impact on your energy levels, mood, and stamina has been widely recognized in the field of sports and athletics. Maca roots are rich in amino acids that happen to be one the building components of hormones. Maca roots contain 20 amino acids out of which 8 are essential amino acids, which help in the production of regulatory hormones in men.