Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 5 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Calmhills Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Hills

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Calmhills is a dietary supplement by Herbal Hills with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue and low energy.Based on those ingredients, 1,578 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Pippali. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Calmhills by Herbal Hills

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Herbal Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Calmhills contains 8 ingredients, including a proprietary herbal blend. The active components are ashwagandha (an adaptogenic herb), Brahmi (also called bacopa, used traditionally for memory and cognition), Mandukparnee (gotu kola, a creeping plant used for circulation and skin healing), Jatamasi, Khurasani Ajwain (henbane), Pippali (Indian long pepper), Shankpushpi, and processed in Siddha Ghruta (a traditional preparation method).

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients including gelatin, glycerin, sorbitol, and preservatives.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Assist in relief from normal stressors and calm nerves.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress, Psychological well-being, Nervous tension, Emotional balance — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress.
  • Also on file: Indian Long Pepper is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Stress.

Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder, though data remain preliminary. Brahmi's evidence for cognitive function, ADHD, Alzheimer disease, back pain, and sexual dysfunction is insufficient—we don't have solid proof it works for any of those conditions.

Gotu kola is possibly effective for venous insufficiency and burns, but possibly ineffective for cognitive function and radiation dermatitis. Henbane and Indian long pepper have no effectiveness ratings in our data.

Jatamasi and Shankpushpi's effectiveness has not been established in the facts we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Ashwagandha Bacopa Gotu Kola Henbane Indian Long Pepper

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term but long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects—diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach—rarely occur at typical doses.

Rare serious concerns include liver damage (hepatitis and failure) and, in one case report, reversible brain vessel changes. It is likely unsafe in pregnancy and not recommended while breastfeeding.

Brahmi is generally well tolerated but has limited long-term safety data; gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, headache) occurs in 12–30% of trial participants. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety are not well studied, so avoid medicinal amounts.

Gotu kola is considered well tolerated short-term, though liver concerns have been reported in rare cases; most common side effects are nausea and gastric irritation. It's possibly safe in pregnancy but should be avoided while breastfeeding.

Henbane is a toxic plant that can cause severe poisoning and death even in small amounts, and is likely unsafe in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Indian long pepper as a food spice is likely fine, but concentrated supplements lack strong safety data and should be avoided at medicinal doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Ashwagandha Bacopa Gotu Kola Henbane Indian Long Pepper

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Henbane, Indian Long Pepper, Gotu Kola, Bacopa, Ashwagandha.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,579 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Calmhills, check with your pharmacist if you use anticholinergic drugs (Major interaction with henbane); CNS depressants like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or sedatives; antihypertensive or blood-pressure medications; antidiabetes drugs; thyroid hormone; anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners); or medications that are metabolized by liver enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, or P-glycoprotein). These interactions span multiple drug types and can affect how your medications work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Calmhills is built on herbs with some preliminary evidence for anxiety and sleep—mainly ashwagandha—but it includes henbane, a toxic ingredient with Major-severity anticholinergic interactions. If you take any anticholinergic medication, CNS depressants, blood-pressure drugs, diabetes medications, thyroid hormone, or immunosuppressants, you must check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk with your pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 23, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Calmhills, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Hills
Barcode (UPC) 8906068413856
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2017
DSLD ID 74995
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Halal
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Calmhills by Herbal Hills, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Sofgel Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Sofgel Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
8906068413856
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Herbal Blend1000 mg--
Ashwagandha0 NP--
processed in Siddha Ghruta0 NP--
Brahmi0 NP--
Mandukparnee0 NP--
Jatamasi0 NP--
Khurasani Ajwain0 NP--
Pippali0 NP--
Shankpushpi0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Methylparaben, Propyl Paraben, Titanium Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Suggested Use: ~ Assist in relief from normal stressors ~ Assist in calming the nerves

Mfg. Lic. No. : MB/AYU/001-A/11

(An ISO 22000:2005 Certified Company)

Back to nature

Stress management

~ Pure ~ Natural ~ Effective

Colour Name: Tartrazine Yellow, Brilliant Blue.

Seals/Symbols

JAS-ANZ ICS ISO 22000:2005 Reg. No.: RH91/7301

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice

Halal India www.halalindia.com

Storage

Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if inner seal is broken or missing.

Caution: Contains lactose and milk proteins.

Pregnant or lactating women are advised to consume herbal products under the advice of the healthcare practitioner.

Formula

Formulation with unrevealed secrets of medicated Siddha Ghruta (Clarified butter)

Caution: Contains lactose and milk proteins.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions For Use: As a dietary supplement take 2 soft gel capsules daily in the morning. It should ideally be taken on empty stomach before meals. For better results take with water or milk.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Calmhills by Herbal Hills label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Calmhills by Herbal Hills

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Sofgel Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Herbal Blend

1000 mg per serving

Processed in Siddha Ghruta

0 NP per serving Form: Clarified Butter

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Methylparaben, Propyl Paraben, Titanium Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Calmhills by Herbal Hills Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Calmhills?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,578Drugs
195 Major 1,337 Moderate 46 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ashwagandha 1,372
Brahmi 930
Pippali 896

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Calmhills with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Ashwagandha10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C

Brahmi8 drug types · 930 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use might decrease the effectiveness of both agents.
Bacopa seems to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels, which could counteract the effects of anticholinergic drugs. Similarly, anticholinergic drugs might counteract the cholinergic effects of bacopa.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cevimeline (Evoxac)

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the effects and adverse effects of cevimeline.
In one case, a 58-year-old female taking cevimeline long-term for Sjogren syndrome experienced hyperhidrosis, malaise, nausea, and tachycardia shortly after taking a single dose of bacopa. Symptoms resolved after two days. Cevimeline is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and CYP3A4, and researchers theorize that bacopa may have inhibited these isoenzymes. However, it is unclear if bacopa causes clinically significant inhibition of either CYP2D6 or CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of bacopa with other cholinergic drugs might have additive effects.
Bacopa seems to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels. Theoretically, this could result in additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Research on the effects of bacopa extracts on CYP1A2 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence shows that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP1A2, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP2C19 enzymes. It is not known whether this is clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Research on the effect of bacopa extracts on CYP2C9 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP2C9, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Research on the effects of bacopa extracts on CYP3A4 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and competitively inhibit CYP3A4, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, bacopa might have additive effects when used with thyroid hormone.
Animal research suggests that bacopa increases thyroxine (T4) levels in mice by about 40%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Pippali14 drug types · 896 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that Indian long pepper extract inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase the effects and adverse effects of cyclosporine.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase the effects and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, inhibits CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nevirapine (Viramune)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase blood levels of nevirapine.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, increases the plasma concentration and systemic exposure of nevirapine. However, no adverse effects were associated with the elevated plasma levels of nevirapine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, can inhibit P-glycoprotein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, can increase pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase blood levels of phenytoin.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, increases phenytoin serum levels and slows its elimination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Propranolol (Inderal)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase blood levels of propranolol.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, accelerates absorption and increases serum concentrations of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase blood levels of rifampin.
Piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Indian long pepper might increase blood levels of theophylline.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, increases serum concentrations and slows elimination of theophylline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase the effects and adverse effects of amoxicillin.
Evidence from animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, increases the plasma levels of amoxicillin when taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase blood levels of carbamazepine.
A small pharmacokinetic study in patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily shows that a single 20 mg dose of purified piperine, which is a constituent of Indian long pepper, increases carbamazepine levels. Piperine may increase absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cefotaxime (Claforan)

Theoretically, Indian long pepper might increase the effects and adverse effects of cefotaxime.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of Indian long pepper, increases the plasma levels of cefotaxime when taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Mandukparnee2 drug types · 579 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking gotu kola might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
In vitro research suggests that gotu kola may have sedative effects via binding of GABA receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking gotu kola with hepatotoxic drugs might have additive adverse effects.
There are at least four case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of gotu kola. However, more information is needed to determine if gotu kola was the causative factor in these cases.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Khurasani Ajwain1 drug type · 195 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Concomitant use of henbane can have additive anticholinergic effects and adverse effects with amantadine, antihistamines, atropine, belladonna alkaloids, hyoscyamine, phenothiazines, procainamide, scopolamine, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Calmhills, from the product label.

Herbal Hills

See all Herbal Hills products
Name
Isha Agro Developers Pvt. Ltd.
Street Address
Plot #33, Govt. Indl. Est., Charkop, Kandivali (W)
City
Mumbai-67
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Calmhills by Herbal Hills: Common Questions

Does Calmhills by Herbal Hills interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Calmhills has a known interaction with 1,578 medications, including 195 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Calmhills contains 8 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is Calmhills safe to use while pregnant?
No. Ashwagandha is likely unsafe in pregnancy due to traditional concerns about miscarriage. Henbane is also likely unsafe and its alkaloids are toxic to both mother and baby. Brahmi, gotu kola, and Indian long pepper all lack enough safety data and are best avoided at medicinal doses during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor before considering any herbal supplement while pregnant.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
It's not recommended. Ashwagandha and Brahmi don't have enough safety information for breastfeeding, and henbane's toxic alkaloids may pass into breast milk, which is unsafe. Gotu kola and Indian long pepper also lack adequate breastfeeding safety data. Discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor if you're nursing.
What does ashwagandha in this product do?
Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder. It's an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to help calm the mind, though the evidence is still preliminary. It may also cause drowsiness, so take it at a time when you won't be driving or operating machinery.
What are the most common side effects?
The most frequent side effects come from Brahmi and ashwagandha: gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, dry mouth, and headache). These don't occur commonly with typical doses, but they're worth knowing about. Drowsiness has also been reported with ashwagandha and Brahmi.
Is henbane safe? I've never heard of it before.
No. Henbane (Khurasani Ajwain in this product) is a toxic plant that can cause severe poisoning and death even in small amounts. Its alkaloids cause anticholinergic effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, and constipation, and at higher doses can trigger hallucinations, delirium, and coma. This is a serious ingredient and a key reason to discuss this product with your pharmacist first.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes. Beyond the active herbal ingredients, Calmhills contains gelatin (the capsule), glycerin, sorbitol, and preservatives (methylparaben and propyl paraben) and titanium dioxide as a colorant.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Calmhills label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Calmhills’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Calmhills's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 77 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Ashwagandha 32 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.
  3. Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity. Cancer Lett 2000;148:9-17. PubMed
  4. Davis L, Kuttan G. Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity by Withania somnifera extract in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;62:209-14. PubMed
  5. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:334-46. DOI
  6. Andallu B, Radhika B. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root. Indian J Exp Biol 2000;38:607-9.
  7. Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:91-5. PubMed
  8. Ahumada F, Aspee F, Wikman G, Hancke J. Withania somnifera exract. Its effects on arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized dogs. Phytother Res 1991;5:111-14.
  9. Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;67:233-39. PubMed
  10. Panda S, Kar A. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 1998;50:1065-68. PubMed
  11. Sehgal, V. N., Verma, P., and Bhattacharya, S. N. Fixed-drug eruption caused by ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): a widely used Ayurvedic drug. Skinmed. 2012;10(1):48-49.
  12. Agnihotri AP, Sontakke SD, Thawani VR, Saoji A, Goswami VS. Effects of Withania somnifera in patients of schizophrenia: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial study. Indian J Pharmacol. 2013;45(4):417-8. PubMed
  13. Biswal BM, Sulaiman SA, Ismail HC, Zakaria H, Musa KI. Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Integr Cancer Ther. 2013;12(4):312-22.
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Gotu Kola 18 references
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Henbane 3 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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