BE CALM — What's Inside and Why It Works
You've probably heard of adaptogens, magnesium or L-theanine. But why these specific ingredients — and why these specific doses?
BE CALM isn't a random collection of trending raw materials. Every ingredient was chosen for a specific purpose, and every dose is based on what the research literature says about effective levels. In this article, we break down each ingredient: what it is, what the studies say, and why it belongs in an evening recovery product.
Why an Evening Routine Matters
Before diving into the ingredients, there's one important thing to understand: the body doesn't automatically shift from an active state to a resting state. During the day, the nervous system is alert, cortisol is being released, and the brain is constantly processing new information. Evening is a transition phase — and that transition needs support.
This is the core idea behind BE CALM: not to force the body to sleep, but to support the natural transition toward rest.
Ingredients
Ashwagandha Extract 25:1 — 400 mg (of which withanolides 20 mg)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most researched adaptogens in the world. An adaptogen is a plant that helps the body adapt to stress — not by stimulating or sedating directly, but by balancing the stress response.
BE CALM uses a 25:1 extract, meaning 400 mg of extract corresponds to 10 grams of raw root. What matters most isn't just the milligram count, but the withanolide content — in BE CALM, that's 20 mg per serving, consistent with levels used in clinical research.
Ashwagandha is particularly well-suited to an evening product because research points to its effect on cortisol levels — the stress hormone that should decrease in the evening but often doesn't after a demanding day.
L-Theanine — 250 mg (from Green Tea Extract 40:1)
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in green tea. It's one of the most well-researched calming ingredients in the supplement world.
The mechanism is clear: L-theanine increases alpha waves in the brain — the same type of brain wave present during a relaxed but alert state, such as during meditation. It doesn't cause drowsiness — it calms without sedating.
In BE CALM, L-theanine comes from a green tea 40:1 extract standardised to 20% L-theanine content. This means caffeine is present only in a negligible amount — approximately 2 mg per serving, which is practically insignificant.
250 mg is the dose used in multiple studies in the context of relaxation and sleep quality.
Magnesium (as Bisglycinate) — 150 mg
Magnesium is one of the body's most important minerals, involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. Sleep and the nervous system are two areas where magnesium's role is particularly well documented.
In BE CALM, magnesium comes in bisglycinate form — one of the best-absorbed forms of magnesium. Unlike magnesium oxide or citrate, bisglycinate is chelated to glycine, which improves absorption and reduces digestive side effects.
L-Glycine — 1000 mg
Glycine is an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the body — it literally calms neural signalling. It occurs naturally in meat, gelatine and bone broth.
1000 mg is the dose that has been studied specifically in the context of sleep quality. Glycine has a cooling effect on core body temperature — and a drop in body temperature is one of the physiological signals of natural sleep onset.
Valerian Extract 10:1 — 150 mg (of which valeric acid 1.2 mg)
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is one of the oldest known calming herbs — its use dates back to ancient Greece. In Europe, valerian has traditionally been used to support sleep onset and relaxation.
BE CALM uses a 10:1 extract standardised for valeric acid content. Valeric acid is one of valerian's key active compounds.
Lemon Balm Extract 10:1 — 150 mg
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb from the mint family, used in traditional European medicine to ease stress and restlessness.
Lemon balm acts on the GABA system — the same neurotransmitter system that many calming compounds target. It works synergistically with valerian, which is why the combination of these two has been a classic in herbal tradition for centuries.
Chamomile Extract 10:1 — 100 mg
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one of the world's most widely used calming herbs — millions of people drink chamomile tea in the evening as part of their bedtime routine.
Chamomile's active compound apigenin binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain — the same site as many calming pharmaceuticals, but in a far gentler, more natural way.
In BE CALM, chamomile is used as a 10:1 extract, providing a more concentrated level than drinking a standard cup of chamomile tea.
Reishi Extract 5:1 — 100 mg and Chaga Extract 5:1 — 100 mg
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) are functional mushrooms that have been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. Reishi is particularly known as the "mushroom of calm" — in traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to balance the body's energy and support restful sleep.
Why Powder and Not Capsules?
BE CALM is designed to be part of an evening ritual — not a pill swallowed in a rush, but a moment that prepares the body for rest. Powder form allows for significantly larger ingredient doses than a capsule — BE CALM's 6.1-gram serving simply doesn't fit into two capsules. The powder is mixed with water and sipped slowly — and that ritual itself signals to the body: it's time to wind down.
Summary: What's in BE CALM and Why
| Ingredient | Dose | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ashwagandha 25:1 | 400 mg | Stress response, adaptogen |
| L-Theanine | 250 mg | Calm without drowsiness |
| Magnesium Bisglycinate | 150 mg | Nervous system, muscle relaxation |
| L-Glycine | 1000 mg | Core body temperature, nervous system |
| Valerian 10:1 | 150 mg | Traditional evening botanical |
| Lemon Balm 10:1 | 150 mg | GABA system, synergy with valerian |
| Chamomile 10:1 | 100 mg | Classic calming herb |
| Reishi 5:1 | 100 mg | Functional mushroom, traditional use |
| Chaga 5:1 | 100 mg | Functional mushroom, adaptogen |
How to Use BE CALM
Mix one scoop (6.1 g) with 200–300 ml of water. Take 30–60 minutes before bed as part of your evening routine.
BE CALM contains no melatonin and no synthetic sedatives. Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women or those under 18 years of age.