Why the right dose matters: not less, not more
With herbs, the right amount is the amount that suits your body now.
With herbs, the right dose is the amount that suits your body now. Too little is unlikely to give the effect Ayurveda describes. Too much can cause side effects or tip you into a new imbalance. The right amount depends on your Prakriti and your current Vikriti, which is why AAVIE sets it for you and a Vaidya reviews it.
Why not less
Herbs work through steady, adequate amounts. A pinch of a herb in a large blend, or a half-measure, is unlikely to give the traditional effect, however good the herb is. Under-dosing can also lead people to take extra on their own, which brings its own risks.
Why not more
More is not stronger or faster. Every herb has qualities, and in excess those qualities push you into a new imbalance. Astringent, drying herbs can cause constipation and dryness. Cooling herbs can slow digestion. Warming herbs can bring acidity. A few herbs can also strain organs at high doses.
| Herb | Too little | Too much |
|---|---|---|
| Shatavari | Little of the nourishing effect | Heaviness, bloating, sluggish digestion |
| Ashoka | Little of the balancing effect | Dryness, constipation, Vata aggravation |
| Brahmi | Little of the calming effect | Nausea, cramps, drowsiness |
| Punarnava | Little effect on fluids | Dehydration, frequent urination |
| Triphala | Little support for elimination | Loose stools and cramping |
Why it depends on you
- Your Prakriti. Your baseline shapes what you tolerate. A dry, light Vata-type constitution handles drying herbs less well than a heavy Kapha-type one.
- Your Vikriti. Strong Pitta heat today calls for a different amount than sluggish Kapha heaviness.
- Your Agni. Slow digestion struggles with heavy herbs. Sharp digestion can be irritated by warming ones.
- Your medicines and conditions. Some herbs interact, so the safe amount can be zero.
Dose is more than quantity
Timing (morning or evening), form (powder blend), duration (a three-cycle plan) and the combination of 7 to 12 herbs all shape how a supplement works. Changing one changes the rest.
How AAVIE sets your dose
- You take the assessment.
- A rules-based engine proposes herbs and amounts.
- A Vaidya reviews, and can change, the selection.
- You reassess each cycle, and your next supplement can change.
Please do not self-dose
Do not double up, add extra or stretch your pack. Follow the directions on your pack, and stop and speak to a doctor if you feel unwell.
Common questions
Can I take more for faster results?
No. Taking more does not speed things up and can cause side effects. Follow the amount on your pack.
Can I buy these herbs and dose them myself?
Herbs vary in identification, quality and strength, and the right amount depends on you. AAVIE does not recommend self-dosing. Speak to a Vaidya.
Does my dose change?
It can change each cycle, because your Vikriti changes and you reassess.
Who decides my dose?
The selection engine proposes herbs and amounts from your assessment, and a Vaidya reviews and can change them before your supplement ships.
Related pages
Take the assessment to get your customised herbal supplement
Download the app, answer questions about your body, and get your report. You pay only if you want the supplement.
Supplements are not a substitute for medical advice.