When I'm feeling mentally overwhelmed or emotionally taxed, I often find it hard to fall asleep. My mind is racing, and in my head, I am constantly thinking about all the things I need to do the following day. I tend to feel stressed out at night, so I try not to get in bed until I know I am tired and will fall asleep. I am also guilty of being on my phone in bed, which I am trying to get out of the habit it, it's so hard!

A bit of history on Chinese Medicine- TCM dates back over 23 centuries, and aims to heal diseases by restoring what we know as the yin to yang balance in our health. TCM is known as one of the oldest medical systems in history! Pretty cool stuff. The belief of TCM is that different herbs and foods serve different purposes that help all organs heal. 

Mental Tranquility is great for:

• A mind that won’t turn off
• Reducing stress at night
• Waking up happier
• Providing better mental clarity tomorrow
• Establishing a quality sleep pattern

Breakdown of ingredients in the product:

Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) – Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, Bai Zhu is commonly believed to support digestive wellness and help maintain healthy energy levels.

Fu Shen (Poria Cocos) – A type of fungus often used to support digestive function, with its root traditionally believed to help with restfulness and relaxation.

Yuan Zhi (Polygala Tenuifolia) – This herb is known for its traditional use in supporting emotional well-being and calming the mind.

Huang Qi (Astragalus Membranaceus) – Known for its traditional use in promoting digestive health and supporting the body’s natural defenses.

Long Yan Rou (Euphoria Longan) – Traditionally used to support healthy blood and promote relaxation, with a reputation for enhancing cognitive function and memory.

Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng) – A well-known herb used to support respiratory and digestive health, and traditionally believed to help with mental clarity and stress.

Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Spinosa) – Used in traditional practices to support heart health, liver function, and relaxation, particularly in relation to sleep.

Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Lappa) – Traditionally utilized to support digestive health and maintain overall gastrointestinal comfort.

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis) – Known as licorice root, it is commonly used to support overall wellness and balance within the body in Chinese herbal traditions.

Sheng Jiang (Zingiber Officinale) – Often used to support respiratory health and digestive comfort, with traditional use for soothing nausea and supporting overall wellness.

Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) – A commonly used herb in Chinese medicine for promoting healthy blood circulation, often used to support women's health.

Da Zao (Ziziphus Jujuba) – Traditionally used to support digestion and help maintain balance within the body.

Over the last month, I have been testing a new product from Dao Labs, who most effectively channels the uses of Chinese Medicine in the new age. They sent me their new launch and I couldn't wait for what would *hopefully* be better sleep. There are two formulas of Sleep Remedy, and I opted for Mental Tranquility. This formula is a non habit forming powder that you can mix in a beverage once or twice a day, to help relax your mind. Taken during the day, it helps with mental clarity and by taking at night your mind is more relaxed so you can enter a restful sleep. Here is a recap of my thoughts over the past 30 days.

Night 1: The day I received the product, I couldn't wait to try it! I had my boyfriend try it with me. To be honest, I am not a fan of the taste. It's not a deal breaker for me, I'll do just about anything to calm my mind and I realize that Chinese Medicine herbs generally don't taste too great- but are very beneficial for your health. Mental Tranquility is inspired by the classic Chinese herbal combination Return to Spleen, with an updated formula. After taking, I felt more relieved that night, and my boyfriend and I both felt more relaxed after about an hour. We were watching TV, and all of a sudden we realized, hey! we feel a bit more relaxed. Soon after that, we did go to sleep and I slept peacefully, with less trouble than usual.

Night 5: By night 5, I am used to the taste. I prefer to drink hot, my boyfriend can drink it fast, so it's ok to drink it cold. When I drink it warm, I feel warm and relaxed, like having some tea before bed. I continue to feel relief after taking and have decided that going forward I will take twice a day (as directed on the bottle). I have a big meeting tomorrow, so I plan to take it beforehand to help stay calm and focused.

Night 6: I took the supplement twice today, once in the morning and once at night. I felt the effect shortly after lunchtime, and was calm during an intense meeting- and to top that, my mind felt clearer during that time! Took the supplement again at night, and felt less of an effect, probably because I had taken it twice, but felt a steady sense of calm the whole day.

Night 15: By now, I am used to the taste, and mostly just taking it at night. I take some time during the day, when I know the day might hold more stress than others- big meetings, doctors' appointments, etc. I overall feel calmer, and now I am falling asleep without any trouble!

Night 30: Since starting this routine on night 15, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in how I feel. I feel more relaxed and centered overall, and less emotionally reactive to stressful situations. I’m able to approach stress in a more balanced way, rather than reacting impulsively. My mind feels clearer, and I’m able to make decisions with more clarity.

I sometimes take the supplement twice a day, especially on days I anticipate more stress, but I’ve also experimented by skipping it for a few days. Even without the supplement, I still felt the same overall benefits, and I found that my body adjusted well.

Ultimately, this supplement has supported a shift in how I approach stressful situations and helped me feel more emotionally balanced. It’s been a positive influence on both my mental and physical well-being, and I plan to continue using it.