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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sahaj formulas organic?
Yes, Sahaj sources all of its herbs from highly reputable sources that are certified organic, sustainably wildcrafted or guaranteed to be free of any chemical pesticides.

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How do Sahaj formulas work?
Sahaj Botanicals are carefully formulated to help balance the 3 doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and their respective manifestations in the sixteen major channel systems of the body (Srotas). Sahaj formulas are not intended to “treat” or “cure” any diseases. We truly believe that herbal formulas are one part of the fabric of a holistic lifestyle and work with the understanding that the body is Self-healing - herbal formulas simply support this innate healing process. Our supportive formulas should be used as a complement to a harmonious, healthy lifestyle. The combination of a healthy diet, exercises and daily routines that are right for our individual constitution, seasonal adjustments, herbs and other complementary healthcare therapies is the recipe for greater life force, radiance and vitality.

Holistic herbalists recognize that the body is one complete whole and what happens in one part of the body affects the whole body. The channels are an interconnected network - transporting nutrients, blood, air, doshas and even our thoughts to all the body tissues and organ systems. When there is excess flow, deficient flow, blockage of flow or overflow in the channels, the doshas accumulate and create imbalance.

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Why liquid herbal extracts? I’m concerned about the alcohol and wonder why you don’t use vegetable glycerin?
Alcohol preparations have been used in traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years. Alcohol preparations are the main (and sometimes only) choice for European phyto-therapists and are also used frequently in Ayurveda and Chinese herbal medicine.

According to Ayurveda, alcohol preparations enhance the agni (the digestive fire) and facilitate assimilation/absorption. According to the Caraka Samhita (the original classical text of Ayurveda), “If taken in the appropriate manner…alcohol works like ambrosia…and results in exhilaration, creativity, does not impair wisdom and memory, results in sound sleep and is conductive to happiness.”

Glycerin is great as far as taste goes, but it does not extract any where nearly as well as alcohol. Glycerin will extract sugars, enzymes (dilute), glucosides, bitter compounds, saponins (dilute) and tannins. Absolute alcohol will extract alkaloids, glycosides, volatile oils, waxes, resins, fats, some tannins, balsam, sugars, enzymes and even vitamins. For many plants it is the alkaloids, volatile oils and resins that are most important in herbal medicine. As for the components that glycerin extracts and alcohol doesn’t – water does! That’s why an alcohol/water ratio is selected to best extract everything you need for a full-spectrum extract.

Glycerin is more expensive, has a shorter shelf life, is absorbed slower by the body and requires double the dose to have the same effect.

The human liver naturally metabolizes alcohol from fruits and other common fermented foods. Alcohol is only toxic in high amounts – way more then the daily amount you would ingest from a liquid herbal extract which is very negligible. Also, if you are still concerned about it you can always ad the dose to boiled water and let it sit for a few minutes. The alcohol will dissipate and evaporate.

Ironically, it is also interesting that many herbs with constituents that are only extractable with alcohol (not glycerin or water) are specific herbs for the liver! Milk thistle is a perfect example of an herb that HAS to be extracted in alcohol in order for it to be effective.

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What if I have a history of alcohol abuse or my religion contraindicates the use of alcohol?
Of course there are situations when these formulas are not appropriate. A better choice would be teas, powders, herbal ghees, capsules, tablets or other forms of administering herbs.

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Can I take several herbal remedies together?
Yes, it is not only ok, but often advisable to take more then one formula at a time. Sometimes we can address the problem through just one herbal formula, however, a more holistic approach is to address more then one channel, as imbalance is usually a combination of factors and doshas can easily accumulate in more then one channel system at a time.

Maintaining a balanced Agni (digestive fire) is one of the most important parts of maintaining good health and well-being. Often, combining one of the three digestive system formulas (Anna – the food channel) with other appropriate formulas for where the doshas have accumulated gives the best results. Also, ensuring the proper elimination of wastes from our system is of great importance to our overall health. The Elimination system formulas (Purisha – the elimination channel) which are based on the famous Ayurvedic cleansing tonic, “Triphala”, can be a good formula to combine with any other herbal program.

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Is it ok to combine vata, pitta and kapha formulas?
At times, more then one dosha goes out of balance at once. Sometimes these manifestations are in different channels, sometimes the same. For instance, Vata can push pitta into the Menstrual channel (Artava). One approach would be to first work with Pitta (Artava-Pitta formula), then work with balancing Vata with the tonic herbs in Artava-Vata, in conjunction with appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes. Many practitioners find that combinations of 2 or more formulas (ex. Anna-Vata and Anna-Pitta) gives the best results when there is more then one dosha to address.

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Should I take Sahaj liquid herbal extracts straight from the bottle?
While all the Sahaj formulas can be consumed straight from the bottle, they are concentrated extracts with concentrated tastes! We suggest adding the extract dose to a small amount of hot water before consuming. Placing the suggested amount (1/2-1tsp.) in a small amount of just boiled water for 5-10 minutes will also dissipate and evaporate most of the alcohol

In addition, there are different ways to take the formulas which can further assist in the regulation of the doshas and help guide the herbs into the channels and tissues. . At this point, adding warm milk (or almond milk) and a small amount of honey can act as an anupana (carrier) for the herbs in the Vata formulas. Adding a small amount of cane sugar and aloe vera juice can assist with the Pitta formulas and honey (with no milk) can act as a “carrier” for the Kapha formulas.

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When should I take the Sahaj formulas?
There are many different suggested times to take herbal formulas. One good way is to use a simple traditional Ayurvedic approach: Vata formulas can be taken before a meal 2-3x/day. Pitta formulas can be taken in the middle of a meal and Kapha formulas after a meal.

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Can I take the Sahaj formulas (and the other formulas you sell) in conjunction with other supplements and holistic modalities?
Yes – it is usually fine, as long as they are complementing each other. If you are working with a practitioner, you should inform them that you are using these formulas

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Are your formulas safe to take along with pharmaceutical medications?
Many of our remedies are safe to take along with pharmaceutical medications. However, you should always speak with your primary health care practitioner before using any Sahaj formulas if you are taking pharmaceutical medication.

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Are your formulas safe to take while breastfeeding or pregnant?
Many herbs are perfectly safe to take while breastfeeding or pregnant. In fact, we have three formulas in the Sahaj line that are helpful in balancing the doshas while breastfeeding (Stanya formulas – lactation channel). However, these are practitioner only formulas. We recommend that you consult with your primary health care practitioner before taking any herbs or formulas if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

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Are Sahaj formulas safe for children to take?
While our formulas are very safe and gentle, we suggest that only people over 16 take Sahaj formulas unless they are recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

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Do your herbal formulas have side effects?
The main side effect that you may experience is a greater appreciation for life, nature and spirit!

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Do you offer a discounted rate for practitioners and stores?
Yes. While we offer all Sahaj formulas at an already VERY LOW PRICE, (just $28 for Sahaj formulas – or $7/oz.) - For qualified herbalists, Ayurvedic practitioners , other health care providers and retail stores (with herbalists on staff) we currently offer an additional 25% discount on all Sahaj products for orders over $250. (That’s only $21 for the 4oz. liquid extracts, or just $5.25/oz.!) All other Sahaj products (ghees, powders, single herbs and bodycare will also be discounted) Please email us at sahajholistic@gmail.com or call us at (510)665-3937 to set up a practitioner/store account.

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