Quick Answer: Kava Valerian Ashwagandha Capsules
Calm Surfer™ Kava Valerian Ashwagandha Capsules deliver 1000 mg of a 3-herb calm and stress-relief blend in 60 vegan capsules. Take 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with food. Effects begin in 30 to 45 minutes and build over 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. 30-day supply per bottle.
What Is Calm Surfer Kava Valerian Ashwagandha Capsules?
Calm Surfer 1000 mg capsules combine 3 calm-and-sleep herbs in a vegan cellulose shell: noble kava (Piper methysticum) lateral root, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root, and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root. Each bottle holds 60 capsules — a 30-day supply at the standard 2-capsule daily protocol. The capsule format provides exact, taste-free dosing for users who prefer it over the Calm Surfer liquid tincture.
- Kavalactones
- The 6 active lipid compounds in kava that bind GABA-A receptors. Each capsule delivers approximately 30 to 60 mg of kavalactones.
- Withanolides
- Steroidal lactones in ashwagandha that lower cortisol by 27.9% in 60 days based on a 2012 RCT of 64 adults.
- Valerenic acid
- Valerian’s key constituent. Modulates GABA-A and shortens sleep onset by 15 to 20 minutes vs placebo across 16 RCTs.
- Vegan capsule
- Plant-cellulose (HPMC) shell — no gelatin, dairy, or animal-derived inputs. Dissolves in 10 to 30 minutes after swallowing.
- 1000 mg blend
- Refers to total herb-extract weight per capsule across the 3 herbs. Standard daily protocol of 2 capsules delivers 2 g/day.
Calm Surfer Capsules Benefits: Clinical Evidence
Each ingredient has independent human-trial data. Effects in this blend are inferred from monograph evidence on 1,000+ trial participants across the 3 herbs.
| Benefit |
Clinical Finding |
Trial Dose |
| Anxiety reduction |
Kava reduced HAM-A anxiety scores by 5.3 points vs placebo across 12 RCTs (n=825)1
|
120 to 280 mg kavalactones/day |
| Cortisol lowering |
Ashwagandha reduced cortisol 27.9% vs placebo over 60 days |
300 mg twice daily |
| Sleep onset |
Valerian shortened sleep latency 15 to 20 min vs placebo across 16 RCTs |
400 to 900 mg pre-bed |
| Stress score |
Ashwagandha lowered PSS-10 stress 44% vs 5.5% placebo |
300 mg twice daily |
| Sleep quality |
Valerian improved subjective sleep quality in 4 of 7 RCTs (n=687) |
300 to 600 mg, 30 to 60 min pre-bed |
References: Pittler 2003 kava Cochrane meta-analysis, Chandrasekhar 2012 ashwagandha RCT, Bent 2006 valerian sleep meta-analysis.
Calm Surfer Capsules for Anxiety and Stress
The 3 herbs work through 3 different stress pathways. Kava and valerian both modulate GABA-A receptors but at different binding sites. Ashwagandha targets the HPA axis to lower cortisol output. The result is acute calm within 30 to 45 minutes of dosing plus cumulative cortisol-lowering benefit that builds over 4 to 8 weeks.
For comparison with other anxiety formulas, see the anxiety tincture comparison. For single-herb stress alternatives, see our ashwagandha for stress article.
Calm Surfer Capsules for Sleep
Take 1 to 2 capsules 60 to 90 minutes before bed. The valerian and kava components shorten sleep onset by 15 to 20 minutes; the ashwagandha component improves sleep maintenance and depth over 4 to 8 weeks. Most users report fewer night awakenings within the first 2 weeks of consistent use.
For specialized sleep formulas see sleep tincture roundup. To craft your own bedtime tincture, try the calming herb blend recipe.
Capsule vs Tincture: Which Format?
This same 3-herb formula exists as our Calm Surfer tincture. The choice comes down to onset speed and dosing flexibility.
| Factor |
Capsules |
Tincture |
| Onset |
30 to 45 min (digestion) |
15 to 30 min (sublingual) |
| Servings |
60 capsules per bottle |
30 doses (2 mL each) |
| Dose flexibility |
Fixed at 1 capsule = 1000 mg |
Adjustable in 0.5 mL units |
| Taste |
None (vegan capsule shell) |
Earthy, herbaceous |
| Travel |
TSA-friendly bottle |
2 fl oz glass dropper |
| Best for |
Routine daily use, exact mg |
Acute moments, dose tuning |
Read the broader capsule vs tincture format guide for more context.
How to Take Calm Surfer Capsules
Swallow 1 to 2 capsules with 8 oz of water, with or without food. Do not chew. The capsule shell dissolves in 10 to 30 minutes; active compounds appear in plasma within 30 to 45 minutes. Take morning + evening for daytime stress maintenance, or single evening dose for sleep support.
-
Daytime stress: 1 capsule with breakfast for routine support.
-
Acute event: 1 to 2 capsules 60 to 90 minutes before stressful situation.
-
Sleep support: 1 to 2 capsules 60 to 90 minutes before bed.
-
Maximum daily: 4 capsules across 2 splits. Do not exceed 4 weeks at maximum dose.
Calm Surfer Capsule Dosage
Across 12 randomized trials of kava (n=825), HAM-A anxiety scores dropped by 5.3 points more than placebo at doses delivering roughly 120 to 280 mg of kavalactones daily — clinically meaningful effect comparable to low-dose buspirone.
| Goal |
Daily Dose |
Timing |
Duration |
| Daily stress maintenance |
1 capsule twice daily (2 g) |
Morning + evening |
4 to 12 weeks per cycle |
| Sleep onset |
1 to 2 capsules |
60 to 90 min pre-bed |
2 to 4 weeks |
| Sensitive users |
1 capsule daily, daytime |
With breakfast |
Test 7 days before scaling |
| Maximum daily dose |
4 capsules (4 g) split 2x |
Spread 6+ hours apart |
Do not exceed 4 weeks at max |
For first-time users see beginner dosage guide.
Why Choose Remedy’s Nutrition® Calm Surfer Capsules
| What You Get |
Why It Matters |
| Noble kava lateral root only |
The safer kava grade per WHO 2007 guidance — lower flavokavain content vs aerial parts. |
| Vegan HPMC capsule shell |
Plant-cellulose only. No gelatin, dairy, or animal byproducts. Dissolves in 10 to 30 minutes. |
| Organic ashwagandha root |
Standardized to 5% withanolides — the dose level used in 41 published human trials. |
| 1000 mg total herbs per capsule |
Higher dose than typical 500 mg retail formulas. 2 capsules = 2 g daily, the trial-grade range. |
| Made in USA, GMP-certified |
Manufactured in Florida by certified herbalists since 1972. No co-packers. |
| Zero fillers, dyes, sweeteners |
Just the 3 herbs and a vegan capsule. No magnesium stearate, no maltodextrin. |
| 30-day satisfaction guarantee |
Risk-free trial. Full refund if not satisfied. |
Who Calm Surfer Capsules Fit Best
This capsule format suits 3 user profiles: travelers who want TSA-friendly dosing without a glass dropper, taste-sensitive users who dislike alcohol-based herbal blends, and routine daily users who value exact mg dosing for tracking.
For comparison with full single-herb adaptogen formulas see the complete tincture buying guide.
Limitations of the Evidence
The 3-herb combination has not been tested as an exact formula in published RCTs. Effects are inferred from each component’s monograph evidence. Kava’s rare hepatotoxicity reports (about 1 case per 60 to 125 million doses sold globally) prompted EU bans 2002 to 2014; current FDA position is consumer-advisory rather than restriction. Long-term combined-use safety data beyond 12 weeks is limited.
Storage and Shelf Life
Capsules stored in their original sealed bottle in a cool, dark cabinet between 50 and 75°F retain full potency for 24 to 36 months from the manufacture date. Avoid storing in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity and temperature swings can degrade the herbs over 6 to 12 months. Once opened, replace the cap tightly and consume within 18 months. The desiccant pack inside the bottle protects the cellulose capsules from moisture — keep it inside until the bottle is empty. Refrigeration is not required.
Safety, Interactions & Contraindications
Important kava liver caution. The FDA issued a 2002 consumer advisory after rare reports of severe hepatotoxicity. Do not use if you have liver condition, take acetaminophen daily, drink alcohol heavily, or use any hepatotoxic medication. Limit acute high-dose use to under 4 consecutive weeks.
Do not use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or before driving or operating machinery. Stop 14 days before scheduled surgery.
| Consideration |
Action |
| Liver condition / heavy alcohol |
Absolute contraindication. Choose a kava-free alternative. |
| Pregnancy / breastfeeding |
All 3 herbs contraindicated. |
| CNS depressants |
Synergistic with benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol. Do not combine. |
| Hyperthyroid (Graves’) |
Avoid — ashwagandha can elevate T4 19.6%. |
| Hashimoto’s |
Use cautiously, monitor TSH every 4 to 6 weeks. |
| Driving / machinery |
Do not operate within 4 hours of dosing until response is known. |
| Common side effects |
Mild GI upset (under 5%), dry mouth, drowsiness. See tincture safety profile. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to take kava and ashwagandha together? +
For most healthy adults, yes at the doses in 1 to 2 capsules daily over 4 to 8 weeks. The 2 herbs target stress through different pathways. Avoid the combination if you have liver condition, take hepatotoxic medications, or drink more than 7 alcoholic beverages weekly. Stop 14 days before any surgery.
Is it safe to take kava and valerian root together? +
Yes for most users at the 1000 mg blend dose per capsule. Both herbs modulate GABA but at different receptor subunits, so the additive sedation is mild. Do not combine with professional-grade sedatives, opioids, alcohol, or operate machinery within 4 to 6 hours of dosing.
What are the negative side effects of kava? +
Mild side effects include GI upset (under 5%), dry mouth, occasional headache, and dermatologic dryness with daily use over 8 weeks (kava dermopathy). Rare but serious: hepatotoxicity (about 1 in 60 to 125 million doses sold globally). Stop immediately if you notice yellow skin, dark urine, or right-upper-abdomen pain.
Does kava help with restless leg syndrome? +
Possibly, through its GABA-A activity. 1 small open-label trial (n=12) showed modest RLS improvement on 100 to 300 mg kavalactones daily for 4 weeks. The evidence base is too limited to recommend kava as a primary RLS support. Standard care (iron, dopamine agonists, magnesium) remains first-line.
How fast do these capsules work? +
Onset is 30 to 45 minutes for the kava and valerian components, peaking at 60 to 90 minutes. Ashwagandha’s cortisol-lowering effect builds over 4 to 8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Most users feel acute calm within 1 hour of their first dose.
How many capsules should I take? +
Standard daily dose is 1 to 2 capsules. Take 1 capsule with breakfast and 1 in the evening for stress maintenance, or 1 to 2 capsules 60 to 90 minutes before bed for sleep. Start with 1 capsule daily for the first 3 to 7 days to test tolerance, then scale up.
Can I take this every day for months? +
Cycle every 4 to 12 weeks. The standard protocol is 8 to 12 weeks daily, then 1 to 2 weeks off. Continuous kava use beyond 12 weeks slightly elevates liver-test concerns; cycling protects the liver and may help maintain tolerance buildup.
Will it make me sleepy during the day? +
At 1 capsule daytime doses, most users report calm focus rather than sleepiness, similar to L-theanine. Higher doses (2+ capsules) or sensitive users may notice mild drowsiness for 2 to 3 hours. Test on a low-stakes day before driving or operating machinery.
Does it interact with professional-grade medications? +
Yes with several classes: benzodiazepines, opioids, sedative antihistamines, MAO inhibitors, anti-seizure drugs, and acetaminophen at daily 4 g doses. Mild interaction risk with SSRIs, SNRIs, and beta-blockers. Talk to your prescriber before combining with any psychiatric or hepatotoxic medication.
Is it safe during pregnancy? +
No. All 3 herbs are contraindicated. Ashwagandha can cause uterine contractions at high doses; kava and valerian both lack adequate pregnancy safety data. Avoid for the entire 40 weeks of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Speak with your OB about pregnancy-safe stress alternatives.
Can I drink alcohol while taking it? +
No within 6 hours of dosing. Alcohol amplifies sedation, increases liver burden from kava, and can cause excessive drowsiness. Avoid all alcohol on dosing days for the first 7 days while assessing your response.
What’s the difference vs the tincture? +
Same 3-herb formula, different format. Capsules: 30 to 45 minute onset, fixed 1000 mg dose, no taste, 60 doses per bottle. Tincture: 15 to 30 minute sublingual onset, adjustable 0.5 mL dose units, earthy taste, 30 doses per bottle. Capsules suit travel and routine; tincture suits acute moments.
Are these capsules vegan? +
Yes. The capsule shell is HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), a plant-cellulose material. No gelatin, dairy, or animal-derived inputs. Also gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of the 8 major allergens. Each bottle holds 60 vegan capsules.
