Looking for straightforward info on supplements you can actually use? This page gives quick, useful rundowns on three popular choices: sulbutiamine for mental energy, contrayerva as a herbal tonic, and andrographis for immune support. No fluff—just what each does, how people commonly take it, and simple safety tips so you can decide whether to read more.
Sulbutiamine is a modified form of vitamin B1 that gets into the brain more easily than plain thiamine. People use it when they want clearer thinking, better focus, or a lift in mental energy. Typical user patterns are short cycles (a few days on, a few days off) to avoid tolerance. Common doses seen on labels run around 200–400 mg per day, often taken in the morning. If you have anxiety, insomnia, or take prescription meds, check with a clinician before trying it—some users report mild overstimulation or sleep trouble when taken late in the day.
Contrayerva (sometimes called contrayerba) is a traditional herb used as a digestive bitter and general tonic. People brew it as a tea or use tinctures to help with digestion, mild inflammation, and daily detox support. It’s rich in antioxidants and often shows up in herb mixes that aim to calm digestive discomfort. Typical use is one cup of tea or a few drops of tincture daily, but follow product instructions. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on blood-thinning drugs, talk to your provider before adding this herb.
Want to try contrayerva? Start with a low dose and watch how your digestion responds for a week before increasing. Herbal effects are usually gradual—give it time.
Andrographis paniculata is an herb many people reach for during cold season. It’s known for supporting the immune response and easing mild inflammatory symptoms. Over-the-counter extracts are common; users often follow label doses for 2–4 weeks during acute symptoms. Standard extracts vary, so check the concentration and stick to recommended amounts. If you take immune-modulating drugs or have autoimmune conditions, discuss andrographis with your healthcare provider first.
Quick tips for all three: buy from reputable brands with clear labeling, start with the lowest effective dose, and try one supplement at a time so you can notice effects and side effects. If you have chronic conditions or take prescriptions, ask a pharmacist or doctor about interactions before starting anything new.
Want deeper reads? Each supplement has a full article with uses, dosing details, and safety notes—tap the titles above to learn more and decide what fits your routine.