In 2003, a nutraceutical product called Protandim appeared on the market that promised to slow down and even reverse aging. The five main herbal ingredients in the product have been used for centuries in Ayurveda, Chinese, and herbal medicine, and while all of them are very beneficial for health separately, studies show that they may have a much more powerful effect combined.
In 2005, an ABC Primetime Investigative Report showed Protandim works by activating what is known as the Nrf2 pathway. This communicates with and instructs cells to do what they are already naturally designed to do: upregulate our “survival genes”, and downregulate the genes that potentially lead to disease, thus supporting optimal body function.
6 minutes.
There are several dozen studies on Protandim. The supplement showed reduction in skin cancer development in mice, induced antioxidant enzymes, and reduced oxidative stress in humans.
What is great about this product is that it uses five widely available plant ingredients (Bacopa; milk thistle; ashwaghanda; green tea; turmeric) that can be also purchased separately and mixed together at home, which people have done successfully.
Several amazing moms did the work to duplicate the formula themselves and avoided the spendy price tag. See the recipes below.
From my friend Diana: “I just want to share with you how well our autistic son Benjamin has been doing ever since we started supplementing with 675mg per day of the 5 botanical mix also known as Protandim. I do not use the actual Protandim product since it has some additional synthetic ingredients that I’m not comfortable with, but instead we have given him the pure organic botanicals. I mix it myself, based on the patented formulation (below) and the clinical studies conducted on the effectiveness of these 5 plants.
By 1st grade, our son Benjamin was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, SPD (sensory processing disorder), and Autism. This all happened after his last M-M-R shot before kindergarten. He became very unhappy going to school, his body and mind would became catatonic, and he was completely disconnected. Some mornings we would spend over an hour by the front door of the school, trying to motivate him to enter the school doors. He wasn’t violent, simply unresponsive and you could see the panic and anxiety this poor child was experiencing.
Soon, he was recommended SSRI drugs to help regulate him, however I have done my homework on all these psychotropic drugs, and we have absolutely declined the treatment and opted for therapy instead. By this time, I was pretty well-versed in many of the dangers of pharma medications and interventions that are often required or recommended. (A little bit of our family does and don’ts: we do our best to eat and drink clean, preservative-free, organic, fluoride-free, also try to stay away from corn, food dyes, artificial sweeteners and all the other junk out there. Also, we try our best to stay away from products that contain additives, parabens, aluminum, and all the other harmful ingredients that we can’t pronounce. In case of sickness, we always go for the homeopathic remedies).
He’s been taking 675mg per day of this herbal mix (as tea) for the last 12 weeks. My son has become more focused, able to grasp and relate the information back with more ease. His anxiety has completely diminished almost overnight. He’s calmer, happier, his moods are more regulated which allows him to interactivity with more ease with teachers and other students. He has gone from just having a one on one teacher/assistant to working in small groups with other students. His transitioning issues are almost nonexistent. Overall he’s just done a complete 180. I’m so blessed to have found something that is natural and have had such amazing success with it. Also this seems to have helped his gut issues. He’s no longer constipated, no longer complaints of acid reflex and we haven’t been experiencing any food sensitivities lately.
There is hope and there are natural ways to heal and help those in need!
A few weeks ago, we have enrolled Benjamin in basketball at our park district. He absolutely loves it, is engaged in the game, and that means the world to us. He is also an amazing Lego builder and little engineer, he calls them “his creations”:
The Recipe:
Mix the following herbs in a bowl or zip-lock bag. This makes enough for a few weeks.
• 2 Tablespoons Bacopa powder (per serving 150 mg)
• 3 Tablespoons milk thistle (per serving 225mg)
• 2 Tablespoons ashwaghanda (per serving 150 mg)
• 1 Tablespoon green tea (per serving 75 mg)
• 1 Tablespoon turmeric (per serving 75 mg)
The Dosage and Notes:
The serving size (taken once per day) should be 675mg of this mix or the equivalent of 1/2 baby teaspoon (or just enough to fill a ‘0’ size capsule). Diana gives this amount as tea and not in a capsule (see comments to Jan at the end of this post). For reference, 1 teaspoon is 4.4 grams or 4,400 milligrams, so 675mg per day of this tea/botanical mixture whether for children or adults is only a fraction of what you would use to create a cup of tea. You have the option of using a capsule or giving it as herbal tea.
(I linked to the exact same products Diana shows in her photo, but there are dozens of other similar products online.)
Note: Using gelatin capsules for already challenged children may not be wise. Gelatin is reported to be MSG-forming and most capsules are made in China.
Recipe To Make BULK Homemade Protandim
Another friend Debbie has been making this bulk recipe for “Homemade Protandim” for years. She says:
“I learned the exact dosage information for one tablet of Protandim. It translated to the ratio 3:2:2:1:1 (milk thistle: ashwaghanda: bacopa: green tea: turmeric). So I learned the amount in teaspoons (corresponding to mg.) for each herb. It worked well for the proper mg. amounts to fill a size ‘0’ size capsule.
Then to make it much easier, I thoroughly mixed a larger batch with the correct ratios of herbs, used my small ‘0’ capsule machine and viola!
The amounts I used for this larger batch were:
• Organic Milk thistle, 1 cup
• Organic Ashwaghanda, 2/3 cup
• Organic Bacopa, 2/3 cup (also known as Brahmi)
• Organic Green tea, 1/3 cup
• Organic Turmeric, 1/3 cup (also known as Curcumin)
These are all organic, which is an improvement over the product Protandim. Plus it is cheaper!
Examples of Synergistic Effects Between These Herbs:
• When used in combination, green tea and turmeric have shown stronger anti-cancer properties, reduced inflammation and stress in cows, and shown promise in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
• Green tea together with milk thistle may be able to help colorectal cancer patients, and extend life expectancy in animals.
• Green tea and bacopa have shown to reduce a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Green tea and ashwaghanda have anti-cancer effects against different types of cancers.
• Turmeric (curcumin) and ashwaghanda may be beneficial against advanced osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
Brain Mapping On Protandim: https://youtu.be/Hvu2CWIszN4
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Jan
Question, what is 1/2 baby teaspoon? And, is that dosage 1X per day? And, is that a childlike dose (how many pound range please) or adult dose? And what is an adult dose per teaspoon or “0” size capsule? Very confusing. Thank you.
Jacqueline
Hi, Jan,
This is the reply I received to your question from Diana:
“Great questions.
Question, what is 1/2 baby teaspoon? So based on the recommended daily dose of 675mg of Protonium once a day (based on the patented formulation and the studies I provided initially), I personally measured out that to be equivalent to ½ baby teaspoon (image below of the baby spoon) or 1 large capsule size “0” tightly packed. (Since I can’t add an image here, I went to Amazon and found the baby spoon she has pictured for you: https://amzn.to/3lKuDxa ) It does NOT have to be given in a capsule, though..
And, is that dosage 1X per day? According to the patent formulation and the studies conducted, they have recommended a one dose per day of 675mg of Protonium or this natural mixture for a minimum of 90 days, in order to see the results recorded.
And, is that a childlike dose (how many pound range please) or adult dose? And what is an adult dose per teaspoon or “0” size capsule? Very confusing. Thank you.” All great questions and based on the research I’ve done, I could not find any trials that have been done on young children, except for teens (13 and up). However, please keep in mind that these are all natural herbs that have been used individually or combined for hundreds if not thousands of years in everyday use as teas, spices, remedies, or ointments; these herbs are natural and are not chemical compounds created in a lab. Personally, I was at a crossroads with our son and needed to try something to help him (in our last incident at school the police was called, this was not the first time, for being unsafe and we were looking at possibly getting suspended for an extended period of time) and the only thing that I was comfortable with giving him was all natural & herbal remedies. I was 1000% comfortable with giving him this dose (675mg per day) since we frequently use all sorts of natural herbal ingredients in our daily life and my children love drinking teas. I pretty much have a tea for any common sickness. To us it was a no brainer. To put things in perspective, when making a cup of tea, depending on preference of how strong and flavorful you want it to be, you use one or two teaspoons of any of the preferred herbals (individual or combined) to achieve the desired result. Another way of looking at it is, a teaspoon is 4.4 grams or 4,400 milligrams, so 675mg per day of this tea/botanical mixture weather for children or adults is nearly a fraction of what you would use to create a cup of tea. I hope that eases your mind and answers your questions.”
Jan, I hope that helps you!
Sending peace,
Jacque
Jeannine
By chance do you know how many capsules the bulk batch makes?
Do you know which brand of capsules she buys?
The links to the products in the large batch which size of product does she buy?
I just started taking NRF2 in December and also bought the Pet Protandim for my dogs so I am grateful for this recipe. Now I can give it to my daughter and husband as well.
Jacqueline
Jeannine, I don’t know about the number of capsules. I’m not sure she even counted that – just used them till gone and got more.
The bulk mix recipe was given to me ~7-8 years ago, so I doubt she would remember, but I would start with a product size relative to the ratios she has given us.
I wish I had more info for you,
Sending peace,
Jacque
PATRICIA WILLEMS
My husband is taking Protandim NRF1, 2, and NAD, which has helped him with his breathing from Interstitial Lung Disease, and also strength. He also has Parkinson’s Disease, diagnosed in 2010. Does this formula take the place of all 4 of the Protandim products?
Jacqueline
Patricia, I do not know. You can look at the products and see what the ingredients are and find out that way. If they include other herbs or ingredients not included here in this mixture, then they do not.
I hope that helps. Also, Patricia, I am a nurse consultant and work with a product that helps greatly with Parkinson’s for most. If you want more information, you can email me at [email protected]
I do have some parameters to work with someone, but I work gratis if those parameters are observed.
Sending peace,
Jacque
PATRICIA WILLEMS
I should have said all three of the protandim products!
Jennifer
Ah!! I’m so glad you posted this! Someone told me about this product a few years ago. I went to their website and looked at the ingredients, and realized that I had four out of five of them at home. All I needed was bacopa, which I had not heard of before, but now I am growing some! **Bakers Creek sells the seeds, and they are fun & easy little trees to grow.
I’m grateful to have the ratios now, I had just been using equal parts of all five.
Some ideas…what do you think of tincturing the herbs? Or perhaps making something like your golden paste recipe, and eating a small spoonful of that?
Some kids may not like the tea, so a squirt of tincture in some o.j. may be easier! Personally, I enjoy it mixed in a cup of hot green tea with honey, but a lot of the herbs are left in the bottom of the cup. I swirl that around and swallow it, but the kids won’t! Do you think you still get the benefits if you don’t drink the sludge at the bottom;) ?
We also mix a little in some peanut butter for the dogs!
Thank you, thank you for this work that you are doing!
Many blessings, my friend
XO
Jacqueline
Jennifer, hey, there!!
I would try to consume all the herbs (Like you do in your tea – by finishing the dregs!)
Yes, I do think making a tincture would work to carry all the goodness in a less difficult way for the children.
I need to order bacopa seeds!
I pray for you all often! You can email me with questions since we failed to connect a month ago! Or I can try and call some evening!
Sending love,
Jacque
Jennifer
That would be great Jacque! Let’s do connect soon.
I realized this morning, though, that I made a mistake last night.
The seeds from Baker Creek are Moringa trees, not Bacopa. Bacopa Monneri is sometimes sold as an aquarium plant and is not a tree at all! I’d check Strictly Medicinal Seeds if you are interested in growing Bacopa. They offer seeds and plants.
Sorry for the mix up. I guess that’s why I shouldn’t be posting comments so far past my bedtime!
Danae
…just saw the video. Very impressive. Have ordered the organic herbs now… and cannot wait to use it… unsure if I use it as tea or make capsules but I am so looking forward to see if we can feel a difference… and if so, I will give to my mother… she is a beautiful 88 year old fit and interested in everything but I wonder if this might even help with headaches… as it clearly seems to positively modulate the brain and perhaps slight brain inflammation… Will keep you up-to-date… Thanks for posting all these fascinating remedies and solutions. God bless you all here with endless peace and joy.
Jan
The link appears to be non-active in regards to getting the rest of the information on the five herb Chinese medicine that can be made at home. Could someone please fix this? And big thank you.
Jacqueline
Hi, Jan,
Very busy days here. I am the only one that can fix that. Could you please let em know the exact turquoise highlighted words in that non-active link?
There are so many links in that post, I simply don’t have the time to check them all. Thanks! ~J
Jacqueline
Oh, Danae, I do hope that it will help many and also your dear Mother! I would love to know how it helps you _ and her!
Love in Jesus,
Jacqueline
Jan
* See quote fom article below.
How much of the 5-herb do you give to animals..dogs, cats, cows, horses please?
“When used in combination, green tea and turmeric have shown stronger anti-cancer properties, reduced inflammation and stress in cows, and shown promise in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.”
Jacqueline
Jan, I don’t have any data or reference for that, but I would assume since they are herbs, it would be given relative to body weight.
You might have to start small and work up and use intuition to find a sweet spot for your pet.. (perhaps a medium sized cat could have approx. 1/4 or 1/5th of a small capsule).
And you may give it at first every other day (to start extra slowly) at first to see if there is desired response.
I hope that helps,
Blessings,
Jacque
Sonia
Hello! Could you tell me if herbs are safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Jacqueline
Hi, Sonia,
All common herbs would likely be safe in food quantities, for sure.. like turmeric, ginger, lemon balm, or red raspberry leaf. I have a post on what NOT to use and 12 that are commonly used:
https://deeprootsathome.com/herbs-to-avoid-during-pregnancy-and-lactation/
I hope that helps!
God bless you and your baby,
Jacque
Sonia
And what about those 5 herbs that this post talks about: are they safe during pregnancy? I had a miscarriage and was diagnosed with anxiety. I was prescribed a medication that didn’t work for me and I want to try something natural and this sounds great to me. But my husband and I are going to try a new pregnancy in a few months and I was wondering if this 5 herb mix would be safe during pregnancy. Thanks in advance.
Jacqueline
Hi, Sonia,
I looked on their site and found this: “Are there any Protandim dangers out there? I don’t think so. I believe this supplement is pretty safe. I am not aware of any side effects. That said, here are a few general things you might want to think about if your not healthy. This list is not complete:
–Start with less than the recommended dosage for the first week to see how you respond
–Speak to your doctor/ pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
–Stop taking the supplement at least 2 weeks before having surgery
–Speak to your doctor /pharmacist if you take any prescription drugs like blood thinners
I would only use it in small (like food amounts) in pregnancy to be safe. Listen to your body.
You might want to search each ingredient and do your own research to learn more.
I hope that helps,
Jacque
Sonia
Thank you very much for answering me, Jacqueline! And thanks also for your advice. I’ll do that. God bless you.
Arlene B Hege
My sister is wanting to use this for her grandson but asked about a tincture. How would you make it? I’m familiar with tinctures but not with five ingredients. Do you think make the powder and add vodka to cover? I’m not sure how to get the recommended doseage?
Jacqueline
Arlene, I have not ever made a tincture of the Protandim herbs, so don’t feel I can weigh in. I am pretty sure it could be made by using the proportions in the recipe, but coming up with the exact dosage would be difficult. I wouldn’t know how long to steep it or exactly the resulting strength of product. Note: In the post, “Diana gives the dose as a tea and not in a capsule”, so steeping 1/2 baby tsp in hot water and allowing it to cool might be one way for your sister to get it in.
Or could she mix it into applesauce, yogurt, or even cooled oatmeal? The serving size (taken once per day) is only 1/2 baby teaspoon. ~J