Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years we've received many questions about how to take Maharishi AyurVeda herbal supplements for the most effective results. Here are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers. Whether you're new to our products or have been taking our supplements for years, there is always something new to learn.

Company Info

 Is MAPI USA under new ownership?

Yes. MAPI USA is now under new ownership with Maharishi Ayurveda Products in India. We’re honored to carry forward this trusted lineage and are actively restoring the products and values you know and love.

When will products be available again?

We’re working behind the scenes to prepare for a full relaunch. Some products may return in phases. Sign up for email updates to be the first to know when they become available.

Is the Fairfield, Iowa retail store still open?

The previous Health & Wholeness retail store is no longer affiliated with Maharishi Ayurveda Products USA.

Are you affiliated with Haveda?

No. Haveda is a separate company and is not affiliated with MAPI / Maharishi Ayurveda Products USA. Maharishi Ayurveda USA is independently owned and operated.

Will the same products be coming back?

Yes. Many of the beloved classic formulations will return, starting with the core product line. We’re also exploring new offerings that stay true to the tradition while evolving for today’s wellness needs.

Can I still log in with my old account?

Customer accounts from the previous website are not currently active. When the new website launches, you’ll be able to create a new account.

Will I be able to use my MAPI loyalty rewards or gift card?

Yes. When our website is fully restored, you will be able to redeem your loyalty rewards and gift cards.

How can I contact customer service if I have more questions?

We’re here to help. You can reach us at customerservice@mapi.com or 1-800-255-8332 and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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How to Make the Most of Your Supplements

Why should I take Maharishi Ayurveda herbs?

Maharishi Ayurveda supplements contain high-quality herbs that are combined into powerful formulas to address the basis of wellness in the physiology. Instead of just addressing the surface level, these formulations aim to enliven balance in the physiology and target wellness at its base.

I have many wellness goals. Which herbs should I start taking first?

In Maharishi Ayurveda, often there is a common root to several wellness areas. Ayurveda tries to address the primary area first. Addressing the secondary areas would only offer a partial approach.

To remove the guesswork, please see a Maharishi Ayurveda expert (vaidya) who can suggest where to start, and make recommendations to best address your wellness goals.

Once you consult an ayurvedic expert, he or she can explain which foods and lifestyle habits support balance in your physiology, and which to avoid, that might aggravate the physiology.

As part of your wellness consultation with an ayurvedic expert, you’ll receive recommendations that are designed for your body type, state of balance, and age—and which take into account the current season and even the time of day. If you can follow the recommended diet and daily routine, and at the same time avoid foods and lifestyle habits that aggravate your physiology, over time, balance becomes more achievable. Ideally when your mind, body and emotions are functioning in balance, there’s no need for herbal formulas!

Digestion is also a key factor in restoring balance and strengthening immune function. Thus in most cases, the ayurvedic expert will make recommendations for strengthening digestion. Once these functions are restored, the body begins to function in a more balanced way.

How many areas can I address at the same time?

Focusing on one or two areas at a time is best. Start with those areas that need the most attention. Sometimes, you may find that in addressing those areas, some secondary areas get addressed as well.

How many supplements can I take at a time?

That depends on what you are taking. Amrit Kalash and Organic Amla Berry arerasayanas—nutritional formulas that balance all the three doshas. You can take these with any other herbs. Other supplements have stronger, targeted effects: for example, Elim-Tox or Worry Free, which address specific doshas and subdoshas or support detoxification. These you shouldn't overdo. They are very powerful, and too many of them can overstimulate your physiology. As a general rule, don't take more than four formulas at a time in addition to Amrit Kalash. In addition, it is not always wise to take certain supplements simultaneously, because they may have overlapping benefits—for example, Elim-Tox and Radiant Skin.

How many different products can I take for the same wellness area?

It might be tempting to take Bio-Immune, Sinus Wellbeing and Cold Weather Defense all at once to support strong immune function. However, you shouldn't take more than two products that address the same, related areas without first consulting with an ayurvedic expert. Maharishi Ayurveda formulas are designed to take care of several aspects of the same area, so taking more will not necessarily increase their effectiveness.

As far as dosage (i.e. the number of tablets to take at a time), you can follow the recommendations on the packaging. According to Maharishi Ayurveda, the dosage needed depends on the strength of the individual and the degree of balance. This is best evaluated by an expert trained in Maharishi Ayurveda.

How long do I need to take the supplements?

For herbal formulas that are designed for supporting ongoing wellness, such as Bio-Immune and Aller Comfort, it’s best to take them regularly for two to three months.

For herbal formulas that are designed to help restore balance, such as Healthy Throat, BP Balance, and Mind Plus, it’s best to take them until the desired effect is achieved. Once balance is restored, you can continue for at least two weeks longer to be sure the body has adjusted to the new state of balance.For herbal formulas that support detoxification, such as Elim-Tox, Elim-Tox-O, and Herbal Cleanse, it’s best to use them according to the guidelines given on the packaging.

For certain health areas, it may be helpful to take the supplement on a regular basis to support ongoing wellness. Cholesterol Protection, for example, addresses ama (digestive impurities) in the fat tissue. Taking Cholesterol Protection not only supports detoxification in the body, but also supports the maintenance of normal cholesterol levels.

What's the best time of day to take the supplements?

You can follow the instructions on the bottle. But there is some flexibility—if those times don’t work for you, then take them at your convenience. The main point is to take the herbal formulas regularly—for that is how the results come.

Why is it important to take the supplements every day?

Since you use your body's systems and organs every day, they may need constant support. Add supplements into your daily routine, and if you tend to forget to take them, devise ways to remind yourself. Create reminders in your cell phone or put post-it notes on your computer. Keep your supplements on your dining table instead of in the cupboard. Carry them with you in a tablet dispenser.

Is it necessary to change my diet, or is taking the formulas enough?

You can facilitate the balancing process by also adjusting your diet and routine. If you are taking Protection Plus Sinuses, for instance, you should also reduce heavy food, greasy food, fast foods, cold foods and drinks, and favor cooked warm meals that are easy to digest.

Maharishi Ayurveda herbal formulations provide a very powerful way to address wellness goals and restore balance and well-being for a long, healthy life. By taking the right amount at the right time, and by adjusting your diet, you can greatly enhance their benefits.

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Specific Ingredient Concerns

Are Maharishi Ayurveda products gluten-free?

Yes, all Maharishi Ayurveda supplement products are gluten-free and made in a gluten-free production facility. Even Flexcel, which contains barley, is gluten-free because the barley used by our manufacturer is incinerated down into ash, during which any gluten, if present, is completely destroyed. The processing of the barley ash is not done in the same area that the rest of the supplement products are made and bottled, and uses separate equipment. Therefore, none of the products come into contact with the barley, or any other gluten-containing ingredients.

Do any of your products contain soy?

None of our products contain soy, and our manufacturing facility doesn’t process any products containing soy.

 If I’m allergic to shellfish, will I be allergic to products that contain pearl, coral, conch or other shells?

We process pearl, coral, conch and other shell ingredients using traditional ayurvedic methods that incinerate the minerals, converting them to a fine powder. During the incineration process, the allergen properties, if previously present, are destroyed. The process involves many steps of purifying the original materials. Because of the processing, a customer who is allergic to shellfish shouldn’t have any issue using one of our products containing shell ingredients. But it is always best to be cautious and alert to any symptoms when first trying the product. To date we have had no negative feedback.

Are your products vegetarian or vegan?

All of our products are vegetarian. For a list of our vegan products, please click here.

Why is licorice in your products?

 Licorice is a traditional herbal remedy with a lot of benefits in ayurveda. It has a rasayana (health-promoting) effect on the mind and body, and is also balancing to Vata and Pitta. It supports healthy immune function, is good for the eyes and complexion, nourishes the tissues, soothes the digestive tract and promotes healthy circulation.

In our synergistic formulas, we process our licorice in a particular way and use it in combination with other herbs to help counterbalance the effects licorice could cause in the physiology (or to blood pressure) if taken by itself. The licorice used in our products is not deglycerized.

However, if someone has high blood pressure or or another known medical condition, we recommend you consult with your health professional before using one of our licorice-containing products.

I understand that Jatamansi is endangered? What is Maharishi Ayurveda doing to make sure they aren’t contributing to the problem?

The jatamansi we use is generally sourced by forest traders and can be considered wild-crafted. We are also working with the forest department and Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF) in India to connect with tribes in forested areas to educate them about sustainable wild crafted harvesting to protect jatamansi and ensure a long-term supply of this ingredient.

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Babies & Children

Can Maharishi Ayurveda products be used when pregnant or nursing?

Although ayurvedic experts (vaidyas) generally feel that such classical rasayanas as Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Rose) and Organic Ashwagandhaare safe and have a long history of use, we recommend consulting with your healthcare practitioner before use. Unless your physician recommends it,, we do not recommend taking these or any herbal product while pregnant or lactating.

Can children take Maharishi Ayurveda products?

Yes, children can take our herbal food supplements to promote their overall health. Maharishi Ayurveda has a number of formulas that are especially beneficial for kids. At age four or five, start your child on Intelligence Plus. This will support healthy brain function, promote resistance to stress and help balance emotions. Children can also take ¼ of their parents’ Amrit Ambrosia and Amrit Nectar Tablets morning and evening. Together they contain antioxidant properties and support your cells against the effects of free radicals. Older children can take half the adult recommendation for Ambrosia and Nectar.

Children’s Dosages for All Herbal Formulations

For children 0-3 years
It’s best to seek advice from an expert trained in Maharishi Ayurveda before giving your child any herbal formulas.

3-5 years
May take ¼ of a tablet twice daily.For liquids (like Mind Plus and Healthy Throat), may take ½ teaspoon twice daily.

5-10 years
May take ½ full tablet twice daily.
For liquids (like Mind Plus and Healthy Throat), may take 1 teaspoon twice daily.

10 years and older
May take 1 full tablet twice daily.For liquids (like Mind Plus and Healthy Throat), may take 1 tablespoon or 2 teaspoons twice daily.To make the tablets more digestible, crush and stir them into applesauce, raw honey, maple syrup or yogurt.

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Miscellaneous

Are your bottles BPA free?

Our plastic bottles are PET 1, which is a recyclable BPA-free plastic. We have also converted some of our plastic bottles to glass, and are committed to continuing to switch to eco-friendly packaging options as much as possible.

Can I take Maharishi Ayurveda products with prescription medicines or other vitamins?

Our products can be taken alongside other products, but if there’s a concern or you have a known medical condition, always consult with your health professional before taking one of our products.

Do any of your products have a blood thinning effect?

 Per our vaidyas (ayurvedic experts), none of our products have a blood thinning effect if taken in daily recommended doses but if there’s a concern or you have a known medical condition, always consult with your health professional before taking one of our products.

Sometimes a product will recommend one serving size in the Supplement Facts and another in the Suggested Use. Which should I follow?

We list the maximum number of tablets in the Serving Size area of the Supplement Facts box per FDA regulations if a range is given for "Suggested Use." For example, if Organic Ashwagandha recommends “1-2 tablets twice daily, with water after meals” then we list “Serving Size 2 tablets”. However, we recommend that you follow the Suggested Use directions to determine the quantity that works best for you.

Are your products tested for safety?

Yes, our products are tested for pesticides, heavy metals and live organisms. We use only ingredients and herbal products that meet our rigorous standards for safety. We follow the traditional methods of Ayurveda while employing the highest standards of quality control. To ensure purity, Maharishi Ayurveda products are tested before, during and after manufacture and then tested again by an accredited independent analytical laboratory(that meets ISO 17025:1999 standards), prior to distribution. These tests include examination for:

• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury)
• Residual pesticides (at the start of the manufacturing process)
• Microbiological contamination (including E. coli, coliforms, staph and salmonella)

Our products far exceed the testing standards set by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).

We're always happy to be transparent with our products' testing results. To request a copy of the testing results for the products you are using, please send us the product names and batch numbers from the labels.

Are your products tested on animals?

None of our products are tested on animals and they are cruelty-free.

 I received a product with a Proposition 65 warning. What does this mean?

For more information about this regulation and what Maharishi Ayurveda is doing to ensure product safety, please visit: http://www.mapi.com/prop65

How does Maharishi Ayurveda ensure that your formulas contain the herbs listed on the label?

Our manufacturer performs identity confirmation on each herbal ingredient before using them in our products.

In addition, our manufacturing facilities are registered with the FDA, and all manufacturing is done according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to make sure that we’re in compliance with regulations during the manufacturing and labeling of our products.

How does Maharishi Ayurveda ensure that your formulas contain the herbs listed on the label?

Our manufacturer performs identity confirmation on each herbal ingredient before using them in our products.

In addition, our manufacturing facilities are registered with the FDA, and all manufacturing is done according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to make sure that we’re in compliance with regulations during the manufacturing and labeling of our products.

Do you ship internationally?

We’re grateful to serve customers around the world and offer international shipping of products for personal use to most countries if they don’t have a Maharishi Ayurveda distributor. Please check the below list for Maharishi Ayurveda distributors worldwide, and our shipping policy for more info.  We also recommend checking with your local customs office if you have questions about your country’s import policies.

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