If you have a question you'd like to ask that relates to the Klosterfrau food supplement or herbal remedy range, we'll do our best to provide you with the answers. For example, if you have a query or a concern about a supplement you are taking, or considering taking, we'll provide all the information we can to inform your choice. Click here to submit your enquiry.

We will reply to every question submitted as quickly as possible, and where possible, our answers will be shown here.

Before sending in your question, we suggest you have a quick glance though our past Q&As (see below) to check if the answer is already provided.

How long should Kwai Garlic food supplements be taken for?

There are no restrictions for how long you should take Kwai Garlic tablets.

Kwai Garlic's active ingredient is allicin. What is allicin?

Garlic cloves contain two important substances - an amino-acid called allin and an enzyme called allinase. They are separated from one another in the garlic clove and they do not come into contact until the clove is crushed or cut. When they come together they produce allicin. It is allicin that is believed to be important for helping to maintain a healthy heart.

Why is it better to take Kwai Garlic rather than fresh garlic?

Kwai Garlic is made from organically grown Chinese garlic cloves, which contain the greatest concentration of allin. The cloves are thickly sliced, then slowly dried, avoiding the use of heat. When garlic is cooked or heated to produce garlic oil, most of the allin is destroyed. The drying process that Klosterfrau uses gives each tablet a consistently high level of allin, which is converted into allicin in the digestive system.

Every Kwai Garlic tablet contains a concentrated, standardised 300mg of dried garlic powder, providing a guaranteed 1800µg of allicin LI 111. Absolute accuracy means you can be confident you will get this same dose every time.

Each tablet is also coated 60 times to be odour free

Should I consult a doctor before I start taking Kwai Garlic?

It is always advisable to check with your doctor before taking a course of Kwai Garlic tablets. You should inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants and / or antihypertensives.
Have any side affects ever been reported?
A few cases of gastrointestinal complaints have also been reported. As these were dose-related, it is recommended that Kwai Garlic tablets should not be taken on an empty stomach.
Due to the vasodilator effect, a slight reduction in blood pressure is possible.
Kwai may enhance the effect of other antihypertensives taken at the same time.
An increase in the effects of anticoagulants such as coumarins, acetylsaicylic acid is also possible.

back to top

What is Ginkyo traditionally used for?

The extract, LI 1370, contained in Ginkyo, is produced from the leaves of the ginkgo tree and is traditionally used to help keep a healthy blood supply to the brain. Ginkgo biloba leaves have been used to help maintain healthy circulation and have been extensively researched for their impact on memory.

How long should Ginkyo food supplements be taken for?

We recommend taking Ginkyo for a minimum of 8 weeks. After 3 months of treatment it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Does Ginkyo contain gluten?

No, Ginkyo is gluten-free.

Does Ginkyo contain lactose?

Ginkyo does contain lactose. In the case of a sugar intolerance, it should only be taken after consulting your doctor.

back to top

Does Cynara Artichoke contain gluten?

No, Cynara Artichoke is gluten-free.

Does Cynara Artichoke contain lactose?

Cynara Artichoke does contain lactose. One capsule of Cynara Artichoke contains approximately 88 mg of lactose per capsule.

Does Cynara Artichoke contain gelatine?

Yes, the preparation of Cynara Artichoke requires the use of beef gelatine. Our beef gelatine complies with the purity criteria established for pharmaceutical gelatines used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products as specified by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM).

Should you have concerns however, you can also open the capsule and take the powder directly.

Does Cynara Artichoke only come in capsules?

Yes, however if you are concerned about swallowing the capsule, you can also open it up and take the powder in a liquid or add it to other foods for example yoghurt. Removing the capsule does not affect the efficiency of the supplement.

How long should Cynara Artichoke food supplements be taken for?

You can take Cynara Artichoke for as long as required. There are no reported side effects of long term use, and your body does not develop any dependency to the supplement.

back to top

What is Cynara Turmeric traditionally used for?

Research indicates that Cynara Turmeric can help maintain a healthy bowel function which is an essential part of staying fit and well. Taken as a daily food supplement, Cynara Turmeric works in tandem with the body by providing the optimum daily amount of curcumin.

Who could benefit from taking Cynara Turmeric?

Anyone who wishes to maintain a healthy digestive system, particularly the bowel.

Who should not take Cynara Turmeric?

Cynara Turmeric should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have gallstones, you should not take Cynara Turmeric. Consult your doctor if you are in any doubt about whether Cynara Turmeric is right for you.

What effect does Cynara Turmeric have on the body?

Turmeric extract contains the active ingredient curcumin. It stimulates bile-secretion and could help to support liver function. Cynara Turmeric also has antioxidant properties.

back to top

Who could benefit from taking Aria food supplements?

Women who are interested in maintaining their health, particularly at times when hormone levels fluctuate such as during and after menopause, could benefit from Aria food supplements.

Who should not take Aria?

Aria is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

Aria is produced from soya bean isoflavones, and is not suitable for anyone with an allergy to soya protein. Consult your doctor if you are in any doubt about whether Aria is right for you.

Does Aria contain genetically modified soya?

No, the soya beans we use are non-GM and cultivated under the optimum growing conditions.

How long should Aria food supplements be taken for?

Aria is intended for a long term use and its full effects may take up to 1-2 months. There are no reported side effects of long-term use, and your body will not develop any dependency to the supplement.

back to top

Have there been any interactions reported?

As a precaution, it should not be taken with anti-coagulants such as Warfarin although no drug interactions have been reported.'

back to top

Should Kira St. John's Wort tablets be taken whole?

You can either take them whole or, if you have trouble swallowing Kira St. John's Wort tablets, there is no reason why you cannot crush them (e.g. using a mortar) and take them with water. If you decide to take the tablets in this way, it is advisable to prepare each dose just before you take it as the efficiency of the active ingredient can decrease in water.

Does Kira St John's Wort contain gluten?

No, Kira St John's Wort is gluten-free.

How long should Kira St. John's Wort be taken for?

The recommended duration of Kira St John's Wort treatment depends on your symptoms and your individual situation. As with virtually all herbal remedies, the full effect of Kira St John's Wort will be felt after 4 - 6 weeks of treatment. It is therefore recommended that Kira St. John's Wort is taken for a number of months.

Your body will not become dependent on Kira St John's Wort.

back to top

At what time of day should Kira Agnus Castus be taken?

Agnus Castus is usually taken as a single dose first thing in the morning. This is best time to influence the pituitary gland.

How long should Kira Agnus Castus be taken?

Agnus Castus is slow acting and can take up to a month to show any effects. The average length of treatment is six months.

Who should not take Kira Agnus Castus?

Agnus Castus should not be taken if you are pregnant or whilst breast feeding.
It is not recommended that you take Kira Agnus Castus at the same time as other hormone treatments such as hormone replacement therapy or hormonal methods of contraception.

back to top

Have any side effects been reported after taking Black Cohosh?

Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of the excipients.
The product should not be used in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
The product should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

back to top

How long should Cynara Milk Thistle be taken for?

Cynara Milk Thistle is intended for long term use and is most beneficial when taken over a period of one month (or longer).

back to top

For how long can Valerian be used for?

Valerian is well tolerated by the body. There are no known side effects from long term use and there are no restrictions on how long you can use Valerian for. If, however, your symptoms have not improved after 2 weeks, you should tell your doctor.

Is Valerian recommended for children?

Valerian is not suitable for children younger than 12. The recommended dosage would be 1 to 2 tablets of Valerian 300 mg taken daily. Consult your doctor if you are in any doubt about whether Valerian is right for your child.

Does Valerian have any side effects?

Valerian has no known side effects. There is no risk of habit-formation or dependency whilst using Valerian. There is also no risk of the so-called "hangover effect" (feeling tired and exhausted on the morning after taking the tablets), as is often associated with similar treatments.

Can Valerian be taken by diabetics?

Valerian 300 mg tablets can be taken by diabetics. One coated tablet is equivalent to 0.03 BU.

Who should not take Valerian?

Valerian should not be taken if you are pregnant or by women who are breast feeding.

back to top