The Chill Dust Formula Explained

Chill Dust is smööts' powder formula for stress relief and a calmer mind, built for people whose days run hot: too much to do, too little downtime, and a nervous system that never quite switches off. It combines an adaptogenic root, two calming amino acids, a second adaptogen used for mental fatigue, and a mineral involved in the body's stress response.

135 g jar, one scoop a day mixed into water or a drink of your choice, giving roughly 30 servings. Ingredients: Ashwagandha, Glycine, L-theanine, Rhodiola, Magnesium. Because this formula includes Magnesium, its amount is set against the EU's Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for magnesium, as set out in Annex XIII of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.^[1]

Ashwagandha in Chill Dust

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub used for centuries in Ayurvedic tradition, with modern supplements generally made from a standardised extract of the root.^[2] It is classed as an adaptogen: a plant substance studied for its ability to help the body regulate its response to physical and psychological stress, rather than for treating one specific condition.

It is the anchor ingredient in Chill Dust because it has the largest and most consistent clinical evidence base of any adaptogen used in stress-relief supplements, with multiple randomised, placebo-controlled trials specifically measuring cortisol and validated stress and anxiety scores.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with a history of chronic stress found that 60 days of a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract significantly reduced serum cortisol and scores on standard stress and anxiety questionnaires compared with placebo^[3]. A separate randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults with self-reported stress and poor sleep found improvements in both insomnia severity and anxiety scores after eight weeks of a root extract compared with placebo^[4], echoing an earlier randomised, placebo-controlled study that reported reduced stress and improved general wellbeing over the same period^[5]. Looking across this body of work, a systematic review of human trials concluded that ashwagandha showed a consistent anxiety-reducing effect across the studies available, though it noted meaningful differences in extract type and dose between trials^[6], and a more recent systematic review and meta-analysis pooling several randomised controlled trials confirmed a statistically significant reduction in both stress and anxiety measures with ashwagandha supplementation compared with placebo^[7].

This is one of the more robust evidence pictures among adaptogens, with results replicated across several independent randomised trials and confirmed at the meta-analysis level. The honest limits: most individual trials are still short (eight to twelve weeks) and moderate in size (typically 50 to 130 participants), extracts and standardisation methods vary between studies, and most work has been done in adults who were already stressed or anxious rather than in the general population. It is fair to call ashwagandha well-supported for short-term stress and anxiety relief, while noting that long-term data beyond a few months is still limited.

Glycine in Chill Dust

Glycine is the simplest amino acid, made naturally in the body and found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy and gelatine. Beyond its structural role in collagen and protein synthesis, glycine also acts as a neurotransmitter and is one of the more studied amino acids for its calming, sleep-supporting effects.

It is included in Chill Dust because feeling wired and finding it hard to wind down at night are common companions of a stressed, overstimulated nervous system, and glycine has a specific, mechanistically plausible role in helping the body shift into a more relaxed state.

A mechanistic study in rats found that orally administered glycine promoted sleep and lowered core body temperature by acting on NMDA receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the brain's master clock region, and that this effect disappeared when that brain region was disabled, pointing to a specific pathway through which glycine may support the body's natural wind-down process^[8]. In humans, a review of amino acid-based approaches to sleep summarised clinical trial evidence that glycine taken before bed improved subjective sleep quality and next-day alertness in people with self-reported poor sleep, framing it as a safe, food-based option rather than a sedative drug^[9]. A randomised study in healthy adults undergoing a period of partial sleep restriction found that those given glycine reported less daytime sleepiness and better subjective daytime performance than those given placebo, despite similar total sleep time^[10].

The mechanistic detail here comes from an animal study, so the precise brain pathway has not been directly confirmed in humans, and the human trials available are relatively few and rely mainly on self-reported rather than fully objective sleep measures. Glycine's evidence base is smaller than ashwagandha's, but it is consistent in direction: a food-based amino acid with a plausible mechanism and early human support for easing the transition into rest, rather than a proven treatment for insomnia or anxiety disorders.

L-theanine in Chill Dust

L-theanine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in tea leaves, particularly green and black tea, and is one of the more researched compounds for promoting a calm, alert mental state without sedation. Supplements typically use a purified, standardised form of L-theanine rather than tea extract, to allow for a consistent amount independent of caffeine.

It is included in Chill Dust for its specific research profile: rather than making people drowsy, L-theanine has been studied for reducing the subjective and physiological experience of stress while people remain functional and alert, which fits a daytime calm-mind formula.

A randomised, controlled study in healthy adults found that L-theanine reduced heart rate and salivary cortisol responses to a stressful mental arithmetic task compared with placebo, alongside lower self-reported anxiety^[11]. A more recent randomised, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults found that four weeks of daily L-theanine supplementation reduced stress-related symptoms and improved some measures of attention and executive function compared with placebo^[12]. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial combining L-theanine in a nutrient drink found measurable changes in brain activity consistent with a calmer, more relaxed state, alongside improved mood ratings during a stress-inducing task^[13]. A separate review of L-theanine and sleep summarised evidence that, while not sedating on its own, L-theanine may improve sleep quality indirectly by reducing pre-sleep stress and arousal^[14].

L-theanine's evidence is reasonably consistent for reducing acute stress responses and supporting a calmer, focused state, though most trials are short (single-dose to four weeks), sample sizes are modest, and the sleep-related benefits are better described as indirect than as a direct sleep-inducing effect. It should be understood as a calm-focus ingredient first, with sleep support as a secondary, less direct benefit.

Rhodiola in Chill Dust

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a hardy plant from cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, traditionally used in Scandinavian and Russian folk medicine to help the body cope with harsh conditions and exertion.^[15] Like ashwagandha, it is classed as an adaptogen, but its research base leans more towards mental fatigue and stress-related exhaustion than towards calm or sleep specifically.

It is included in Chill Dust to address the fatigue side of chronic stress: the flat, worn-out feeling that often accompanies ongoing pressure, which sits alongside but is distinct from the wired, anxious feeling that ashwagandha, glycine and L-theanine target.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in adults with stress-related fatigue found that four weeks of a standardised rhodiola extract improved fatigue symptoms, attention and cognitive function, along with a reduction in the cortisol response to an acute stress test, compared with placebo^[16]. A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in physicians working demanding night shifts found that a standardised rhodiola extract improved mental performance and reduced fatigue during night duty compared with placebo^[17]. A further randomised trial in adults with stress and anxiety symptoms reported improvements in anxiety, stress, mood and other symptoms after four weeks of supplementation^[18], and an open-label study in adults with life-stress symptoms found improvements in the same measures within as little as three days, sustaining that improvement over four weeks^[19]. A systematic review of rhodiola for physical and mental fatigue concluded that the majority of the trials it examined reported a beneficial effect, while flagging that study quality and reporting were inconsistent across the literature^[20].

Rhodiola's evidence is genuinely encouraging for short-term fatigue and stress symptoms, spanning several independently conducted randomised and placebo-controlled studies. The main caveats are trial size (mostly under 100 participants), short duration (three days to eight weeks), and, as the systematic review notes, inconsistent methodological quality across the field, meaning rhodiola should be seen as a well-supported traditional fatigue-fighter rather than a definitively proven treatment.

Magnesium in Chill Dust

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including nerve transmission and muscle relaxation. Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal psychological function, and to normal functioning of the nervous system, in line with authorised EU health claims.^[21]

It is included in Chill Dust because magnesium is one of the more commonly under-consumed minerals in modern diets, and because low magnesium status has been specifically linked to poorer stress resilience and disrupted sleep, both of which sit at the centre of what this formula is designed to support.

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials examining magnesium supplementation and subjective anxiety found several studies reporting a benefit, particularly in people with mild anxiety or premenstrual symptoms, though it noted that overall trial quality was often low, limiting firm conclusions^[22]. A randomised, single-blind clinical trial in healthy adults with low magnesium levels and severe stress found that magnesium supplementation reduced stress scores over time, with the combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 outperforming magnesium alone^[23]. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in elderly adults with primary insomnia, eight weeks of magnesium supplementation improved several objective and subjective sleep measures, including sleep time and sleep efficiency, compared with placebo^[24]. A systematic review and meta-analysis of magnesium for insomnia in older adults found a trend towards improved sleep outcomes across the pooled trials, while concluding that the number and quality of available studies was still too limited to draw a definitive conclusion^[25].

Magnesium's stress and sleep evidence is promising but the reviewers themselves are consistently cautious about study quality and size, and much of the strongest sleep data comes from older adults rather than the general population. It is best understood as a foundational mineral whose stress and sleep benefits are most reliable in people who are running low on it, rather than a guaranteed calming effect for everyone.

How to take

Stir one scoop into a glass of water, or into a smoothie or other cold drink, once a day. Many people find it most useful in the early evening, as part of winding down, though it works at any time of day. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose of one scoop.

Ingredients and nutritional information

Each pack contains: 135 g · 30 servings

Serving: 1 scoop (4.5 g) in water or a drink, once a day.

Active ingredients: Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66), Glycine, L-Theanine, Rhodiola rosea extract, Magnesium (glycinate).

*NRV: Nutrient Reference Value, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. † No NRV established.

Cautions and allergen advice

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Ashwagandha and rhodiola are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as there is insufficient safety data. Speak to a doctor before use.
• Thyroid medication: Ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels in some people. Anyone on thyroid medication should speak to a doctor before use.
• Sedatives, blood pressure or immunosuppressant medication: Ashwagandha may enhance the effect of sedatives and blood pressure medication and may interact with immunosuppressants. Check with a doctor if you take any of these.
• Diabetes medication: Rhodiola may affect blood glucose levels. If you take insulin or other blood-glucose-lowering medication, monitor levels and speak to a doctor before use.
• Antidepressants and stimulating medication: Rhodiola has a mild stimulating effect for some people and should be used with caution alongside antidepressants, particularly MAOIs, or other mood-altering medication.
• Kidney conditions: Anyone with reduced kidney function should speak to a doctor before taking additional magnesium, as the kidneys are responsible for clearing excess magnesium.
• Other medications: Magnesium can reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics and osteoporosis medication if taken at the same time; leave a gap of at least two hours between doses.
• Children and adolescents: Not intended for anyone under 18.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Allergen advice

Chill Dust is formulated without any of the 14 EU-listed allergens as intentional ingredients: Ashwagandha, Glycine, L-theanine, Rhodiola and Magnesium are all plant, amino-acid or mineral-derived. Ashwagandha is a member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, which is not one of the 14 EU-listed allergens but is worth noting for anyone with a known nightshade sensitivity, as covered in the medical conditions caution above.

Chill Dust is produced in a facility that also handles other food supplement ingredients and follows standard allergen control procedures to minimise the risk of cross-contact. Always read the label before use, particularly if you have a diagnosed food allergy or intolerance.

References

1. European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2011). Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, Annex XIII: Reference intakes. Official Journal of the European Union. eur-lex.europa.eu
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Ashwagandha. National Institutes of Health. nccih.nih.gov
3. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-262. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.106022
4. Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, Debnath K, Ambegaokar D. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Cureus. 2019;11(9):e5797. doi:10.7759/cureus.5797
5. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(37):e17186. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017186
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8. Kawai N, Sakai N, Okuro M, Karakawa S, et al. The sleep-promoting and hypothermic effects of glycine are mediated by NMDA receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015;40(6):1405-1416. doi:10.1038/npp.2014.326
9. Bannai M, Kawai N. New therapeutic strategy for amino acid medicine: glycine improves the quality of sleep. J Pharmacol Sci. 2012;118(2):145-148. doi:10.1254/jphs.11r04fm
10. Bannai M, Kawai N, Ono K, Nakahara K, et al. The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers. Front Neurol. 2012;3:61. doi:10.3389/fneur.2012.00061
11. Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45. doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.006
12. Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, Ishida I, et al. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2362. doi:10.3390/nu11102362
13. White DJ, de Klerk S, Woods W, Gondalia S, et al. Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an L-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(1):53. doi:10.3390/nu8010053
14. Rao TP, Ozeki M, Juneja LR. In Search of a Safe Natural Sleep Aid. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(5):436-447. doi:10.1080/07315724.2014.926153
15. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Rhodiola. National Institutes of Health. nccih.nih.gov
16. Olsson EM, von Schéele B, Panossian AG. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Med. 2009;75(2):105-112. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1088346
17. Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, et al. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue--a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(5):365-371. doi:10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80055-0
18. Cropley M, Banks AP, Boyle J. The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms. Phytother Res. 2015;29(12):1934-1939. doi:10.1002/ptr.5486
19. Edwards D, Heufelder A, Zimmermann A. Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms--results of an open-label study. Phytother Res. 2012;26(8):1220-1225. doi:10.1002/ptr.3712
20. Ishaque S, Shamseer L, Bukutu C, Vohra S. Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:70. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-70
21. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to magnesium and reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal psychological function, and normal functioning of the nervous system, pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal. 2010;8(10):1807. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1807
22. Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429. doi:10.3390/nu9050429
23. Pouteau E, Kabir-Ahmadi M, Noah L, Mazur A, et al. Superiority of magnesium and vitamin B6 over magnesium alone on severe stress in healthy adults with low magnesemia: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial. PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0208454. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208454
24. Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2012;17(12):1161-1169. PubMed
25. Mah J, Pitre T. Oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults: a Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):125. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03297-z