Try it for 90 days. If it doesn't work, send us an email and send the product back. We'll refund you.
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Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining 5-HTP with any medication that affects serotonin. This includes SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs and some migraine medications.
5-HTP raises serotonin, and combining it with drugs that also raise serotonin can cause serotonin syndrome - which is rare but serious. We're not being precious about this. If you're on any prescription medication, get a green light from your prescriber first. Show them this page if it helps.
If you're on blood pressure medication or sleeping pills, same rule - check with your doctor before starting.
We'd rather lose a sale and be safe than have you skip this step.
Honestly? Maybe a little, maybe nothing. We'd rather set expectations properly than over-promise.
Some people notice they fall asleep faster or feel calmer in the first few days. Others don't notice much for the first week or two. 5-HTP isn't a sedative - it doesn't knock you out. It works upstream, by giving your body the building block it uses to make its own serotonin and melatonin. That takes time to compound.
The people who get the most out of 5-HTP are the ones who take it consistently for 3-4 weeks before judging it. If you're looking for a one-night fix, you're better off with a sleep aid from the chemist. If you're looking for a steadier baseline over time, this is built for that.
Most people start noticing changes between weeks 2 and 4. Some people feel something in the first week. A smaller group takes 6-8 weeks before things really click.
Here's what tends to happen and roughly when:
Week 1: Maybe slightly easier to wind down at night. Maybe nothing.
Week 2-3: Sleep starts feeling deeper. Mornings less foggy. Mood feels a bit more level.
Week 4-6: The steady stuff - less wired at bedtime, less of the 3am wake-up, calmer through stressful days.
Beyond 8 weeks: Most people who stick with it describe it as a steady baseline rather than a noticeable "effect."
This is why we recommend at least a 2-month supply to start.
You're right to be skeptical. Most sleep supplements on NZ shelves fall into two camps: synthetic melatonin (which sledgehammers your system), or "calm" blends padded with magnesium, valerian, and a tiny dose of something semi-active.
5-HTP works differently. It's the precursor your body uses to make serotonin - which then converts to melatonin on your body's own timing. So instead of forcing you to sleep, it supports the system that decides when you should sleep.
Two specific reasons ours is different from what you've probably tried:
Most 5-HTP is synthesised in a lab. Ours is extracted from wildcrafted Griffonia simplicifolia seeds grown in Ghana. Plant-derived, not synthetic.
Most supplement bottles contain less than 15% of the active compound they claim. Ours tests at over 99%. We publish every batch report on our website.
If you've tried melatonin gummies or chemist sleep aids and felt nothing, that's not a "you" problem. It's a product problem. 5-HTP isn't a stronger version of those - it's a different mechanism entirely.
Melatonin is the end product. 5-HTP is two steps upstream.
Here's the pathway your body uses naturally:
Tryptophan → 5-HTP → Serotonin → Melatonin
Most melatonin supplements skip straight to the end - giving you a synthetic dose of the final hormone. This works as a short-term sleep aid (jet lag, occasional bad nights) but it overrides your body's natural timing rather than supporting it. Long-term use can also dampen your own production.
5-HTP supports the whole pathway. Your body decides how much serotonin to make, and how much of that to convert into melatonin, based on its own internal timing. You're giving your body the input, not the output.
For occasional bad nights: melatonin can be a fine short-term tool. For building a steadier long-term sleep rhythm: 5-HTP is built for that.
Then you send us an email and we refund you. That's it.
You've got 90 days. You can finish the bottle, send us back the empty container if you want, or just email us - your call. We don't ask for a reason, and we don't put you through a return process designed to make you give up.
If 5-HTP isn't right for you, we'd genuinely rather know and refund you than have you sitting on a bottle you don't trust. We're a small family business based in Kerikeri. Word of mouth is most of our growth. A refund and a kind email is worth more to us than a forced sale.
Email hello@equil.co.nz - that's Dave or Graedon at the other end, not a chatbot.
Sleeping pills knock you out. They don't fix why you can't sleep. 5-HTP works upstream - supporting the serotonin your body converts to melatonin each night.
Plant-Based 5-HTP. Sleep Your Body Actually Builds
Equil 5-HTP supports serotonin & melatonin production to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. No sleeping pills. No melatonin crash. No quick fixes that stop working.
Sleep Support
Mood Balance & Calmness
Mental Clarity & Focus
Stress Resilience
How it Works
1. You Take 1-2 Capsules at night
Wildcrafted from Griffonia seeds in Ghana - used traditionally for centuries to support sleep & mood. We extract it into easy daily capsules.
2. Your Body Makes Serotonin
5-HTP is the precursor your body uses to make serotonin, the neurotransmitter that supports mood & sleep
3. Serotonin Becomes Melatonin
At night, your body turns Serotonin into Melatonin - the hormone that actually puts you to sleep.
4. You Sleep Deeper
Most people notice the difference between weeks 2-4. The longer you take it, the more your body settles into its natural rhythm
Third Party Tested for Active Compound (>99% 5-HTP)
100% Plant-Based
NZ Owned & Operated
90 Day Money-Back Guarantee
Screened for Heavy Metals
Third Party Tested for Active Compound (>99% 5-HTP)
100% Plant-Based
NZ Owned & Operated
90 Day Money-Back Guarantee
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 156 reviews.
I saw the 5HTP at my friend’s place and she had said it was great for her mental state with a 2 year old + her husband that works night shifts. I was a bit sceptical at first but after about 2 weeks of taking 1 capsule in the morning, and 1 capsule at night - I’m sold on the improvement in my partners and I mood and sleep. It feels like we have more resilience and patience to take on the world!! Thank you EQUIL - and appreciate the conscious care that has gone into the next / new packaging being plastic free!!
So supportive for replenishing my sleep after years of lack of sleep with a toddler! Had to wait until I was finished breastfeeding - but well worth it 🙏🏽
I have been using 5 htp for 6months now along side Shilajit and find great benefits, especially with my sleeping and daytime energy. I have fibromyalgia and this is a big help.
I never rush in writing reviews.I've found over time your brew has definitely calmed the mind down a few levels.
Along with mag glycinate I feel a quietness as I drift off.Normally my brain is running over the days events & planning out the next day.
woweee powerful plant medicine , had to cut back to 50mg as the 100mg was/is too potent to begin with for me, enjoying the balance and heartfullness . One love brothers
Equil really helped me through some dark times last year, dealing with unprocessed grief and really low energy levels, it helped me to get back to feeling joy again, in a time I thought maybe I wasn't capable of feeling joy anymore.... ah ha not so, I just needed a lil help to unlock it...
Thank you Dave and Graedon, I really appreciate the work both do!
I have got rid of all my other sleep supplements as this one does the job for me with 2 easy-to-take, tiny capsules! I take it twice a day as that works best for me. I go to sleep more easily and go back to sleep if I wake up. Totally recommend it. Thanks guys!
I love Equil 5HTP, such high quality! I don't take it everyday but when I do I definitely notice an increase in a feeling of wellbeing and energy for life! The customer service provided by this company is superb👌 5 stars!
Brilliant product! Definitely helps improve my sleep and also my mood. Every bit helps with a 9 month old! Shot lads - will continue to support for sure!
Since I had full knee replacement surgery in January I had immense trouble sleeping. Obviously the extreme pain was one of the causes. But it's also quite common to experience in insomnia post major surgery. It sometimes messes with the circadian rhythm.
This went on for weeks and weeks. I was absolutely exhausted and had little or no help from my Dr. I had zero energy, and felt like a washed out dishrag and I wasn't physically able to do anything to help me recover this major surgery. Nothing helped, pain meds, magnesium, going to bed earlier, or later, or no screen time, or reading or hot milk at 2am.
After 8 weeks and many sleepless nights I was searching for anything that could possibly help.
That's when I came across your product. It was also made here in Aotearoa New Zealand. That was a bonus. I thought, what the hell, at this stage, I'd give anything a go.
I am now nearly 12 weeks post surgery and since taking the 5HTP for the last 3 weeks, I started to sleep better. If I wake up during the night I go back to sleep again quickly. Which I wasn't able to do before.
I definitely think it's been a major factor in helping get rid of the post surgery insomnia.
I'm not taking anything else
I'll be getting more, and highly recommend it to anyone having trouble sleeping, for whatever reason.
Absolutely Life‑Changing!
I’ve been using Equil’s Plant 5‑HTP and Shilajit for a while now, and I can honestly say these products have made a massive difference in my daily wellbeing.
The Plant 5‑HTP has helped me feel genuinely balanced and calm throughout the day, while still keeping me clear‑headed. On top of that, my sleep has improved noticeably — I’m falling asleep faster and waking up feeling properly rested, not groggy.
Their Shilajit has been an incredible boost too. I feel more energised, focused, and ready to go. It’s the kind of steady, natural energy that lasts without any jittery side effects.
Together, these two supplements have honestly made me feel great, more motivated, and more centred. Equil is definitely doing something right — highly recommend giving them a try!
I believe I'm happier and sleep better since taking this product for over 6 months now. Less 3am wake ups! More likely to go back to sleep and easier to fall asleep at bedtime. Also waking fresher and earlier more of the time. I'm using way less sleeping pills so less side effects.
Their service is amazing. Unlike so many online products it feels like they really care.
I bought these to support my brain after the slow process of weaning myself off mental health med***** for generalised anx****. I am SO glad I did... mental clarity, calmness, chilled out, sleeping better etc.
I can't recommend this product more highly. I was in a deep dep******n, unemployed, suffering agoraphobia and insomnia. I started taking Equil alongside Lion's Mane after it was suggested that I needed to start presc***** mood supp****. Being able to sleep just made everything easier... 5 months later, I have an awesome job, I laugh everyday and nothing seems to be too much of a drama.
With three kids under four between us, a food forest, lambs that keep escaping, and a small family business, life gets full. Shilajit and 5-HTP are what we built so we could keep showing up for it all - good sleep at night, steady energy through the day. We make what we take ourselves. We make what we'd give our own families.
With three kids under four between us, a food forest, lambs that keep escaping, and a small family business, life gets full. Shilajit and 5-HTP are what we built so we could keep showing up for it all - good sleep at night, steady energy through the day. We make what we take ourselves. We make what we'd give our own families.
The Griffonia seeds are wildcrafted (not farmed) in Ghana. Wildcrafted means harvested from where the plant grows naturally, rather than in commercial agriculture. We use a supplier who works directly with local harvesters.
From there, the extraction and capsuling happen in a GMP-certified facility. The finished product is shipped to us in Kerikeri, where every batch is third-party tested in New Zealand before it goes out to you. The test results for every batch are published on our website.
Because they are - and that's deliberate.
Each capsule contains exactly 100mg of pure, plant-derived 5-HTP from Griffonia seed. That's the active dose. Nothing more, nothing less.
Most supplement brands fill the empty space with cheap bulking agents - things like magnesium stearate, rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, or other "flow agents" that help speed up the manufacturing line. These fillers cost almost nothing and let brands use smaller, cheaper capsules that look "full" on the shelf.
We don't use any of that. No fillers, no flow agents, no synthetics. Just the 100mg of active 5-HTP your body actually uses, in a clean plant-based capsule.
The result is a capsule that looks half empty - and an ingredient list that's exactly two lines long.
We'd rather have an honest-looking capsule than pad it out with stuff your body has to process for no reason.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, no. Not because we know it's harmful, but because there isn't enough research to say it's safe. We'd rather you pass than guess.
If you're on the contraceptive pill, 5-HTP doesn't directly interact with hormonal contraception in the way some supplements do (St John's Wort, for example). But if you're on the pill and an antidepressant - check with your doctor about the antidepressant interaction (see above).
If you're trying to conceive, talk to your GP or midwife before adding any new supplement.
Yes. 5-HTP is generally considered safe for ongoing daily use in healthy adults at the doses we use (100mg per capsule). Most of our customers take it as part of an evening routine for months or years.
That said - if you're someone who likes to cycle supplements (a week off every few months), that's also fine. 5-HTP isn't habit-forming and you don't build a tolerance to it the way you might with sleep medications.
If you've been taking it consistently for a year or more and want a check-in, that's a reasonable point to chat with your GP about whether you still need it.
We'd suggest checking with your GP before giving 5-HTP to anyone under 18 or anyone with existing health conditions. There's reasonable evidence for use in adults; less clinical research in adolescents specifically.
For older adults: 5-HTP is generally well-tolerated, but if your parent is on multiple medications (which most older adults are), the medication interaction question above applies double. Talk to their pharmacist - they can flag interactions across all prescriptions at once.
Most people don't get any. The ones that do tend to report mild stomach upset, vivid dreams, or feeling slightly groggy if they take too much too close to bed.
If you experience any of the following, stop taking it and talk to your doctor: persistent headaches, agitation, rapid heartbeat, or muscle twitching. These are rare but worth being aware of, especially if you're on any other medications.
Starting with one capsule and seeing how your body responds before increasing is always a good move.
Start simple.
Take 1 capsule (100mg) in the morning and 1 capsule (100mg) in the evening.
Some people prefer to begin with just 1 capsule in the evening to see how their body responds. That’s completely fine.
From there, you can adjust.
Some stay at 1 + 1.
Some gradually work up to 2 capsules in the morning and 2 in the evening.
There’s no one-size-fits-all here.
Find your own sweet spot and build from there.
Consistency matters more than anything.
The starter kit is your starting point - it comes with the tin, plus your first supply of capsules.
After that, you can move to refills.
Same product. Same quality. Just without the extra packaging.
It’s a simpler, more efficient way to stay consistent - and a little easier on the planet too.
When your refill arrives, just top your tin back up and you’re good to go.
Remember to recycle, too!
We're quick. Orders typically ship within 24 hours and arrive within 2-4 business days depending on where you are in New Zealand. International shipping times vary - you'll get a tracking link as soon as your order is on its way.
We want you to have a great experience with Equil. If you're not happy with your first order, we offer a simple 90-day guarantee - just get in touch and we'll sort it out, no hassle. We're a small NZ family-run team and we actually care - if something's not right, we'll make it right. Reach our team anytime at hello@equil.co.nz. This policy applies to your initial purchase.
I saw the 5HTP at my friend’s place and she had said it was great for her mental state with a 2 year old + her husband that works night shifts. I was a bit sceptical at first but after about 2 weeks of taking 1 capsule in the morning, and 1 capsule at night - I’m sold on the improvement in my partners and I mood and sleep. It feels like we have more resilience and patience to take on the world!! Thank you EQUIL - and appreciate the conscious care that has gone into the next / new packaging being plastic free!!
So supportive for replenishing my sleep after years of lack of sleep with a toddler! Had to wait until I was finished breastfeeding - but well worth it 🙏🏽
I have been using 5 htp for 6months now along side Shilajit and find great benefits, especially with my sleeping and daytime energy. I have fibromyalgia and this is a big help.
I never rush in writing reviews.I've found over time your brew has definitely calmed the mind down a few levels.
Along with mag glycinate I feel a quietness as I drift off.Normally my brain is running over the days events & planning out the next day.
woweee powerful plant medicine , had to cut back to 50mg as the 100mg was/is too potent to begin with for me, enjoying the balance and heartfullness . One love brothers
Equil really helped me through some dark times last year, dealing with unprocessed grief and really low energy levels, it helped me to get back to feeling joy again, in a time I thought maybe I wasn't capable of feeling joy anymore.... ah ha not so, I just needed a lil help to unlock it...
Thank you Dave and Graedon, I really appreciate the work both do!
I have got rid of all my other sleep supplements as this one does the job for me with 2 easy-to-take, tiny capsules! I take it twice a day as that works best for me. I go to sleep more easily and go back to sleep if I wake up. Totally recommend it. Thanks guys!
I love Equil 5HTP, such high quality! I don't take it everyday but when I do I definitely notice an increase in a feeling of wellbeing and energy for life! The customer service provided by this company is superb👌 5 stars!
Brilliant product! Definitely helps improve my sleep and also my mood. Every bit helps with a 9 month old! Shot lads - will continue to support for sure!
Since I had full knee replacement surgery in January I had immense trouble sleeping. Obviously the extreme pain was one of the causes. But it's also quite common to experience in insomnia post major surgery. It sometimes messes with the circadian rhythm.
This went on for weeks and weeks. I was absolutely exhausted and had little or no help from my Dr. I had zero energy, and felt like a washed out dishrag and I wasn't physically able to do anything to help me recover this major surgery. Nothing helped, pain meds, magnesium, going to bed earlier, or later, or no screen time, or reading or hot milk at 2am.
After 8 weeks and many sleepless nights I was searching for anything that could possibly help.
That's when I came across your product. It was also made here in Aotearoa New Zealand. That was a bonus. I thought, what the hell, at this stage, I'd give anything a go.
I am now nearly 12 weeks post surgery and since taking the 5HTP for the last 3 weeks, I started to sleep better. If I wake up during the night I go back to sleep again quickly. Which I wasn't able to do before.
I definitely think it's been a major factor in helping get rid of the post surgery insomnia.
I'm not taking anything else
I'll be getting more, and highly recommend it to anyone having trouble sleeping, for whatever reason.
Absolutely Life‑Changing!
I’ve been using Equil’s Plant 5‑HTP and Shilajit for a while now, and I can honestly say these products have made a massive difference in my daily wellbeing.
The Plant 5‑HTP has helped me feel genuinely balanced and calm throughout the day, while still keeping me clear‑headed. On top of that, my sleep has improved noticeably — I’m falling asleep faster and waking up feeling properly rested, not groggy.
Their Shilajit has been an incredible boost too. I feel more energised, focused, and ready to go. It’s the kind of steady, natural energy that lasts without any jittery side effects.
Together, these two supplements have honestly made me feel great, more motivated, and more centred. Equil is definitely doing something right — highly recommend giving them a try!
I believe I'm happier and sleep better since taking this product for over 6 months now. Less 3am wake ups! More likely to go back to sleep and easier to fall asleep at bedtime. Also waking fresher and earlier more of the time. I'm using way less sleeping pills so less side effects.
Their service is amazing. Unlike so many online products it feels like they really care.
I bought these to support my brain after the slow process of weaning myself off mental health med***** for generalised anx****. I am SO glad I did... mental clarity, calmness, chilled out, sleeping better etc.
I can't recommend this product more highly. I was in a deep dep******n, unemployed, suffering agoraphobia and insomnia. I started taking Equil alongside Lion's Mane after it was suggested that I needed to start presc***** mood supp****. Being able to sleep just made everything easier... 5 months later, I have an awesome job, I laugh everyday and nothing seems to be too much of a drama.
