Stress and anxiety are common problems in our society, and they show no signs of disappearing. Whether your issues are related to your personal, home, or work life, it’s easy to feel powerless against these mental health conditions. However, there is some good news.
Many all-natural supplements for stress and anxiety are available. Although they may offer milder relief than medical prescriptions, they often have fewer side effects. Want to know what they are? Read on to discover the 5 best supplements to reduce stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient Indian root that has been known and used in the East for thousands of years. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat many ailments and support many biological functions, most notably reproductive issues and sleep disorders. And it is just as useful for easing stress and anxiety.
Of course, even the best ashwagandha supplements will not completely cure severe cases or completely resolve clinical conditions. But when used as part of a healthy lifestyle, and in combination with other techniques, this ancient source of health can promote both physical and mental wellbeing.
Ashwagandha is considered safe for general use but like any supplement, consult your doctor if you are unsure about how it may affect existing conditions. It is contraindicated in people who use diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid medications. It is also not advised to use it in conjunction with sedative drugs.
CBD
By introducing relaxation practices into your routine, you can calm the body and the mind. But you can boost your results with a natural supplement like Cannabidiol (CBD). While CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, it is not the same as THC, the cannabinoid that gives a ‘high’.
CBD does not produce hallucinogenic effects, but rather a sense of relaxation. Some people have found it helpful to treat not only anxiety, stress, and insomnia but pain and inflammation, too. Much research has been done into the beneficial effects of CBD, and it is slowly becoming a mainstream supplement.
CBD extract is widely available online in capsules, tinctures, oils, topicals, and more. But it’s considered safe for people with severe illnesses including immunological, cardiovascular, and hepatic disorders. If in doubt about CBD’s safety in your particular medical situation, consult your primary caregiver first.
Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis, better known as lemon balm, is a herb with a pleasant lemon fragrance. It has historically been used as a mild sedative and calming agent. This has led to modern-day interest in it as a natural treatment for stress and anxiety.
Research studies into the effects of lemon balm have produced promising results. It’s been shown to dramatically improve sleep quality, and reduce anxiety levels. Lemon balm extract can be found in various forms from capsules to topicals, but the herb’s leaves can also be made into a tea.
It should be noted that natural supplements can sometimes interact with medical drugs. Lemon balm may cause interactions with thyroid medications, HIV medications, and possibly some sedatives. If you are taking such medications, consult your primary care physician before proceeding with supplementation.
Valerian
Do you find yourself taking on more work than you should? Do you shoulder more responsibility for situations than you can handle? One of the most effective ways to avoid being overwhelmed and stressed is to learn when to say no.
This is common advice you’ve likely heard before, But what should you say yes to? A good night’s sleep, a healthy diet, and natural supplements, that’s what. And one of the natural supplements best known for its calming effects is valerian.
Valerian fans use it for everything from mild anxiety and insomnia to stress and depression. Although the research into this herb is limited, there is evidence of valerian root being used successfully for anxiety and insomnia. Using valerian with prescribed sedatives and/or alcohol is not recommended.
Rhodiola
The Rhodiola plant grows in the cold, mountainous areas of Europe, Asia, and the Arctic. If you’ve never heard of Rhodiola rosea, you may know it as Arctic root or golden root. But whatever you call it, extracts of the Rhodiola plant have a positive effect on anxiety and stress.
More research is needed into its effects on mental health and wellbeing, but the few studies that have been done indicate that it is an effective supplement. You can take Rhodiola as a liquid extract or a powdered form, or even in a capsule.
Rhodiola may cause some mild side effects in certain users, such as dizziness or a dry mouth. Because research into this is limited, it is difficult to state with certainty that no other side effects could occur. That being said, no adverse effects have otherwise been reported.
