Herbs and supplements can make a difference when it comes to controlling stress and anxiety.
Supplements for Stress
-
The Ray of Sunshine You Need is Found in Vitamin D
Supplement with vitamin D3. Sunlight can be scarce during the winter, depleting our vitamin D reserves.
There is quite a bit of evidence that vitamin D deficiency plays a role in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is just another term for the wintertime blues.
-
Improve Your Mood with Vitamin B
B vitamins can also help control stress and depression.
One clinical study showed that supplementation with B complex over three months helped people improve mood and reduce stress.
Herbs for Stress
There are a wide variety of herbs that also help combat stress. Here are a few stress relieving herbs to look into.
-
Find Balance with Ashwagandha
An Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, has been shown to reduce cortisol levels for people with chronic anxiety.
It also helps control stress, balance hormones, and improve cognition.
-
Passionflower for Relaxation
Passionflower influences GABA, a neurotransmitter which promotes relaxation.
-
The Calming Effects of Lavender
Lavender is a wonderful herb that can calm anxiety and act as a sleep aid.
The flowers can be used in tea, whereas lavender essential oil is highly concentrated and should only be used externally on the skin (diluted with a base like almond oil), added to a bath, or in an aromatherapy vaporizer.
-
Honokiol is the Anti-Anxiety Antioxidant
Another great recommendation is the versatile extract honokiol. An active compound derived from magnolia bark, honokiol also works on GABA receptors, providing calming mood support.
Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated the significant anti-anxiety effects of this compound, without side effects.
The botanical is also a powerful antioxidant, 1,000 times stronger than vitamin E.
In addition, honokiol actively promotes cellular health of the breasts, prostate, lungs, and other areas, and fights inflammation, which often occurs after intense exercise.
