The jury is out, and that jury says supplements are an effective and side-effect-free way of treating anxiety.

Many mental health issues exist on a spectrum; some people are low-functioning, and others are high-functioning. Impairment can range from mild to severe.

For some people with anxiety, getting on medication can be their number one priority for their wellbeing. Others may prefer a gentler approach with fewer side effects, in which case there are stress supplements available that are powerful solutions for holistic anxiety treatment. Knowing this, it’s often difficult for patients to find supplements that are affordable and effective for their individual physiology.

Keep reading to learn about the best anxiety supplements available on the market today.

Herbal Extracts Promoting Relaxation

Herbs can pack a serious punch. The science-minded can be skeptical about naturopathic remedies, but hear us out. Many modern drugs are actually derived from herbs and then rebranded: aspirin is derived from willow bark, various cannabidiols from Cannabis, or morphine from the opium poppy.

For a complex neurological disorder like anxiety, we often want a solution that heals the brain and the body. In that case, herbs can be an excellent source of supplements for stress relief and anxiety treatment.

The following are all well-formulated herbal solutions for holistic stress reduction. They come with minimal or no side effects, so there is no harm in trying them out.

  • Relora is a patented ingredient in the supplement sereniti derived from magnolia and Asian cork tree, and is proven to induce relaxation
  • Chamomile tea is caffeine-free and widely used as an anxiety treatment
  • Hops extract (a component of beer) has mild sedating effects
  • CBD, a cannabinoid providing pain relief and relaxation

L-Theanine

If you’ve never heard of these stress relief pills, it’s time. L-theanine is the compound found in green tea that counteracts the stimulating effects of caffeine; it’s a compound that can make you feel calm.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, researchers found that L-theanine improved stress in patients on four accounts. It improved sleep, enhanced cognition, was an anti-depressant, and decreased anxiety.

No patients experienced any side effects, and the supplement is considered well-tolerated.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency leads to medical and mental problems.

Studies in 2018 estimated that 42% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient. Not only that, but those living in colder climates and who are minorities are at greater risk. Vitamin D deficiency is classed as an epidemic.

Your muscles, heart, brain, and your immune system all need Vitamin D to function properly. This compound cannot be synthesized in your body, so it must be consumed via an outside source or through getting exposure to sunlight.

If you are finding that you’ve tried everything and still aren’t seeing improvements to stress reduction, definitely request to get your Vitamin D levels checked through your family doctor. This supplement could be the difference-maker.

Best Stress Supplements

The best stress supplements are the ones that are affordable for you and effective with the least side effects.

If you have struggled with anxiety for a while and are seeking relief, you can definitely try some of the aforementioned options! They are verified to have some medical efficacy and are relatively affordable compared to other pharmaceutical options.

For more about anxiety and stress management, visit the mood disorders section of our blog.