May is Mental Health Awareness month for Adults & Children. We have many great supplements (mostly for adults and a few for children) that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Here's a list of the most popular.
- Relora is a proprietary blend of two herbs: Phellodendron amurense (P. amurense), and magnolia. Both plants are native to China and Japan. The bark of the magnolia tree contains magnolol and honokiol, two compounds shown to have anti-anxiety properties, as well as the ability to reduce allergic reaction and asthma. Phellodendron has been shown to help in lowering both blood sugar and blood pressure as well as anti-inflammatory benefits. From http://www.nationalnutrition.ca/herb_articles_Relora.aspx
- Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is indigenous to the Arctic and Alpine regions of Europe, Asia and America and has long been used as a tonic by many cultures, including the Ancient Greeks. Rhodiola is generally known as an "adaptogen," a term which refers to any agent possessing the ability to support the body's natural capacity to adapt to life's changing conditions. From https://www.nowfoods.com/supplements/rhodiola-500-mg-veg-capsules
Holy basil functions as an adaptogen, enhancing the body's natural response to physical and emotional stress. Adaptogenic herbs do not alter mood, but rather, they help the body function optimally during times of stress. Multiple scientific studies examining this property of Ocimum sanctum have found that supplementation with various extracts of holy basil decrease stress hormone levels, corticosterone in particular. From http://www.medicinehunter.com/holy-basil
The hormone melatonin plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle. Natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest at night. Some research suggests that melatonin supplements taken at the right time might be helpful in treating jet lag or other sleep disorders that involve poor alignment of your natural biological clock with the night-day pattern around you. Melatonin might also reduce the time it takes to fall asleep — although this effect is typically mild. From http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/melatonin-side-effects/faq-20057874
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical that the body makes from tryptophan (an essential amino acid that you get from food). After tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, the chemical is changed into another chemical called serotonin (a neurotransmitter that relays signals between brain cells). 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain. Since serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior, 5-HTP may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation. 5-HTP is not found in the foods we eat, although tryptophan is found in foods. Eating foods with tryptophan does not increase 5-HTP levels very much, however. As a supplement, 5-HTP is made from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. From http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/5hydroxytryptophan-5htp
Magnesium is known to reduce muscle tension, lessen pain associated with migraine headaches, improve sleep, and address neurological disorders such as anxiety and depression. From http://www.ancient-minerals.com/magnesium-benefits/
Linden is an herb that comes from various species of Tilia, or lime tree. It has been used in European folk medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of health problems.historically used to soothe nerves and treat health problems associated with anxiety.