Stress is an inevitable part of life. From work pressures to financial worries, relationship issues or health problems, most people deal with stressors daily. While a manageable amount of stress can help motivate and focus us, uncontrolled chronic stress takes a major toll on mental and physical health.
Elevated levels of stress hormones like cortisol can increase inflammation, hamper immunity, and raise the risk of hypertension, stroke and cardiac events. Stress even makes us more prone to infections like cold sores or shingles. Although diet, exercise, sleep and counseling help relieve stress, supplements can provide additional support in the battle against anxiety.
Lavender Oil Reduces Anxiety and Improves Sleep
Lavender oil, derived from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia, has a long history of traditional use for calming nerves. The compounds linalool and linalyl acetate give lavender its anxiety-reducing and mood-enhancing properties.
Research indicates lavender oil activates the limbic system in the brain, which regulates emotions and anxiety signals. It also affects the hypothalamus and hippocampus, which influence anxiety and stress levels.
Regular use of oral lavender oil supplements has been shown to provide multiple benefits:
- Alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Improve quality of sleep
- Relieve depression and stress
- Promote physical relaxation
Studies show doses of 80-160 mg per day can produce anti-anxiety results in 4-6 weeks. Lavender oil has a minimal side effect profile and can be safely used by most people.
L-Theanine Boosts Relaxation
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green and black teas. It can mimic the calming effects of meditation by altering brain chemicals linked to mood and stress response.
L-theanine may help relieve anxiety in several ways:
- Increases hormones like GABA, serotonin and dopamine that regulate mood
- Lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol
- Blocks excitatory glutamate activity in the brain
Human research indicates 200-400 mg daily doses of L-theanine can significantly decrease perceived stress levels. It may also enhance mental focus, especially when combined with caffeine.
L-theanine has an excellent safety profile. Drowsiness and headaches are the most common minor side effects reported.
Ashwagandha Is a Powerful Adaptogen
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stressors and restore balance. Multiple studies confirm its anti-anxiety and calming properties.
Research shows ashwagandha:
- Reduces anxiety and cortisol levels comparably to prescription drug lorazepam
- Acts similarly to adaptogens like Siberian and Korean ginseng
- Provides anxiolytic effects matching those of common pharmaceutical anxiolytic agents
Doses between 250-600 mg per day may be effective for anxiety relief. High doses above 1500 mg can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or diarrhea. Consulting a healthcare provider helps determine optimal ashwagandha dosage.
Conclusion
Unmanaged stress can quickly snowball into serious mental and physical health issues. However, natural supplements like lavender, L-theanine and ashwagandha have considerable scientific backing for their anti-anxiety and calming benefits. Adding these to a self-care regimen of healthy lifestyle habits can provide holistic stress relief.