Before taking any other supplements you must be doing the 5 fundamental steps listed above for a few months at least and if no improvement then you can try taking additional natural supplements. Please do your own research on each supplement as this is merely a reference list of supplements that may improve your anxiety. Additionally, if you are under doctor medication they may affect you negatively. You must do your own research with each supplement and consult with your doctor before taking anything,
Keep in mind, these additional supplements may work for some people, and may not work for others. If you decide to try any of these supplements out, try one at a time (if you take several at once you won’t really know what works and what doesn’t).
I would also suggest you take consistently for a few weeks before deciding if they work or not. These are in alphabetical order. You decide what you want to try first after doing your own proper research.
I am obligated to say, I do not take any of these supplements anymore. With just the 5 fundamentals listed above my anxiety has about 99% disappeared. The 1% left is just the memories and reminders. Again, It is strongly advised to follow the 5 fundamentals before taking extra supplements. Again, it is highly advised you do your own research and consult with a doctor before taking any kind of supplements.
Adaptogen Herbs #
Are said to help counter stress and help balance chemical imbalances. There are so many different adaptogen herbs to look at and read about. One of these which is marketed heavily for calmness and anti stress is a formulated blend called Zembrin.
Ashwagandha #
Ashwagandha does wonders for anxiety in some people but it does the opposite for others. Before taking ashwagandha, it is recommended you check your thyroid (blood test) as it may help with anxiety caused by hypothyroidism. It may make anxiety worse among other negative reactions if you have hyperthyroidism or no underlying thyroid disorder. Do your own research!
Ginseng #
Ginseng effectively regulates the immune response and the hormonal changes due to stress, thus maintaining homeostasis. In addition to suppressing the occurrence of psychological diseases such as anxiety and depression, ginseng also prevents stress-associated physiological diseases. (Source)
Black Seed Oil #
Has been used throughout history for overall health and benefits. Archaeologists even found black seeds in King Tut’s tomb, emphasizing their importance in history for healing and protection. The old sayings praise black seed oil as being able to “cure everything but death” and there is a good chance it may help with true anxiety. There are many self reports of a significant improvement in anxiety after regularly taking black seed oil.
One reason it may work so well is because it seems to help other conditions that may be the ones causing the anxiety. For example:
- Reducing high blood pressure
- Reducing high cholesterol
- Improving rheumatoid arthritis
- Decreasing asthma symptoms
- Reducing upset stomach
It is recommended to take for 2 or 3 months before waiting to see if you notice results. Note: it tastes like what I would imagine motor oil tastes like! But it is an acquired taste. I actually grew very fond of it and enjoyed it after the first few times.
Ginkgo Biloba #
Ginkgo Biloba is a good secondary herb for the treatment of anxiety. It is a primary herb to enhance tissue perfusion, enhance cognition, for antiplatelet activity, and as a neuroprotective. The key indications for this herb include: Alzheimer’s disease, impairment of peripheral circulation, dizziness and for several types of degenerative eye conditions.
It’s important to note that there’s currently a lack of scientific research comparing the effectiveness of ginkgo to that of anti-anxiety medications in the treatment of any type of anxiety disorder. (Source)
L-Theanine #
L-theanine, a water-soluble, non-protein amino acid commonly found in green tea and some mushrooms, has been widely studied for its ability to encourage wakeful relaxation without sedation. L-theanine is thought to work by decreasing “excitatory” brain chemicals that contribute to stress and anxiety while increasing brain chemicals that encourage a sense of calm. It’s even been known to lower stress-related blood pressure and heart rate. (Source)
Magnesium #
Magnesium is vital to human life. If you are following the 5 fundamentals you should not be deficient, as eating more veggies along with magnesium supplementation is suggested. However, since it is so important, I have added it again to stress the importance (although, each of the 5 fundamentals is equally important!)
Taurine #
While taurine has many functions in the body, the most noted one is that it helps increase glycine and acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and helps protect the brain from the harmful effects of glutamate.
GABA is our body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning that its primary job is to inhibit the activity of nerve cells in our nervous system. GABA essentially keeps our mind relaxed and disengaged from alert, wakeful states.
Low levels of GABA have been associated with low mood, anxiety, overthinking, and increased tension, so it’s no surprise that increasing your GABA levels through supplementing with taurine would be beneficial for anxiety. (Source)
PS: Can you believe they actually have annual Taurine conventions! The benefits and importance for this little guy are being researched, talked about, and growing worldwide!
Traditional Chinese Mushrooms for Anxiety #
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years and have gained even more popularity as of late. The list of health benefits medicinal mushrooms provide is lengthy (think: brain booster, hormone helper, antioxidant powerhouse). But each mushroom is unique and provides its own distinct health advantages. Some of the more popular types that may help with anxiety and/or overall health include the following:
Reishi #
Traditionally known as the “supreme protector,” Reishi benefits a cornucopia of extraordinary health-promoting effects that protect us on every level–physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The most prominent Reishi benefits are its calming and stress-reducing qualities. Reishi mushroom has been called the ultimate anti-stress herb, for good reasons.
Of all the medicinal mushrooms for anxiety, Reishi is the best mushroom supplement for anxiety and other stress related issues.
- May help with
- Sleep
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Focus
Lions Mane #
Research has found that lion’s mane may protect against dementia, reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression and help repair nerve damage. It also has strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-boosting abilities and been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, ulcers and diabetes in animals.
Chaga #
Chaga is one of a group of mushrooms and herbs called adaptogens. Experts say adaptogens relieve some symptoms associated with elevated stress levels by improving the health of your adrenal system and staving off fatigue. This can help you cope better during stressful events and the subsequent echoes
And More! #
There are many more products and combinations of healthy mushrooms available. Do your own research and remember just fully following the 5 fundamentals for a few weeks or couple months and you might not even need or want any supplements.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs for Anxiety #
Chinese herbal remedies for anxiety have been studied and practiced for decades if not longer. Although I never got around to trying any of them out, they had been on my “to do list”. As usual, do your own research, be aware of any underlying medical conditions you may have or medications you may be taking to ensure any supplements do not interfere with your medication or condition.