1. Magnesium
Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer, which immensely helps with anxiety. It’s a nervous system relaxant and mineral that assists with fear, irritability, and restlessnes. It has been dubbed as the first-ever “chill pill” because it stabilises the mood and promotes feelings of calm and well-being. Just make sure to take a supplement that contains both magnesium and calcium, since they’re interdependent. Taking one without the other won’t do you much good.
This is a calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures. By increasing levels of GABA [gamma-aminobutyric acid] in the brain, the nervous system relaxes through the reduction of brain activity, resulting in a decrease of anxiety and stress. For people dealing with insomnia, this is extremely beneficial. You can include this in your diet through teas, tinctures, extracts, or tablets.
If you experience anxiety or insomnia, you might want to try taking valerian root as a remedy. It has special chemical components that are useful in the treatment of anxiety, responsible for specifically for inhibiting and regulating the activity of the brain’s neurons. However, the recommended dosage for anxiety is generally lower than the dosage for insomnia. This is because taking high doses of valerian root during the day can lead to daytime sleepiness.
4. Lemon Balm
Several small studies have found that this supplement, which is part of the mint family, can improve mood and induce feelings of calmness for up to six hours, he said. Lemon balm also appears to be relatively safe.
5. Lactium
Perhaps when you were a child, your mother gave you a warm glass of milk to help you fall asleep. There’s a reason for this, and the reason is Lactium—a compound often found in milk. Lactium has been shown to promote feelings of calm, which is key for easing anxiety. It’s also great for anxiety-related sleep issues.
6. Theanine
This is an amino acid found in green tea, among other places, and is connected to the relaxing feeling you get when you drink a cup of tea. Theanine has been shown to reduce stress responses in your body so you feel more relaxed, even in situations that stress you out.
7. B-Complex
You’ve probably heard before that a shot of B12 can boost your mood and energy levels. These do the same. It turns out B-complex vitamins can also be helpful when it comes to keeping your mood lifted and stabilized. It includes thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid and the cobalamins (vitamin B12) — all of which play a role in keeping your mood stable.
8. St John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is an age-old home remedy for anxiety and mood disorders,” explains de Mello. “It lifts a low mood and promotes feelings of optimism and contentment, easing anxiety. Just be aware that St. John’s wort may not react well to some prescription antidepressants, so speak to a doctor if you’re considering adding it to your routine.”
