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Stress is a natural part of life, but sometimes chronic stress can impact mental and physical health, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and weakened immunity. While lifestyle changes like exercise and meditation help, they may not always be enough.
That’s where stress-relief supplements come in. These supplements can help regulate cortisol levels, support neurotransmitter function, and promote relaxation. Ingredients like ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea aid stress adaptation, while amino acids and herbal extracts offer calming effects.
This guide highlights the 8 best supplements for stress, their key ingredients, and how they support stress management.
What Are Stress Relief Supplements?
Stress relief supplements can help your body manage stress. They contain scientifically studied ingredients, including botanical extracts, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, that may help support the nervous system and regulate stress-related hormones. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea in these supplements may help balance cortisol levels, enhancing the body’s resilience to stress. Nutrients such as magnesium and B vitamins support brain function and energy production, while amino acids like L-theanine promote relaxation by influencing neurotransmitter activity. Available in both single-ingredient and multi-compound formulas, stress relief supplements offer targeted support to help reduce the impact of stress on well-being.
8 Best Supplements For Stress
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Green Roads Stress Aways Ashwagandha Gummies
Green Roads’ Stress Aways Ashwagandha Gummies contain KSM-66 Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, and broad-spectrum CBD, working together to promote relaxation without drowsiness. KSM-66 ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels, reducing stress and supporting mental clarity. L-Theanine amino acid found in green tea promotes calmness while maintaining focus. The broad-spectrum CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to support a sense of balance without psychoactive effects. Green Roads’ Stress Aways Ashwagandha Gummies jars comes with a total of 750mg CBD, providing a 25mg of in its every 4gram gummy serving.
Pros
- Combines broad-spectrum CBD, KSM-66® Ashwagandha, and L-Theanine for multi-faceted stress relief.
- Made from U.S.-grown hemp, ensuring quality and safety.
- Mixed berry flavor makes daily consumption enjoyable.
- Convenient gummy form simplifies supplementation and enhances adherence.
Cons
- $49.99 for 30 gummies might be expensive for some.
- May contain trace amounts of THC, which could be a concern for some users.
- Limited flavor variety, offering only a single option.
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Recess Mood Powder
Recess Mood Powder claims to promote relaxation and mental clarity. It features a blend of magnesium l-threonate, which supports brain function and relaxation, l-theanine, known for its calming effects without drowsiness, and passionflower extract, traditionally used for anxiety and sleep support. The formula also includes electrolytes for hydration and wellness. Available in lemon citrus, gradient berry, and unflavored options, it mixes into water, smoothies, coffee, or tea. With 10 calories per serving and no added sugar, Recess Mood Powder offers a simple and effective way to manage stress daily.
Pros
- Contains magnesium, L-theanine, and passionflower extract for effective stress management.
- Available in both flavored options and an unflavored variant to suit different preferences.
- Sweetened with monk fruit, ensuring a sugar-free formula without artificial additives.
Cons
- The exact amount of each magnesium type is not clear, making it hard to know how well it works.
- Different versions of the drink have different formulas, which can cause confusion.
- The 14-day return policy may not give enough time to see if it works.
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Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager
Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager claims to support balanced cortisol levels, improve sleep quality, and promote relaxation. It might help regulate your body’s stress response and normalize the sleep-wake cycle without melatonin, making it suitable for those sensitive to hormone-based sleep aids.
Its key ingredients include sensoril ashwagandha, which reduces cortisol levels, and suntheanine l-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness. Magnolia Bark Extract contributes to stress reduction, while Phosphatidylserine supports cortisol regulation and brain function. Epimedium further aids in stress adaptation. The maker’s recommended dosage is one tablet before bedtime, with an option to increase it to two during high-stress periods.
Pros
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, wheat-free, and vegetarian-friendly.
- Helps balance cortisol levels to manage stress.
- Made with U.S.-sourced ingredients for safety.
- Combines multiple stress-relief compounds.
Cons
- Some people may react to magnolia bark, causing the numbness.
- Effectiveness may require dosage adjustments and consistent usage.
- Pricier than some alternative stress-relief supplements.
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LifeSeasons Anxie-T Stress Support
Anxie-T Stress Support by LifeSeasons claims to promote relaxation and stress relief. It may help support the body’s natural stress response. It includes key ingredients like ashwagandha, which helps lower cortisol levels to reduce anxiety, and Kava Kava, known for its calming effects on the nervous system. L-Theanine in Anxie-T Stress Support may help enhance focus while promoting relaxation, while GABA supports a sense of calm by reducing neuronal excitability.
Anxie-T Stress Support also has theobromine, found in cocoa, which provides mild mood support without causing jitters. The maker’s recommended dosage of Anxie-T Stress Support is two capsules in the morning with food, with an optional evening dose for added relaxation.
Pros
- Provides stress relief, with effects felt within 30 minutes.
- Helps with focus while reducing anxious thoughts.
- Convenient for daily use, fitting well into a busy lifestyle.
Cons
- The recommended 24-day routine may be difficult for some users to follow.
- Ingredients like Kava Kava may not suit everyone and could cause mild side effects.
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Tranquility By Zenium Labs
Tranquility By Zenium Labs may help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support emotional health. It combines scientifically backed ingredients to help manage daily stress effectively. Its key ingredients, like ashwagandha, may help in reducing stress and improving focus. L-theanine, which may promote relaxation without drowsiness. Valerian Root and GABA in Tranquility By Zenium Labs support calmness by enhancing neurotransmitter activity, while 5-HTP aids serotonin production for mood balance. It also has rhodiola rosea, which helps the body adapt to stress, Lemon Balm eases tension, and Magnesium supports nervous system function. Manufactured in GMP-certified facilities in the USA, Tranquility By Zenium Labs is vegan, all-natural, and GMO-free.
Pros
- Manufactured in the USA, ensuring quality and adherence to safety standards.
- It is made following Good Manufacturing Practices, ensuring consistency and safety.
- Provides a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- It may cause side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, or allergic reactions.
- Higher cost compared to budget-friendly, single-ingredient alternatives.
- Could encourage reliance on supplements over lifestyle-based stress management.
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Confidence By Thesis
Confidence By Thesis claims to enhance mental clarity, mood, and emotional resilience. It features scientifically backed ingredients that help manage stress and promote a balanced state of mind. Shoden® ashwagandha in Confidence By Thesis supports cortisol regulation for stress relief, while zembrin® sceletium tortuosum helps improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Confidence By Thesis also has affron® saffron extract that may aid serotonin balance, contributing to emotional health, and magnesium bisglycinate to support relaxation by regulating neurotransmitters.
Sage Extract in Confidence By Thesis enhances cognitive function, Magnolia Bark (DHH-B) promotes GABA activity for relaxation, and L-Theanine encourages calm focus without sedation.
Pros
- Contains four ingredients at effective anti-stress doses, including branded extracts of ashwagandha, saffron, and Sceletium tortuosum.
- Available in both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions to suit personal preferences.
- Subscribers receive free nootropic coaching to optimize cognitive health.
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction.
Cons
- More expensive than other similar anti-stress supplements.
- Magnolia bark can cause drowsiness and numbness.
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Ritual Stress Relief
Ritual Stress Relief may support stress management with three clinically studied ingredients. Shoden Ashwagandha (80 mg) in Ritual Stress Relief helps regulate cortisol levels, Suntheanine L-Theanine (200 mg) promotes quick, non-drowsy relaxation, and Affron Saffron Extract (28 mg) supports a positive mood.
Ritual Stress Relief’s BioSeries technology ensures a controlled release throughout the day. The first tablet provides immediate support, the second offers a four-hour extended release, and the third delivers sustained effects over eight hours for all-day stress relief.
Ritual prioritizes transparency with its Made Traceable platform, allowing you to track ingredient sourcing. The supplement is vegan, third-party tested, allergen-free, and packaged in 100% recycled materials.
Pros
- It is gluten and allergen-free.
- Comes with transparent ingredient sourcing, ensuring quality.
- Third-party Tested, which ensures safety and efficacy.
- Provides 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee for risk free experience.
Cons
- Low Ashwagandha Dosage may be insufficient for users needing higher cortisol support.
- Possible interactions with medications or sensitivities.
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Stress Complex By Silver Fern
Stress Complex By Silver Fern claims to help manage stress, mood, sleep, and hormone balance. It also may help alleviate daily stress and worry, support restful sleep, help regulate cortisol levels, and enhance relaxation and mental clarity. Stress Complex By Silver Fern features Safr’Inside Saffron Extract, known for its high safranal content, which helps balance serotonin levels to support mood and stress relief. L-Theanine in the Stress Complex by Silver Fern promotes relaxation and reduces excitability without causing drowsiness.
Stress Complex By Silver Fern also has Myo-Inositol (Vitamin B8), which aids in regulating cortisol and blood sugar levels, contributing to emotional stability. It also provides support for PMS and menopause, helping manage hormonal fluctuations. It is available in a caffeinated version for added energy and focus and a non-caffeinated formula for stimulant-free stress relief.
Pros
- Each ingredient is included at researched-backed levels to ensure maximum efficacy.
- Free from unnecessary additives, focusing only on science-backed components.
- It may help with daily stress and address mood imbalances.
- Offers both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options to suit relaxation or work for enhanced focus.
Cons
- The cost may be a concern for budget-conscious buyers compared to other stress supplements.
- Non-caffeinated versions can make some people feel sleepy, especially in the morning.
Side Effects Of Supplements For Stress
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May Cause Digestive Issues
Some stress supplements can upset your stomach, especially if they contain magnesium, valerian root, or ashwagandha. Magnesium can have a laxative effect, leading to diarrhea or abdominal cramps if you take too much. Valerian root and ashwagandha might slow digestion, causing bloating or nausea. If you have a sensitive stomach, herbal extracts or fillers in these supplements could also lead to acid reflux or irritation.
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May Cause Drowsiness & Fatigue
Certain ingredients, like valerian root, passionflower, or melatonin in supplements for stress, may make you feel too sleepy. As these ingredients are known to calm your nervous system, they may cause drowsiness, especially if you need to stay alert during the day. Adaptogens like ashwagandha lower stress by regulating cortisol, but some people feel sluggish after taking these supplements.
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Could Trigger Headaches And Dizziness
Many Stress supplements include rhodiola rosea, l-theanine, and GABA, which can alter brain chemistry. This may sometimes lead to headaches or dizziness. Rhodiola, for example, helps regulate dopamine and serotonin, but if your brain adapts too quickly or if levels fluctuate too much, you might experience tension headaches, brain fog, or even a throbbing sensation in your temples. In some cases, stress supplements also contain amino acids that impact blood flow, which can contribute to dizziness. For example, L-theanine promotes relaxation by increasing alpha brain waves, but for some people, this may temporarily lower blood pressure, leading to lightheadedness.
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Might Interfere With Medications
If you take medication, certain stress supplements may interfere with how your body processes them, leading to unwanted side effects or even serious health risks. For example, 5-HTP and St. John’s Wort increase serotonin levels, which may be beneficial for mood support but can be dangerous when combined with antidepressants like SSRIs or MAOIs. This combination may lead to serotonin syndrome, a condition characterized by rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, confusion, muscle rigidity, excessive sweating, and, in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.
How Did We Evaluate Stress Supplements?
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Brand Reputation
To assess the reputations of stress supplement brands, we considered brand age, history, customer feedback, and product focus. Green Roads ranks highest due to its longevity, transparency, and pharmacist-formulated stress supplements. Founded in 2013, it has earned over 40,000+ five-star reviews, making it one of the most trusted brands.
Recess follows closely, known for its adaptogen-infused beverages that promote relaxation, with generally positive consumer feedback. Zenium Labs’s reputation is limited due to a lack of detailed company history and Trustpilot reviews.
Integrative Therapeutics holds a strong reputation among professionals for its science-backed formulations targeting stress, cognitive health, and sleep, though it has limited consumer-driven reviews.
LifeSeasons has a positive customer feedback but lacks widespread third-party validation. Thesis claims to specialize in nootropic supplements with a personalized approach but has limited public information and no Trustpilot reviews, making its reputation harder to assess.
Ritual and Silver Fern Brand ranks lower due to their indirect focus on stress relief. Ritual primarily offers multivitamins that support fitness and emphasize ingredient transparency, but it is not a stress-specific brand.
Silver Fern Brand focuses on gut health as a means of stress management but lacks a strong brand history and third-party reviews.
For consumers seeking effective stress supplements, Green Roads and Recess stand out as the most reputable options, while others may require further research before purchasing.
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Refund Guidelines
A brand’s refund policy plays a crucial role in consumer confidence, with more flexible policies offering better value. LifeSeasons Anxie-T Stress Support stands out with its 90-day return policy, giving users enough time to evaluate its effectiveness. Tranquility By Zenium Labs follows with a 60-day money-back guarantee, providing a reasonable window for assessment. These brands rank highest in terms of consumer-friendly policies, allowing users to make informed decisions with minimal financial risk.
Thesis Confidence, Ritual Stress Relief, and Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager offer industry-standard return periods ranging from 30 to 45 days. While these policies provide a fair opportunity to test the supplements, they may not be sufficient for those needing a longer evaluation period. Green Roads Stress Aways Ashwagandha Gummies, despite its 30-day policy, only accepts unopened returns, making it a less flexible option.
At the lower end, Recess Mood Powder’s 14-day refund period is restrictive, giving users minimal time to assess results. Stress Complex by Silver Fern, even though it offers a 30-day refund guarantee, has the least consumer-friendly policy, as it does not accept returns on opened products, making it a high-risk purchase.
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Value For Money
Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager offers the best value at $25.75 for 30 tablets, providing effective stress relief at a low cost. Tranquility By Zenium Labs follows at $29.85 for 60 capsules, making it highly cost-efficient. LifeSeasons Anxie-T Stress Support, at $32.99 for a 30-day supply, balances affordability and quality ingredients.
Stress Complex by Silver Fern ($34.99 for 30 capsules) and Recess Mood Powder ($38.99 for 28 servings) offer moderate value, with the latter providing a drinkable option at a higher price. Green Roads Stress Aways Ashwagandha Gummies ($49.99 per pack) is convenient but pricier than similar capsule-based alternatives.
Ritual Stress Relief ($60 for 30 capsules) emphasizes transparency but is costly. Thesis Confidence, at $129 per month, offers a premium, personalized nootropic but is the least cost-effective option.
Conclusion
The 8 Best Supplements for Stress featured in this article focus on reducing stress, improving relaxation, and supporting better mood. These products could support your body’s stress response by regulating cortisol levels, calming your nervous system, and improving focus.
However, supplements alone are not enough to fully manage stress. Combining these products with a healthy lifestyle can help keep your stress under control. Regular exercise, like walking, yoga, or strength training, can help lower your stress hormones and boost your mood.
Sticking to a sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also help your body recover from stress. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling, can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
FAQs
- Are stress supplements safe for daily use?
Most stress supplements are safe when taken as directed, but long-term use of certain ingredients like adaptogens or high-dose vitamins may require periodic breaks to prevent tolerance or imbalances. - Do stress relief supplements help with sleep?
Yes, many stress supplements contain ingredients like magnesium and ashwagandha that may help promote relaxation and better sleep quality. - Are stress supplements addictive?
Most natural stress supplements are non-addictive, but prolonged use of certain calming herbs like Kava Kava or high doses of GABA-related compounds could lead to dependency over time.
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2005 and is currently practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center.
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