Nootropics that Improve Anxiety and Reduce Stress
Finding a nootropic that can calm the nerves and improve an individual’s ability to relax is easier than one might realize. There are many nootropics for the task, but ten stand out as clear winners. Utilizing the best nootropics for stress, it is possible to massively (if not entirely) reduce anxiety and lead a life of happiness and peace. These nootropics are most commonly consumed as a dietary supplement. They are also typically used as a daily regimen, meaning they will work best as they are consumed daily, religiously every day, and at the same time every day.
Top Ten Nootropic Herbs for Stress and Anxiety
Out of all the nootropics and holistic methods for reducing anxiety, ten nootropics could be showcased as the best herbs for reducing anxiety and treating stress. Although some herbs may be more effective for one individual over another, this list is officially being presented in alphabetical order.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the best known adaptogens in Eastern traditional medicine. It has slowly made its way into Western culture, and more recently has been used as a holistic way to combat stress. It can be found in many well-respected writings and philosophical texts for its ability to help reduce anxiety and promote a calm, relaxing effect on the mind and body (Singh et al., 2011).
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is one of strongest nootropic herbs for stabilizing the mind and allowing the body to relax (Beshara et al., 2019). It is a natural relaxation herb, giving the mind an opportunity to operate in its most pristine state. There have been many studies which have proven Bacopa’s ability to significantly reduce anxiety. This includes the ability to reduce anxiety-driven physiological symptoms such as nervousness, palpitations, insomnia, headaches, and more (2019).
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm has been used for a long time to decrease tension and improve calmness within the central nervous system (Chevallier, 2016). The herb’s volatile oils (citral and citronellal) are primarily responsible for its stress-relieving properties. There are also antispasmodic properties which aid the herb’s ability to relax the body and induce an overall calming effect within the CNS (2016). There are even heart-calming effects which can have a positive impact on the body’s overall state as well (Steinhubl et al., 2015).
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is one of the most versatile nootropic herbs. The fungus is well-known to promote enhanced, calming moods and reduce overall negative symptoms of anxiety and stress (Beshara et al., 2019). The fungus is used for its anxiety reducing effects in a series of clinical trials which sustain the benefit claims that it is an excellent treatment for stress of all types (Nagano et al., 2010). Because Lion’s Mane so positively affects anxiety, it also improves sleep and has been considered an excellent anti-depressant as well (Vigna et al., 2019).
Longvida Curcumin
The ability for a nootropic to improve mood is one of the most powerful ways to combat anxiety symptoms. Curcumin is able to significantly improve mood by invoking and retaining a state of calmness (Cox et al., 2015). It improves overall health and has offered such low anxiety levels it is often considered a treatment for depression (Stohs et al., 2020). Turmeric is also known to reduce oxidative stress, even decreasing plaque accumulation in the brain region modulating mood and anxiety (Ramaholimihaso et al., 2020).
L-Theanine
When it comes to stress-relieving herbs, L-Theanine is one of the best-known anxiety relievers throughout many Eastern cultures. This is largely due to its ability to reduce and eliminate oxidative stress, allowing the mind and body to remain calm and focused (Ross, 2014). Its antioxidant properties make it a wonderful mood booster (Dodd et al., 2015). Many studies suggest its ability to relieve stress ailments and promote improved mental health (Hidese et al., 2019).
Panax Ginseng
As an adaptogen, Panax Ginseng is one of the strongest nootropics available. It is often turned to in stressful situations for its quick calming effects (Orr, 2014). It destresses the brain and allows the body a chance to relax. It is such a powerful adaptogen that it decreases the body’s natural worry about hunger, fatigue, and extreme temperature (Chevallier, 2016). Furthermore, it helps regulate many of the body’s basic stressor symptoms and functions (Conkling & Wong, 2006). For all of these reasons, Panax offers the body a great chance to improve overall mood.
Poria Mushroom
Poria Mushroom offers amazing relaxation properties, even being considered a natural anti-depressant (Huang et al., 2020). Poria is even considered a holistic sedative in many cultures (2020). It is an effective antioxidant, helping the herb destress the mind and body (Lin et al., 2012). Its anti-stress properties are so strong it even promotes healthier sleep (Chen et al., 2010).
Red Reishi Mushroom
Red Reishi Mushroom has been well-known for its modern applications of relieving stress and providing the mind and body with antioxidant properties (Cor et al., 2018). It has been known to improve longevity and offer extremely therapeutic effects (2018). It is also commonly used as a powerful mood booster, providing so much stress relief it can reduce the seizure threshold (Socala et al., 2015). Ultimately, it is one of the best nootropics for controlling mood (Matsuzaki et al., 2013).
Rhodiola Crenulate
Rhodiola is one of the strongest nootropic adaptogens used around the world to improve the entire body to some extent or another (Orr, 2014). The herb is extremely well-used throughout both Chinese and Ayurvedic traditional medicine. It is also able to improve physical and mental endurance, which helps the body better cope with stress and improve work productivity (2014). If that weren’t enough, Rhodiola can also improve the mind and body’s natural ability to resist chemical and environmental stressors (Beshara et al., 2019).
Final Notes About Using Nootropics for Anxiety
Although it may not be necessary, it is also possible to combine these nootropics, even all of them, within the established daily values the FDA advises, in a “super stack” to have a greater impact on anxiety. Depending upon the level of stress being experienced, it may make more sense for an individual to choose more than one of these anti-anxiety herbs. Still, some of the most commonly used herbs for anxiety will always remain those on this list, especially Ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and Panax Ginseng.
A Note From NooFiles
This article is intended to be used for information only. We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.
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