23 Vitamins, Supplements & Herbs For Relaxation & Stress Relief
Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements for a substantial increase in a constant state of relaxation (and a comprehensive list of all XANFREE ingredients)
We have a confession to make here.
We believe in XANFREE’s all-natural philosophy, practices and consider its products an extremely useful addition to our specific diet, as well as our overall health regime.
All supplements, of course, are just that; a supplementary addition to your healthy diet, and we feel like the good people at XanFree are on the right track.
So we decided to break down the most effective, useful, and completely all-natural ingredients in order to give you an idea of the type of healthy alternative supplements that are available today.
Of course, any of these all-natural ingredients will be familiar, and some may not, but take a few moments to see what some of the most effective, efficient, healthiest all-natural ingredients offer as an addition to your best diet!
(These ingredients are not in any type of order)
1. Magnesium
Typically taken in the form of nuts, seeds, beans and leafy veggies, magnesium is a vital requirement in your body’s overall health, as it functions as an effective supplement for muscle and nerve function, as well as overall energy level maintenance.
Low magnesium levels are very common (3/4 Americans are deficient), if not serious, dietary condition, but chronically low levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, making magnesium and excellent supplement choice.
Learn about everything science has to say about magnesium relating to anxiety here.
2. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
(Vitamin B1)- Thiamine, also referred to as vitamin B1, is most commonly found in cereals, whole grains, meat, nuts, beans, and peas, and serves as an important dietary tool in the breakdown of carbohydrates into nutrition essentials (especially metabolizing glucose) required to produce energy for the body.
Thiamine supplements are also typically prescribed to treat or prevent vitamin B1 deficiency, which can result in a host of debilitating symptoms, as well as an immune system booster for patients with serious infection symptoms.
Learn about everything science has to say about thiamine (vitamin B1) relating to anxiety here.
3. Riboflavin
(Vitamin B2)- Riboflavin, also referred to as vitamin B2, impacts a number of digestive processes and is a nutritional necessity for normal cell growth and cell function. It’s typically found in foods such as milk, eggs, meat, nuts, enriched flour, and green vegetables.
It also affects proper development and function or the skin, digestive tract lining, blood cells, and overall brain function.
Learn about everything science has to say about riboflavin (vitamin B2) relating to anxiety here.
4. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
(Vitamin B3)- Nicotinic acid, or niacin, is an essential vitamin and antioxidant which improves cholesterol levels by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Niacin supplements are typically not required for most healthy diets, but a small dosage taken as a supplement can positively affect your overall cholesterol levels
Learn about everything science has to say about niacin (vitamin B3) relating to anxiety here.
5. Pyridoxine HCL (Vitamin B6)
(Vitamin B6)- Also known as vitamin B6, pyridoxine is an entirely water-soluble vitamin which your body requires for metabolizing protein, fat and carbohydrates, as well as for the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.
It’s important to note that the human body cannot naturally produce pyridoxine, so it must be extracted from your normal diet or additional dietary supplements.
6. Folate (Vitamin B9)
Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, typically found in beans, legumes and dark green leafy veggies, which the body requires for red and white blood cells maintenance (hematogenesis), to convert carbohydrates into energy, and to synthesize and maintain the genetic building blocks of the body (both DNA and RNA).
It’s important to note that folate is separate from its much more common synthetic form - folic acid, which is typically added to a huge variety of processed wheat and grain products. (including flour, bread, and most breakfast cereals)
Learn about everything science has to say about Folate (vitamin B9) relating to anxiety here.
7. Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)
You may be noticing a pattern here. All the B Vitamins are effective for anxiety & stress. This is because B vitamins, in particular, are essential for brain and mind functions.
(Vitamin B12)- Also referred to as vitamin B12, methylcobalamin is naturally derived from animal products such as meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.
It contributes to the production of red blood cells and is often used as a treatment for differing forms of anemia as well as a common supplement for pregnant and/or breastfeeding mothers.
8. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
(Vitamin B5)- Available in widely varying amounts in nearly all plant and animal-based foods, pantothenic acid’s richest dietary sources are beef, chicken, organ meats, whole grains, and even a variety of vegetables (which XANFREE exclusively uses).
It metabolizes carbs into glucose, and uses fats and proteins for maintaining a healthy nervous system, eyes, skin, hair and liver.
9. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral found in nearly every cell of the human body, helping your body’s system to effectively resist infection, as well as playing an important role in regular tissue repair.
It is also commonly considered to be effective in lowering the capability of cold viruses to grow in or bind to nasal linings.
Learn about everything science has to say about zinc relating to anxiety here.
10. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid, and an essential protein building block. It's naturally and commonly found in black tea leaves, and especially in green tea leaves (which is where XANFREE exclusively derives theirs).
Recent research strongly points to the fact that L-theanine may positively affect the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which influence mood, sleep, and emotion, as well as positively affecting cortisol levels, which leads to stress reduction.
Learn about everything science has to say about L Theanine relating to anxiety here.
11. Lemon Balm Extract
Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis L., grows natively in West Asia, North Africa, and parts of Europe.
It has historically been applied in traditional medicine for a variety of conditions ranging from digestive/gastrointestinal health to healing minor wounds, such as cuts and scrapes, and also to reducing heart rate. Recent research indicates that it may be useful to combat frequent indigestion and as an effective stress reducer.
Learn about everything science has to say about Lemon Balm Extract relating to anxiety here.
12. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows naturally in India, the Middle East, and parts of the African continent.
Its roots and orange-red fruit have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes and the herb is often commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
Because of its historic medicinal efficacy the herb is considered one of the most important treatments in the Ayurvedic medicine system, a holistic healthcare field that originated in India over 3,000 years ago.
Learn about everything science has to say about ashwagandha relating to anxiety here.
13. Skullcap Root Extract
Skullcap is the common name for Scutellaria, a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, whose root is commonly used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments, ranging from diarrhea to migraine headaches to chronic pain.
Learn about everything science has to say about skullcap root extract relating to anxiety here.
14. Valerian Root Extract
Valeriana officinalis, most commonly known as valerian, is a native herb of Asia and Europe, now also grown in the US, China, and many other countries.
Historically used for over 2,000 years for its medicinal properties, the valerian root contains a number of compounds that have long been known to promote sleep as well as reduce stress.
These compounds include valerenic acid, isovaleric acid as well as a variety of antioxidants, which are proven to protect the body’s cells from free radicals.
Learn about everything science has to say about valerian root extract relating to anxiety here.
15. GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body that works as an effective neurotransmitter in the brain.
Neurotransmitters function as chemical messengers and GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it has been proven to block certain brain signals and decrease nervous system activity.
Also, like L-theanine, GABA can positively affect stress levels and contribute to more restful sleep by affecting serotonin levels in the brain.
Learn about everything science has to say about GABA relating to anxiety here.
16. Hops
Hops, in addition to being a primary ingredient of popular adult beverage- beer, are also the female flowers from the plant, Humulus lupulus.
Hops have also long been used in herbal medicine, dating at least as far back to the 9th century in Europe, for their sedative qualities.
Learn about everything science has to say about hops relating to anxiety here.
17. Chinese Hawthorn Leaf Extract
Hawthorn leaf is an herbal remedy that used in traditional Chinese medicines for thousands of years for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Recent scientific research indicates that extracts of the hawthorn leaf may have a host of cardiovascular health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure and lowering cholesterol.
18. Bacopa Leaf Extract
The Bacopa monnieri plant has been used in Ayurvedic medical applications for centuries to treat a variety of symptoms, and for a variety of purposes, including improving memory, reducing anxiety, and for its mild sedative properties.
The bacopa leaf also contains powerful antioxidants which, like valerian, effectively protect the body’s cells from free radicals, which in turn may boost brain function as well as reduce inflammation.
Learn about everything science has to say about bacopa leaf extract relating to anxiety here.
19. Chamomile Flower Extract
Chamomile is the herb derived from the flowers of the Asteraceae plant family.
Its leaves have been used for centuries as an all-natural remedy for numerous health conditions, as well as for its mild sedative qualities.
Recent research strongly suggests that chamomile may also positively affect digestive health, skin health, and act as a cancer preventative, in addition to its mild sedative properties.
Learn about everything science has to say about chamomile flower extract relating to anxiety here.
20. Rhodiola Root Extract
Rhodiola, or Rhodiola rosea, is an herb common to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia.
Its root contains more than 140 active ingredients, the two most potent of which are rosavin and salidroside, both considered adaptogens, meaning they assist the body to adapt to, and reduce stress.
In addition, the potency of salidroside has been and continues to be seriously researched for its anticancer properties.
Learn about everything science has to say about Rhodiola root extract relating to anxiety here.
21. 5-HTP
5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is an amino acid naturally produced in the body which is most often used as a potent supplement to effectively boost the brain’s serotonin levels.
Recently approved by the FDA as an OTC supplement, XANFREE derives its all-natural supply from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. The supplement does not naturally occur in any other food form.
Learn about everything science has to say about 5-HTP relating to anxiety here.
22. Magnolia Bark Extract
The houpo magnolia tree, Magnolia officinalis, is native to China where its bark and leaves have been used for centuries as an effective supplement in traditional Chinese medicine.
Common conditions that magnolia bark has traditionally been used to treat include asthma, anxiety, depression, indigestion, and inflammation.
Recent Western research indicates that two of the over 200 chemical compound polyphenols found in magnolia bark —honokiol and magnolol — may be helpful as a mild sedative and/or to help improve sleep quality. Further research continues regarding its anti-cancer properties.
23. Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the body, and derived from the brain’s pineal gland, but also found in the eyes, bone marrow and gut. It is also a powerful antioxidant. All-natural melatonin used in supplements is extracted from animal pineal glands and FDA approved in very small doses as an effective sleep aid and for its safe stress reduction properties
Dietary supplements are one of the modern advantages that the vast majority of us have access to and should definitely consider as a part of our healthiest diet.
WHY MAGNESIUM IN A SKIN-PATCH?
It’s estimated that 75% of Americans are Magnesium deficient. Studies show people with low-Magnesium levels are directly connected to frequently having feelings of depression and anxiety.
Magnesium is unique because your body does not absorb it in the stomach efficiently. The best way to absorb Magnesium is directly into the bloodstream.
Having the right vitamins and herbs can make a huge difference in everyday relaxation!