Here is the list of the best vitamins and herbs for stress, backed by scientific studies, as elaborated in this article.
- Ashwagandha
- Holy Basil
- Rhodiola
- Bacopa
- L. Theanine
- Lemon Balm
- Passion flower
- Hawthorne flower
- Hops flower
- Bioperine
- B vitamins
- Magnesium
- Zinc
One Capsule Contains All the Best Vitamins and Herbs for Stress
After doing a thorough, critical and careful research into various vitamins and herbs, Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi, MD, created a formula with the best vitamins and herbs for stress, “Stress Buster.”
It contains 17 vitamins and herbs including Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Rhodiola, Bacopa, L. Theanine, Lemon Balm, Passion flower, Hawthorne flower, Hops flower, Bioperine, B vitamins, Magnesium and Zinc.
Ten years back, Dr. Zaidi started using “Stress Buster” for his patients in his clinical practice and saw some amazing results.* For this reason, Stress Buster is now available to the public. In addition, a number of scientific studies also document the beneficial effects of the herbs and vitamins contained in Stress Buster, detailed in this article.
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Scientific Evidence For the Herbs and Vitamins for Stress
The above mentioned herbs and vitamins have been used to relieve stress and anxiety for a long time. Now, modern science is investigating them and the results are astonishing. This Scientific evidence is presented in this article.
Relief from stress and anxiety is even more important these days as the Coronavirus pandemic has raised stress and anxiety levels to new highs. According to the CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – symptoms of anxiety and depression increased considerably during April–June of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.(1)
The stress of daily living wreaks havoc on our body, especially sleep, as well as digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive systems.(2) Consequently, a person may suffer from a variety of illnesses such as insomnia, anxiety, chronic fatigue, heartburn, high blood pressure, and a weak immune system.
Ashwagandha – Herb for Stress, Anxiety, Energy and Memory
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a Sanskrit word – ashwa is for horse and gandha means smelly. So Ashwagandha means “smelly horse,” pointing to the odor of its roots.
It is also known as “Indian gooseberry” and “Indian ginseng.”
The botanical name of Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera.
Ashwagandha is a favorite herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times to “rejuvenate” a stressed-out body and mind.
It is a potent adaptogen. What is an adaptogen? Herbs that can protect us from the damaging effects of stress are known as adaptogens.
What are the Health Benefits of Ashwagandha?
Potential health benefits of Ashwagandha include:
- Adaptogen – Stress relief*
- Relief from anxiety*
- Deep sleep*
- Improvement in cognitive function*
- Better memory*
- More Energy – stamina*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha May Help Cope with the Stress of Daily Living
Several studies show that Ashwagandha may help reduce the effects of chronic stress. In one such placebo-control study, researchers investigated the efficacy as well as safety of Ashwagandha in individuals with chronic stress.(3)
Compared to the placebo group, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in the stress scores on day 60 of the study. In addition, the serum cortisol levels – stress hormone – substantially reduced in the treatment group, relative to the placebo group. Moreover, researchers did not see any significant side-effects of Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha May Help Reduce Anxiety
A number of studies show that Ashwagandha may help reduce anxiety. In one such study, researchers gave Ashwagandha to 60 stressed-out adults over a period of eight weeks. They used two different doses of Ashwagandha – 250 mg and 600 mg per day.
At eight weeks, there was a significant reduction in Stress Scores and Anxiety scale with both doses of Ashwagandha. In addition, there was a reduction in blood cortisol levels. Moreover, individuals receiving Ashwagandha showed a significant improvement in sleep quality. The researchers concluded Ashwagandha is beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety.(4)
Ashwagandha May Improve Cognition and Memory
Numerous studies show beneficial effects of Ashwagandha on cognitive functions. In an analysis of all the published studies on Ashwagandha, the researchers concluded that Ashwagandha improved performance on cognitive tasks, executive function, attention, and reaction time. It also appears to be well tolerated, with good adherence and minimal side effects.(5)
In Conclusion: Enough clinical evidence exists that shows Ashwagandha may help you combat stress, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, lack of concentration and decreased memory. Therefore, consider adding Ashwagandha to your daily vitamins and herbs for stress relief.
Holy Basil – Stress Management , Anti-Inflammatory, and Immune Support Herb
Holy basil – also known as Tulsi – has a number of medicinal uses in ancient systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Greek, Roman, Siddha and Unani. Its botanical name is Ocimum sanctum Linn.
What is Holy Basil?
Holy Basil is a shrub indigenous to the Indian sub-continent and is highly revered for its healing properties.
What are the health benefits of Holy Basil?
Potential health benefits of Holy basil includes:
- Stress Relief*
- Antimicrobial*
- Anti-inflammatory*
- Cardioprotective*
- Boosts Immune system*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Holy Basil:
In an excellent study, researchers from India gave 300 milligrams of Holy Basil or placebo per day, over a 30-day period. They concluded Holy Basil seems to improve cognition in humans.(6)
Recently, researchers from Australia performed a systematic review of the studies published about Holy Basil. They found a total of 24 studies which showed therapeutic effects of Holy Basil on cognition, immunity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular disease. All studies reported favorable clinical outcomes. Moreover, no study reported any significant adverse events.(7)
In conclusion: Holy Basil appears to support better cognition, immune system, metabolism, and the heart. Therefore, consider adding Holy Basil to your stress management vitamins and herbs.
Rhodiola – Herb for Stress, Fatigue and Anxiety
What is Rhodiola?
Rhodiola is a plant that is known for its medicinal properties. It is native to Northern Europe.
What are the health benefits of Rhodiola?
Rhodiola has two main actions:
- It helps to normalize the release of stress hormones.
- It boosts energy production inside the cells.
Rhodiola is an adaptogen that can increase the body’s resistance to stress, exhaustion, and fatigue. So much so that the European Medicines Agency approves it as an adaptogen for Stress.(8)
Potential health benefits of Rhodiola includes:
- Adaptogen – helps protect against stress*
- May help with anxiety and depression*
- May boost cognitive function of the brain*
- May improve fatigue*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Rhodiola
Several studies show that Rhodiola may counter fatigue and increase the ability to concentrate. It may even reduce burnout in people with chronic fatigue. Additionally, it may be helpful for people with anxiety.(8)
In conclusion: Rhodiola may help fatigue, cognition, and mood. Therefore, add Rhodiola to your vitamins and herbs for stress and anxiety.
Bacopa – Stress and Anxiety relief, Memory and Cognition Support Herb
What is Bacopa?
Bacopa monnieri is a plant that traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) practitioners use to enhance brain function. Also known as Brahmi, and water hyssop, it grows in wet tropical environments.
What are the Health Benefits of Bacopa?
Potential health benefits of Bacopa includes:
- Relieve stress*
- Help anxiety*
- Improve cognition*
- Boost memory*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Bacopa
Several studies show that Bacopa may improve cognitive function. In a super analysis of nine studies which included 518 subjects, the authors concluded that “Bacopa monnieri has the potential to improve cognition, particularly speed of attention.”(9)
In conclusion, Bacopa may help cognitive function. Therefore, consider adding it your stress relief vitamins and herbs.
L. Theanine – Relaxation, Focus, and Deep Sleep Support Supplement
What is L. Theanine?
Tea is the main source of L Theanine, which is an amino acid. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters – nerve conduction chemicals –in the brain, GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid), serotonin and dopamine. It also lowers the effects of stress on the brain.
What are the Health Benefits of L. Theanine?
L. Theanine exerts a calming effect on the brain – opposite to that of caffeine. It promotes relaxation, but does not cause sedation. Therefore, it is great for daytime “relaxed attention.” Specifically, it helps to induce alpha waves in the brain which is similar to the effect of meditation.
By promoting alpha waves, L. Theanine promotes deep sleep.
Potential health benefits of Bacopa includes:
- Relaxation*
- Promote relaxed attention*
- Reduce stress and anxiety*
- Promote deep sleep*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of L. Theanine
In an excellent study, researchers gave L. theanine for 8-weeks to patients with depression. They concluded “theanine administration is safe and has multiple beneficial effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance and cognitive impairments.”(10)
In conclusion, L. Theanine may help stress and anxiety and promote relaxation and deep sleep. For these reasons, consider adding L. theanine to your stress and anxiety vitamins.
Lemon Balm – Anti-Anxiety, Stress Relief, and Cognition Support Herb
What is Lemon Balm?
Also known as sweet balm, bee balm, honey plant – Lemon Balm is an herb in the mint family. Traditional medicine uses it for sleep issues and digestive problems.
What are the Health Benefits of Lemon Balm?
Potential health benefits of Lemon Balm include:
- Relief from stress and anxiety*
- May also boost cognitive function*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Lemon Balm
In a small study, participants received Lemon Balm as an additive to food. Researchers concluded “lemon balm treatments were generally associated with improvements in mood and/or cognitive performance.” (11) Therefore, consider adding Lemon Balm to your stress and anxiety vitamins.
Passion Flower – Anxiety and Insomnia Relief Herb
What is Passion Flower?
Passion Flowers are exotic purple or blue flowers that grow on a vine. It is a native to south America and the southern US. Traditional medicine uses Passion Flower for its medicinal purposes.
What are the Health Benefits of Passion Flower ?
Potential health benefits of Passion Flower include:
- Calming effect on the brain through GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid)*
- May help reduce anxiety and insomnia*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Passion Flower
In a study, researchers gave Passion Flower to rats and found it decreased their anxiety and improved memory.(12) Therefore, it makes sense to include Passion Flower in your stress and anxiety vitamins.
Hawthorne – Healthy Heart, Blood Pressure and Anxiety Relief Herb
What is Hawthorne?
Hawthorne is a thorny shrub. Its leaves, flowers and berries possess medicinal properties for conditions such as anxiety, weak heart, and digestive problems. It is a popular herb with folk medicine practitioners in Europe.
What are the Health Benefits of Hawthorne?
Potential health benefits of Hawthorne include:
- May lower blood pressure*
- Tonic for the weak heart*
- Relieve anxiety*
- May Improve digestion*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Hawthorne
In a clinical study, researchers found Hawthorne to be useful in reducing blood pressure and anxiety in 19 individuals.(13)
Therefore, consider adding Hawthorne to your stress and anxiety vitamins.
Hops Flower – Anxiety Relief, Relaxation and Deep Sleep Support Herb
What is Hops Flower?
Hops is a climbing plant. Its flowers possess medicinal properties.
What are the Health Benefits of Hops?
Potential health benefits of Hops include:
- Stress relief*
- Anxiety relief*
- Deep restful sleep*
- Relaxation*
Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Hops Flower:
Several studies show sleep-inducing effects of Hops. In one such study, the participants consumed a non-alcoholic beer containing Hops for fourteen days. Results demonstrated an improvement in the quality of sleep.(14) Therefore, it makes sense to add Hops Flower to your stress and anxiety vitamins.
B Vitamins, Magnesium and Zinc – Stress Management Vitamins
B vitamins are important for the health of the brain. A clinical study published in 2018 showed that people consuming B vitamin rich foods are less likely to develop anxiety.(15)
In another study, researchers found vitamin B12 to be low in 60% of individual with anxiety and depression. (16)
Magnesium plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the nervous system. In an article published in 2018, the authors reviewed studies on magnesium and neurological disorders. They concluded there is strong data to suggest a role for magnesium in migraine headache and depression. In addition, magnesium has beneficial effects for chronic pain, anxiety, and stroke. (17)
Zinc is a mineral that is important for the normal functioning of the brain. According to a published study, people with the highest serum levels of Zinc are 51% less likely to suffer from depression as compared to those with the lowest levels of Zinc.(18)
In Summary
Now enough clinical evidence exists to support the use of vitamins and herbs for stress relief. *
For stress and anxiety relief, please read Dr. Zaidi’s book, ” Stress Cure Now.”
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