In Vitamins, Minerals & Botanicals: Natural Ways to Relieve Stress & Anxiety (Part 1) we explored the body’s natural “fight or flight” response to stress and what can happen when chronic stress starts to take over our lives, both physically and physiologically. This can include serious health problems like a weakened immune system, compromised gut health or an increased risk of heart disease and an increased risk of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and more. 

We also outlined some ways we can try to take back control of our lives from exercising regularly to eating healthily and exploring the wide range of stress-relief techniques available including meditation, yoga and spending time in nature. It’s important to take the impacts that chronic stress can have on us seriously, so if you feel that stress is negatively impacting your day-to-day life, you should contact your GP or a trusted healthcare professional.

Additionally, there’s a growing popularity for certain supplements that can play a powerful role in the management of anxiety in a natural way, as can be seen here. We’ve compiled a second list of some of the most stress-busting vitamins, minerals and botanicals that can help you find balance and mental relaxation:

	Maca Root is rich in vitamins C and A, as well as B2, B6 and niacin, while being packed with minerals like iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, copper, potassium and magnesium. Maca root is one of the rare plants that has been classified as a ‘herbal adaptogen’, meaning it can directly help your body adapt and resist things like illnesses, chronic stress and anxiety. Maca root contains nutrients that help ensure the balance of hormones, which helps to alleviate chronic stress by reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Also, several studies have found that Maca root can help reduce the psychological symptoms of menopause, like anxiety and depression. We include Maca root in our Ashwagandha Destress Formula to help make it a powerful weapon in the fight against stress.
	Liquorice Root contains certain compounds, like glycyrrhizic acid, that help support adrenal function. Cortisol, otherwise known as the ‘stress hormone’ is released in times of stress to help control the “fight or flight” response to help combat stressful situations. It gives us a boost of energy and alertness to allow us to handle the situation. Some research has suggested that prolonged exposure to stress can cause adrenal fatigue, which can result in a number of symptoms including brain fog, low energy, depressive mood and a reduced ability to handle stress. Liquorice Root helps support healthy adrenal function by regulating cortisol levels and making the adrenals are not overloaded. Liquorice root has been recommended for people suffering from chronic stress to help balance their cortisol stress response. This herb also boosts levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a stress-fighting hormone. Liquorice Root is also an important ingredient in our Ashwagandha Destress Formula.
	Griffonia Seed naturally contains the chemical 5-HTP. Numerous scientific studies have shown that 5-HTP promotes relaxation and alleviates stress. By enabling the production of serotonin (also known as the feel-good’ neurotransmitter) 5-HTP promotes a calm and relaxed mood. Soothe your sleep and find your calm with our Sleep Support 5-HTP.
	Lavender has been shown to promote calmness and wellness while helping to reduce stress and anxiety. A 2011 study found that certain fragrances can help trigger positive moods and emotions. These fragrances stimulate the olfactory nerves which then communicate with the limbic system in your brain, otherwise known as your “emotional brain”. The fragrance of Lavender was found to help alleviate stress levels and overall mental wellbeing. Naturally calm your mind and prepare for a peaceful night’s sleep with our Lavender Essential Oil Spray.
	Curcumin, the active ingredient in the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant natural supplement known as turmeric, has been linked with treating anxiety and depression. Low levels of serotonin and dopamine have been found to cause headaches, a common symptom of stress, anxiety and depression. Curcumin helps raise levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which has been shown to be an effective treatment for headaches. This ability to raise levels of these ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters has also been linked with treating anxiety and depression, it has also been suggested that curcumin can be just as effective a treatment as Prozac with fewer side effects. Unfortunately, the curcumin in turmeric is poorly absorbed by our bodies and just taking turmeric alone isn’t enough to get an effective amount into our bloodstream. Our Golden Strength Turmeric combines organic turmeric powder which contains high potency turmeric extract with 95% curcumin with piperine, gingerols and capsaicin to increase the effective absorption of curcumin by over 2000%.

Sources: Brooks N A, Wilcox G, Walker K Z, Ashton J F, Cox M B & Stojanovska L (2008) Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measure of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to oestrogen or androgen content. Menopause; Birdsall T (1998) 5-Hydroxtryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precusor. Altern Med Rev; Malcom B J & Tallinn K (2017) Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?; Mustang M et al (2011) Psychological and physiological responses to door-evoked autobiographic memory. Neuro Endocrine Lett; Sanmukhani J et al (2014) Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomised controlled trial. Phytother Res;