5 Supplements I Take To Ease My Anxiety
Anxiety is something that is no stranger to me. While I am an advocate for managing anxiety with movement, journaling, talking, therapy, redirection, or other non-pharmacological measures, sometimes it just is not enough.
It is person to person situation and whatever works for you, is your own experience. I have personally tried medication before and it doesn’t work for me, it makes my symptoms worse for my own anxiety experience. However, over the past year I have gathered some supplements that do work for me and I want to share them.
I take BrainMD Calm My Brain for anxiety.
What is it? This supplement, created by psychiatrist Dr. Amen, claims to be a natural, fast acting supplement for anxiety that supports emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing and I would agree. Inside this supplement you can find Magnesium, Ashwagandha root extract, and L theanine. These three ingredients have natural calming effects to relieve anxiety and stress. A lot of people are commonly magnesium deficient which can cause some anxiety/depression. Ashwagandha has calming properties as well due to the makeup of the root itself, and L theanine is an amino acid found in green tea, matcha, and white tea. It is known for its calming benefits and improved mental focus.
How did it help me? I personally take this each morning as a preventative measure for my anxiety. It took me about a month to see a noticeable difference in the absence of my anxiety that I typically experienced everyday. There’s 90 capsules in the bottle, it says to take 3 a day but I take one and notice its effects. I also take it with food, because it does make me nauseous without it. You can find this supplement on brainMD.com or find supplements similar to this one with similar ingredients.
I take Vervain Root drops for anxiety.
What is it? Vervain root is part of the vervain plant, but the root extract is more potent. It’s a common plant used in herbal remedies and natural medicine. There’s a wide variety of uses for the plant itself such as colds, headaches, or even inflammation. The noticeable effects of anxiety relief make this plant a popular supplement for herbalists.
How did it help me? I use this for a more fast acting, emergency use for anxiety. If I feel an anxiety attack coming on that I can’t get out of, I take 3-5 drops of this under my tongue and I feel calming effects of this supplement in about 30 minutes. It tastes sweet, I don’t need food with it, and the bottle of drops have lasted me well over a year. I use the brand Bach on Amazon, but there’s multiple options for these drops.
I take CBD gummies for anxiety.
What is it? CBD (not THC*) is derived from the hemp plant. It interacts with different receptors such a CB1 found throughout the body, CB2 in the immune system, serotonin receptors that deal with anxiety, and opioid receptors that deal with pain. By interacting with these different receptors CBD can create calming effects in the body that reduces anxiety, depression, and pain in the body. It is not weed, and it will not show up on a drug test.
How did it help me? I use this if my anxiety isn’t too uncontrollable, but if I can still feel the anxiety after I have also take my calm my brain supplement. I also find that pain is something that flares up my anxiety too, and CBD helps lower various pain points in my body that make my mind start racing. I have used multiple brands on Amazon, I would find one that fits with what you are looking for!
I take Ashwagandha for anxiety.
What is it? Ashwagandha is a plant found in India, Africa, and the Middle East. The plant is derived of withanolides, which is a naturally occurring steroids found in the makeup of plants. This component of ashwagandha is what creates this reduction of anxiety, stress, and increases cognitive function as well.
How did it help me? I take ashwagandha sparingly, but I do see clear benefits when I do take it. I say sparingly because if I take it for a consecutive amount of time, for me it is months at a time, I find I get a little apathetic and depressed. But I found that if I take this supplement as needed when I find myself anxious it does help me out. My anxiety is heightened on my period and I do find that ashwagandha specifically on my period does mellow me out quite a bit. I use the brand futurebiotics on Amazon, but there are multiple options online.
I take Lion’s Mane for anxiety.
What is it? Lion’s Mane is a type of mushroom that is rich in vitamins. Broken down into a supplement you can find it in powder or capsule form. Lion’s Mane contains components that contribute to improving thinking and memory processes and help cognitive function. Benefits can include anxiety and stress reduction, cognitive enhancement and focus, and improved sleep.
How did it help me? Lion’s mane is something I take each day as well. I see a clear boost in my focus and mental clarity. I find this helps alleviate my anxiety when I can think clearly and rationally if I find my anxiety pops up. I currently take it in a powder form, but I’ve taken the capsule as well and see similar results with either option. Another additive I’ve seen is my creativity spike when I take Lion’s Mane as well, just as a bonus. :) I have tried multiple brands on amazon, and they have all been the same to me.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and I’m not recommending any of these supplements for any specific person. I don’t guarantee the same results I had for anyone else. Please consult a physician if you’re questioning if any of these supplements may interact with any necessary medications you’re currently taking or if the supplements listed above may interact with any current or new medical conditions. :) 