MOOD

A naturally-occurring amino acid first discovered in green tea, L-theanine is a well-known anti-anxiety supplement with proven relaxation benefits. These are thought to be the result of its interaction with several neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine and glutamine. Recent research points
to L-theanine’s ability to reduce resting heart rate as another reason why it can be effective at promoting
relaxation. ¹

Phytotherapy has recently come to light as alternative treatments for mood disorders. One potential candidate is saffron (Crocus sativus L.), whose main bioactive components are crocins and safranal. Recent clinical studies on Affron, a saffron extract, have indicated a significant decrease in negative mood and symptoms related to stress and anxiety. ² ³

Green tea is traditionally known to induce mental clarity, cognitive function, physical activation and relaxation. A systematic review of the clinical literature found strong evidence that “green tea influences psychopathological symptoms (e.g. reduction of anxiety), cognition (e.g. benefits in memory and attention) and brain function (e.g. activation of working memory seen in functional MRI.) ⁴ ⁵

An amino acid with multifaceted abilities, GABA acts as the body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter – it calms down overexcited neurons, which acts to promote a calm focus by helping you to stop overthinking. Clinical psychiatry acknowledges GABA deficiencies as being a factor in several
mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and mood disorders.

Eleuthero has been shown to effectively promote immune response and the hormonal changes due to stress, thus maintaining homeostasis. In addition to promoting the suppression of the occurrence of psychological diseases such as anxiety and depression, ginseng also combats stress-associated physiological diseases. ⁶

According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, holy basil has anti-anxiety properties comparable to common anti-depressant drugs. Supplementing with holy basil can also increase levels of dopamine – the feel-good neurotransmitter. It’s a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which boosts acetylcholine, supporting cognitive function.⁹

The clinical material on ashwagandha’s anxiolytic (read: anti-anxiety) properties suggests it can offer some pretty significant mood-enhancing and stress-resilient effects. An absolute powerhouse of an adaptogenic plant, W. somnifera is used in Ayurveda to promote health and longevity, slow the aging process, revitalize the body, reduce anxiety, and create a general sense of well‐being.¹⁰