Top 4 Stress & Anxiety Supplements for Mental Health and Wellness
TL;DR:
Ashwagandha decreases cortisol by 27% and also lowers anxiety scores by a significant margin in clinical trials.
Magnesium glycinate promotes the functioning of the nervous system and enhances the quality of sleep naturally
Adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola and Bacopa enhance stress resilience without sedation
Quality supplements require 2-4 weeks of consistent use for noticeable mental health improvements
Always choose third-party tested, bioavailable forms for optimal absorption and effectiveness
Nearly 40 million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders, and only 36% of them get treatment. Chronic stress causes high cortisol levels, weakens immunity, causes sleep problems, and speeds up the aging process.
The good news? Natural supplements give scientifically proven relief without having prescription side effects.
This article features the five best stress and anxiety supplements that contain adaptogens, amino acids, and essential minerals that calm and clarify the mind.
Understanding Stress and Anxiety: Causes and Science
Stress and anxiety are your body’s "fight or flight" responses to threats. Although this is natural, it is also devastating when one remains in such a state. Excess cortisol (stress hormone) might leave your immune system weak, confuse your digestion, and disrupt your ability to think.
Feeling anxious is commonly associated with a lack of balance in brain chemicals such as serotonin and GABA, which assist in controlling your mood. With the continuous stress, the internal thermostat of your body gets stuck in the on position.
Contemporary lifestyles, such as insomnia, excessive caffeine, and vitamin deficiency, serve to aggravate this.
With the knowledge of science, you are able to select supplements that correct the underlying causes of stress, not those that merely mask the symptoms.
Our Top Picks
WOWMD Anxiety Shield
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Rating: 4.8/5
Quantity: 60 capsules
Dosage: Take 2 capsules daily, preferably 20-30 minutes before a meal with 8 oz of water.
Ingredients: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Bacopa, Chamomile
Overview :
WOWMD Anxiety Shield is a natural herbal product that aims at reducing stress, inducing relaxation, and mental clarity. This combination of adaptogenic herbs, amino acids, and vitamins is beneficial in normalizing mood and emotional stability.
It is free of additives, GMOs, and gluten and will be the perfect choice to provide someone with a clean and efficient remedy to reduce anxiety and enhance mental well-being without the side effects of conventional medications.
Pros:
Promotes relaxation and reduces stress naturally.
Supports mental clarity and emotional balance.
Contains adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola.
Enhances overall well-being and mood stability.
Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
Cons:
Results may take 1-2 weeks for noticeable improvements.
Requires consistent daily use for best results.
Customer Review:
"I have been taking Anxiety Shield over the past few weeks, and I already know that my stress levels and concentration have been greatly improved. It’s a great natural alternative!" - Jessica H.
WOWMD Magnesium Glycinate
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Rating: 4.6/5
Quantity: 90 capsules
Dosage: Take 3 capsules daily, preferably before food with a full glass of water.
Ingredients: Magnesium Glycinate, Magnesium
Overview:
WOWMD Magnesium Glycinate is a highly bioavailable supplement that supports muscle relaxation, heart health, and bone strength. This is the chelated form, which is more easily absorbed and is therefore less harmful to the stomach than other forms of magnesium.
This gluten-free supplement does not contain any artificial additives and is vegan-friendly, which makes it an effective and natural solution to improving your general health. It is created to assist in reducing stress, improving muscle functionality, and better sleep quality in the long term.
Pros:
Supports muscle relaxation and reduces stress naturally.
Promotes heart health and nerve function.
Enhances bone density and calcium absorption.
Gentle on the stomach with high absorption.
No artificial additives, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free.
Cons:
Only available online.
Requires consistent use over a few weeks to notice full benefits.
Customer Review:
"Magnesium Glycinate has been beneficial in treating my muscle cramps and general stress. I get better sleep and am less stressed out. " - Mike W.
NuviaLab Relax
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Rating: 4.5/5
Quantity: 60 capsules
Dosage: Take 2 capsules daily, preferably with food
Ingredients: Calmomix, Rhodiolife, Vitamin, Mineral Complex.
Overview:
NuviaLab Relax is a well-absorbed anti-stress supplement that helps to promote relaxation, muscle performance, sleep, and well-being. Calmomix is better absorbed, and less digestive discomfort is experienced as compared to other forms.
It assists in stress management, cardiovascular wellness, and metabolism. The product does not contain any major allergens or artificial additives, which is why it is a high-quality option among individuals in need of a mild and effective magnesium supplement.
Pros:
Supports relaxation, stress relief, and sleep.
Gentle on the digestive system with better absorption.
Promotes heart health, muscle function, and metabolism.
Free from unnecessary fillers, allergens, and preservatives.
Cons:
May be costly for some users compared to other anti-stress supplements.
Results may take a few weeks to become noticeable.
Customer Review:
"I have been taking this supplement to help me sleep and relax and it does wonders. I am less stressed and more relaxed. Very highly recommend to anyone who requires a natural supplement." - Sally T.
Nordic Naturals ProOmega
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Rating: 4.4/5
Quantity: 120 soft gels (60 servings)
Dosage: 2 soft gels daily with food
Ingredients: Omega-3 fish oil (EPA, DHA), RRR-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract
Overview:
Nordic Naturals ProOmega is an omega-3 fish oil in high strength containing 1100 mg of EPA and DHA in one serving. The formula is beneficial to the heart, brain, eye, and immune system, and is intended to be absorbed best without the fishy taste.
The fish oil is in a triglyceride molecular structure to enhance bioavailability. It is prepared using wild-fresh fish, and it does not have any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Pros:
Supports heart, brain, eye, and immune health.
No fishy burps or aftertaste due to lemon flavor.
High-strength omega-3 with 1100 mg EPA+DHA.
Purity guaranteed from wild-caught, sustainable fish.
Non-GMO, gluten-free, and no artificial additives.
Cons:
Slightly higher price compared to some competitors.
Large soft gels may be difficult for some to swallow.
Customer Review:
"High quality fish oil, without aftertaste! It has made my heart healthier and lightened my aches in the joints.. Definitely worth the price." - John D.
Key Ingredients to Look For
Ashwagandha
This is an ancient herb that is a super stress reliever. Research indicates that it is capable of reducing cortisol by one-third. It acts by balancing the stress reaction of your body and relaxing the nervous system without leaving you drowsy.
Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium takes part in more than 300 functions of the human body, and one of them is keeping your nervous system calm. It lacks in many people, and this may contribute to increased anxiety and poor sleep. The most suitable is the "glycinate" form as it is easy on the stomach and readily absorbed by the body, according to Consumer Health Digest.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola is a good choice if you are stressed and burned out. It also works to make your brain deal with pressure more effectively by increasing the feel-good cells, such as dopamine and serotonin. It gives you a natural energy boost without the jitters that coffee gives.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)
Fat is the major constituent of your brain, and therefore, your brain needs to be fed with healthy fats. It has been found that the omega-3s (which are contained in fish oil) can greatly alleviate the symptoms of anxiety by decreasing the inflammation of the brain and also enabling your brain cells to communicate better.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Stress and Anxiety Supplements
To identify the appropriate stress and anxiety supplements, it is important to take into account several aspects.
Capsules offer precise dosing, powders are flexible, and gummies may contain added sugars that can worsen anxiety.
Look for third-party certifications to ensure purity and quality of product.
For better effectiveness, choose chelated minerals (like magnesium glycinate) and standardized herbal extracts.
Start with single ingredients before combining supplements like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, magnesium, and omega-3s.
Pay attention to quality rather than price- the cheap supplements can be of poor absorption forms.
How to Use for Best Results
Morning: Take adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola) with breakfast for stress support.
Evening: Magnesium glycinate helps with relaxation and sleep if taken 30 to 60 minutes before bed.
Omega, 3s: Take with meals containing healthy fats.
Get more out of it with healthy habits such as exercise regularly, sleep 7- 9 hours, do stress-reducing practices (meditation, breathing exercises), and eat a balanced diet with enough protein and fiber. Use apps to track your progress and change the doses accordingly.
Safety Tips
Supplements are safe in most cases, but be aware of mild side effects such as stomach upset or drowsiness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those who have autoimmune disorders or any other illnesses like bipolar disorder or thyroid problems, should first consult a doctor.
Note: Supplements help you manage your stress, but they are not a substitute for professional mental health care.
Final Recommendations
Do not allow chronic stress and anxiety to rule your life. The supplements that we have analyzed, such as Greens Blend, Anxiety Shield, and Magnesium Glycinate of WOWMD, provide scientifically-proven methods of enhancing your mental wellness.
In case of general anxiety, select WOWMD Anxiety Shield. For foundational nervous system support, try WOWMD Magnesium Glycinate. These should be used in combination with healthy sleep, exercise, and stress management to bring the best results.
Ready to take action? Select one supplement that matches your primary concern and commit to 8 weeks of consistent use. Track your progress and consider consulting a healthcare practitioner for personalized advice. Start your journey to lasting calm and resilience today.
FAQs
How long before stress supplements start working?
Initial improvements are observed after 1-2 weeks, with full benefits after 4-8 weeks of daily use by most users.
Can I take multiple stress supplements together safely?
Yes, combining adaptogens with magnesium and omega-3s generally proves safe and synergistic. Start individually to assess tolerance first.
Will these supplements make me drowsy during the day?
Adaptogens have an anti-stress effect on stress. Administer magnesium in the evening in case of drowsiness during the day. Adjust timing and dosages accordingly.
Do I need to take stress supplements forever?
Many use them cyclically—intensively during high-stress periods, then maintenance doses or breaks. Long-term needs can be lowered through lifestyle changes.
Are natural supplements as effective as prescription anxiety medications?
For mild-to-moderate anxiety, research shows comparable effectiveness without side effects. Extreme anxiety disorders are usually treated with professional treatment measures.
References:
Anxiety Disorders | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
https://www.nami.org/types-of-conditions/anxiety-disorders/
Effects of Withania somnifera on Cortisol Levels in Stressed Human Subjects:
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/24/5015
Best Supplements to Lower Cortisol and Manage Stress:
https://www.wowmd.com/blogs/wellness/best-supplements-to-reduce-cortisol
Physiology, Cortisol - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6750292/
7 Types of Magnesium: Which One Should You Take? | University Hospitals:
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2025/02/7-types-of-magnesium-which-one-should-you-take
The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions—Encouraging Clinical Evidence - PMC:
