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Stress Relieving Supplements

  • anonymous Asks ...
    anonymous

    Do vitamins like stress tabs and other stress formulations actually work to help reduce the effects of stress or are these just marketing?

  • Rebecca Ashton Says ...
    Rebecca Ashton

    Thank you for your question. I'm not sure what you mean by stress vitamins; whether you mean specific herbal remedies (things like Rescue Remedy or Kalms) or straightforward supplements, such as Valerian or St John's wort.

    Either way, it is possible for herbal remedies to relieve stress, but the effects are short term (for example, the effects of lemon balm can help you to feel calmer for up to six hours, or a cup of Valerian tea can help you get a good nights sleep) and there is little evidence that suggests that they are effective over long term use.

    However, just because something is herbal, does not mean that it is safe and it should be used with caution. Herbal remedies should not be used with other sedative medication or alcohol .

    It is always advisable to consult your doctor before considering trying medication whether it is natural or chemical and to rule out the possibility of a more serious health problem. It is also worth remembering that it would be better in the long run to look at the underlying cause(s) of the anxiety or stress before trying supplements or medication.

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