Maximize Mood with Passionflower and L-theanine

Author: Sean Wells For better or for worse, these days a certain amount of anxiety from time to time is normal, and certain situations such as first dates or job interviews are expected to generate an above-average level of stress. If, however, you are finding that you’re consistently feeling worried about everyday matters, this may be something worth just a little more (stress-free) contemplation.

The general recommendation for those who aren’t suffering from truly overwhelming, disabling stress and anxiety is that a more natural approach be taken. Two substances which are produced naturally and show promise for anxiety relief are the botanical known as passionflower and the amino acid L-theanine.

Passionflower had a long tradition as a native remedy before analysis indentified it as a natural source of Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), anti-stress compounds which work as “cushions” to protect against sudden variations in mood. Passionflower appears to buffer the effect of stress hormones, and in studies has demonstrated benefits for people diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

L-theanine is typically found in green tea, and has the comparably rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier; as such, it is capable of exerting positive influence on levels of both GABA and dopamine—two neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation. In Japan, where green tea consumption is especially popular, L-theanine has been linked with stress-relief.

An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from some form of regular anxiety, and although prescription drugs exist which can help with calming down, there is some question as to the viability of their long-term use. These pharmaceuticals can be accompanied by side effects like dizziness, drowsiness and forgetfulness—along with tendencies for certain of them to be habit-forming.

For stress relief, there are certainly healthier habits that can be cultivated. Regular exercise, healthy eating, limited caffeine and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing all come highly recommended, and practices like yoga combine some of these elements to great effect. A little attention to the nutritional extras mentioned above might be just right to round things out and preserve balance.