Stress on your mind? Discover ingredients that may help support

The good news? Some vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids may help support your body’s response to stress. While the research is still evolving, we've rounded up some of the ingredients showing promising potential – so you can stay cool, calm and collected (even when life isn’t).

Let’s talk about ashwagandha – it might be tricky to pronounce, but it's one of the most well-known herbs for helping the body respond to stress. Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, this adaptogen is thought to help the body adapt to stress and feel more balanced overall.² Some early studies also suggest it may help lower cortisol – our stress hormone that tends to spike when we're stuck in 'fight or flight' mode.^3-5

A review of nine clinical trials involving 558 participants found that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress, anxiety and cortisol levels (our stress hormone) compared to a placebo.⁵ While some mild to moderate side effects were reported, more studies are needed to better understand its long-term safety.⁵

Saffron isn’t just known for adding colour and flavour to food – it's also gaining attention for its potential mood-supporting and stress-relieving benefits. While researchers are still learning exactly how it works, early studies suggest saffron may help support the body's response to stress.⁶

One standout? Safr’Inside™ – a clinically-studied saffron extract. In a small study involving 20 healthy men, it showed promise in helping the body respond better to stress and improving how participants coped with it mentally.⁷ Taking 30mg a day (containing at least 0.2% safranal) may help improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety after about eight weeks, based on the findings from three placebo-controlled studies in healthy adults.⁸ However, while these results are promising, more research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits. 

Korean ginseng (a form of Panax ginseng) has shown promising, although still emerging, potential for supporting mental wellbeing during times of stress. Early research suggests it may help reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue (particularly in people who are already fatigued), support a balanced mood and maintain cognitive performance under pressure.^9,10

These effects may be linked to the way Korean ginseng interacts with stress hormones, brain signalling and its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, while the current findings are encouraging, more large-scale research is needed before we can fully understand its benefits.^9,10

Maca root has earned its reputation as a popular superfood. Some people say it helps them better manage the emotional and physical effects of stress.¹¹ Packed with amino acids and antioxidants, maca may also help bring your body back into balance.¹²

While the science is still catching up, many people say they feel more relaxed, energised and ready to take on the day after adding maca to their routine. Although these experiences are largely anecdotal, maca continues to attract interest and more research is needed to better understand its potential benefits.

These healthy fats aren’t just good for your heart – omega-3s (DHA) are thought to support brain function and may even help you handle stress a little better. How? Omega-3s can influence the way your brain produces and responds to key mood-regulating chemicals.¹³ One small but promising study (involving 33 participants in a double-blind trial) found that omega-3s may help support a more balanced mood. So, feeding your brain the good fats it needs may help support your mood and resilience when life feels a little more demanding.^14,15

Zinc is a vital mineral that helps keep your brain healthy. It helps brain cells communicate with one another and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.¹⁶ As we age, zinc levels in the body (and in the brain) tend to decline, which may weaken these protective and functional roles.¹⁶ When zinc is too low, the risk of cognitive decline, memory impairment and neural ageing increases.¹⁶

One review suggests that maintaining healthy zinc levels is linked to better cognitive function by supporting the brain's ability to create new neurons (neurogenesis), protect against oxidative stress and regulate inflammation.¹⁶ In simple terms, zinc seems to help our brains stay sharp, especially as we get older. Its benefits aren’t magical or instantaneous, but it’s a mineral that may support resilience in the long run.

One study in physically active adults found that people taking guarana before and after exercise reacted more quickly and consistently than those taking a placebo. Participants also reported feeling more alert.^17-19 Although guarana naturally contains caffeine, researchers believe that other compounds in the plant – including tannins, saponins and flavonoids – may work alongside it to enhance or prolong its cognitive effects.^17-19

Early research suggests guarana may help support alertness, attention and mental performance, particularly during physically or mentally demanding tasks. While the findings are promising, more research is needed to better understand its long-term benefits.^17-19

Curcumin is a natural compound found in the root of the turmeric plant – the spice that gives many curries their distinctive yellow colour. It’s thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.²⁰

In one 12-week study, healthy older adults taking a specific curcumin supplement (Longvida®, 400mg a day) performed better in working memory tasks than those taking a placebo. Participants also reported feeling less fatigued and experienced improvements in some measures of mood, including reduced tension and confusion.²¹ While not all of the results were significant, the findings suggest curcumin may help support working memory, reduce mental fatigue and support mood in healthy older adults.²¹ However, more research is needed to understand its long-term benefits.

Stress is a normal part of life, but looking after your wellbeing becomes even more important when it starts to build up. While no single ingredient can make stress disappear, emerging research suggests that ingredients such as ashwagandha, saffron and Korean ginseng may help support your body's response to stress, while nutrients like omega-3 and zinc can help support overall brain health and wellbeing.

Feeling ready to relax? Explore our roundup of products to help you unwind or discover ways to elevate your self-care game.

*This product is not suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications, or have endocrine disorders, liver or heart problems, or clinical depression. This product is not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.