- Health advice
- 5 min read
- Jan 28, 2026
Anxiety often builds quietly through busy schedules, poor sleep, nutrient depletion, and constant mental stimulation. Over time, the nervous system becomes overstretched, making it harder for the body to switch off, relax, and feel at ease.
The good news is that targeted ingredients from food, herbs, and nutrients can gently support the nervous system and help restore balance. Our naturopaths regularly use these ingredients to calm an overactive stress response and support long-term emotional wellbeing.
How Ingredients Support the Nervous System
Anxiety is closely linked to neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, as well as stress hormones like cortisol. When these systems are under strain, the body may feel tense, restless, wired, or fatigued.
Certain nutrients and herbs work by:
- Supporting calming neurotransmitters
- Reducing nervous system excitability
- Improving stress resilience
- Helping the body shift out of “fight or flight”
This approach gently supports the nervous system’s natural ability to regulate itself.
Naturopath Insight Into Calming Nutrients & Herbs
Jane McKenzie-McHarg, Naturopath:
“Certain herbs and nutrients can help calm an overactive nervous system. I often recommend magnesium (especially glycinate), L-theanine, and calming herbs such as passionflower or ashwagandha. They work by supporting neurotransmitters that promote relaxation, making it easier for the body to shift out of that ‘wired but tired’ feeling.”
These ingredients are particularly helpful when anxiety is accompanied by tension, poor sleep, or mental overstimulation.
Jane recommends:
A comprehensive blend designed to support calm mood, stress regulation, and emotional balance.
Key Ingredients That Help Ease Anxiety
Magnesium
Magnesium helps regulate the nervous system, relax muscles, and support healthy sleep. The glycinate form is well absorbed and gentle on digestion, making it suitable for ongoing use.
L-Theanine
An amino acid found naturally in green tea, L-theanine promotes a calm but alert state by supporting alpha brainwave activity. It’s often used for racing thoughts, stress-related tension, and anxiety without drowsiness.
Adaptogenic Herbs
Herbs such as ashwagandha and passionflower help the body adapt to stress by supporting adrenal function and moderating cortisol levels. They are particularly useful during prolonged periods of emotional or physical strain.
Food as Foundational Anxiety Support
Kayla Urquhart, Naturopath:
“Foods rich in magnesium, B-vitamins and omega-3s can support mood regulation: leafy greens, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and oily fish are all great. Supplements may be useful when dietary intake is low.”
Regular intake of these foods helps maintain neurotransmitter balance and supports energy production, emotional stability, and stress tolerance.
Kayla recommends:
Supports the gut–brain axis and emotional wellbeing.
Adaptogenic support for stress resilience.
Calms the mind and relieves symptoms of stress.
When Supplements Can Be Helpful
While food is foundational, supplements can provide additional support when:
- Stress demands are high
- Sleep is disrupted
- Appetite or digestion is affected
- Nutrient intake is inconsistent
Supplements help fill nutritional gaps and support the nervous system while lifestyle and dietary habits are being rebuilt.
- Supports healthy adrenal and nervous system function
- Helps relieve nervous tension, stress and mild anxiety
- Improves stress adaptation
- Promotes calm, restful sleep
- Supports a healthy response to stress
- Assist mind relaxation
- Calms and relaxes the nervous system
- Relieve sleeplessness
A Long-Term Approach to Anxiety
Easing anxiety starts with supporting the body systems that regulate stress, mood, and emotional response. With the right ingredients, consistent nourishment, and practitioner guidance, the nervous system can regain balance over time.
Our naturopaths and nutritionists are here to help you find the most suitable ingredients for your individual needs and support your long-term wellbeing.
References
- Boyle, N. B., et al. (2017). The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress. Nutrients, 9(5).
- Williams, J. L., et al. (2020). The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review. Plant foods for human nutrition, 75(1).
- Arumugam, V., et al. (2024). Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Science & Healing.
- Patil, S., Mehdi, S. S. (2025). The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health: How Diet Shapes Our Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being. Cureus Journal of Medical Science, 17(7).
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