6 stress-relief supplements and herbs
Magnesium
When you’re tense, your muscles tighten up, making it difficult to relax. Magnesium is a remarkable and safe muscle relaxant and is especially helpful before going to bed, says Carolyn Dean, MD, author of The Magnesium Miracle (Ballantine, 2007). An added benefit: When stress and anxiety boost your blood pressure, magnesium can lower it, according to an analysis of 20 published studies. Large doses may loosen stools; if so, reduce the dose, then increase it gradually.
Dose: Try 200 mg magnesium citrate twice daily, with food if possible.