In this article, we’ll compare two leading supplement products: Natrol Stress and Anxiety and Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Serenity Pill, so that you can make an informed purchase decision.
Proper stress management is key to good health, and anxiety relief can mean freedom from a host of unpleasant symptoms. While good habits can help you manage your stress and anxiety, the right supplement can also promote healing. There are many supplements on the market today aimed at combating stress and anxiety. We analyzed two of our favorites: Natrol Stress and Anxiety and Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Serenity Pill, to determine which is the best option.
Natrol Stress and Anxiety vs Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Serenity Pill is an original (PlantBasedHealthNews) article.
Natrol Stress and Anxiety
Natrol is a company that describes itself as a leader in the field of nutraceuticals – products derived from food sources that contain minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and hormones used for medicinal purposes. They set themselves apart by boasting clean ingredients. In other words, their products contain no artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, or synthetic dyes and are non-GMO. Natrol Stress and Anxiety includes a combination of these clean ingredients, which claim to support mood and relaxation. Their patented formula also claims to be 100 % drug-free and non-habit-forming.
“Don’t let the negative effects of stress, anxiety, fatigue, and other mood-related issues impact you,” Natrol Stress and Anxiety’s product description reads. “Combat them with Natrol Stress and Anxiety Formula and feel calmer.” The ingredients in question designed to induce calmness are a combination of B vitamins, particularly vitamin B-6, which studies have shown may have a mitigating effect on anxiety and depression, and vitamin C, also suggested by studies to play a role in reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety.
The other two touted ingredients are magnesium and calcium. Magnesium has been documented as helpful in fighting anxiety. A medical journal review examined 18 studies that suggested magnesium has a mitigating effect on mild, premenstrual, postpartum, and generalized anxiety. However, it indicated that the results were based on subjective reporting, and further research is needed. On the other hand, low calcium levels have been linked to anxiety, especially in menstruating women, and can also exacerbate PMS symptoms by causing depression, restlessness, and even hallucinations.
Other ingredients contained in Natrol Stress and Anxiety are:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, which is known to produce a calming effect and help control anxiety, stress, and fear.
- Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng, an adaptogen that acts as an antioxidant protecting the body from various stresses; however, its effect on emotional stress and anxiety is still unclear.
- L Tyrosine, an amino acid that has been shown to increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, leading to improved memory and performance in stressful situations.
- Inositol, a carbocyclic sugar that may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Natrol Stress and Anxiety comes in a 90-capsule bottle (less than one month supply) for $34.19. There is also a 10% discount for those signed up for a monthly subscription. In addition, Natrol offers a full refund of their products if you are unsatisfied with them.
Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Serenity Pill
Medicine Man Plant Co. makes supplements from various plants and mushrooms that have been used as herbal remedies for thousands of years. In addition, they utilize the medicinal traditions of many different cultures from different parts of the world.
“By bringing you key plants from around the world, there is a much better chance your body will get the specific compounds with which you co-evolved,” their mission statement reads. “The Medicine Man is here for you as he was in the past and will be in the future. This is the story, mission, and hope of Medicine Man Plant Co.”
They offer different pills to aid with various bodily functions such as gut, liver, and immune health, cognitive function, blood sugar and blood pressure, and libido. The Serenity Pill is designed to help alleviate stress and anxiety through a variety of ingredients.
Firstly, the Ashwagandha root, an adaptogen from the Ashwagandha plant, is a small shrub native to India and Southeast Asia. It has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress while increasing energy and improving cognition. Recent research shows that it may also be effective at reducing anxiety; however, further studies may be needed to confirm this.
Next is passionflower extract. The passionflower plant is native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America and is traditionally used as a sleep aid. Studies show it can effectively reduce anxiety without accompanying adverse effects such as memory loss.
The Serenity Pill also contains nutmeg, and not just to give it a nice flavor. Nutmeg has been used since the Middle Ages to treat arthritis pain and gastrointestinal issues, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In terms of stress relief, animal studies show potential anti-depressant properties, but more research is needed to clarify its effects on humans.
Finally, there’s green tea, which is the most potent nutrient in the ingredient list. Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols and offers a wide range of benefits, including mitigating stress and anxiety. In addition, green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which increases the activity of GABA in the brain, further helping fight symptoms of stress and anxiety.
The Serenity Pill comes in a bottle of 40 capsules for $32, but the price is reduced to $30.40 if you sign up for a monthly subscription. Medicine Man Plant Co. offers refunds up to 45 days after purchase.
Natrol Stress and Anxiety vs Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Serenity Pill:
Which is better?
Both products are excellent options for stress and anxiety relief, but The Serenity Pill has the edge. It is slightly cheaper than Natrol Stress and Anxiety but contains fewer pills making the price difference negligible. However, when it comes down to ease of use, you only need to take two capsules of The Serenity Pill daily, while Natrol Stress and Anxiety recommends you take four. Furthermore, The Serenity Pill contains a unique blend of ingredients you are not likely to find together in many supplements. This synergistic blend is clearly superior to anything else offered on the market.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression and anxiety, whether mild or severe, it is important to seek professional help to form a plan of action to manage symptoms. Unfortunately, there is still a great deal of stigma surrounding mental health today, causing people to delay or avoid treatment. Thankfully, many options and resources are available today for mental health treatment.
Further Reading:
NPR: Americans are under a lot of stress, but there are ways to manage it
Insider: The key differences between stress and anxiety and 21 tips to help you manage them more effectively
U.S. News: Best Breathing Techniques for Anxiety
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.