Planetary Herbals Stress Free Botanical Stress Relief
Pros
Cons
Today we review a Chinese herb mix that also incorporates western herbs called Planetary Herbals Stress Free. The supplement is an anti-anxiety aid that sets out to to tackle angst using a triangular methodology. The three ways in which the supplement works are via nervines, tonifiers and calming agents. Together, these support the adrenal system.
If you experience sustained stress and anxiousness due to trauma or cumulative life events, your adrenal system takes a beating. The adrenal glands produce cortisone during these high-stress period. Cortisone is produced by the adrenal glands during situations of tension, fear and panic.
Let us look at the ingredients and try to ascertain to what extent this three-prong natural remedy for anxiety can work.
What’s in Stress Free Botanical Stress Relief?
- Calcium (as calcium chelate)
- Magnesium (as magnesium chelate)
- Jujube Seed
- Skullcap Aerial Parts
- Hops Strobile
- Valerian Root Extract
- American Ginseng Root Extract
- Hawthorn Berry Extract
- Ginger Root Extract
- Chamomile Flower Extract
- Licorice Root Extract
- Black Cohosh Root Extract
- Eleuthero Root Extract
- Dibasic calcium phosphate
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Stearic acid
- Acacia gum
- Modified cellulose gum
- Silica.
The last 6 ingredients are used to make the capsules so we will not be too concerned about them, except to say that presumably, they are not safe for vegetarians. The manufacturer has indicated that when one of their products is vegetarian-friendly, this is explicitly stated.
We turn our attention now to the proprietary blend, which is all the ingredients as listed from Jujube seed to Eleuthero. It is unique and different indeed.
The nervines, or herbs that support the nervous system, are mainly Jujube and Skullcap. The effect is to make the body’s responses to stress more robust. The tonifiers are basically licorice and eleuthero. They support both the adrenal and neuroendocrine systems. The latter support function is important as it helps regulate blood pressure. The calming agents, mainly Chamomile and Valerian, help you feel calm, relaxed and less snappy.
Yes, the product combines the best of Chinese and Western herbs, but it is also clear that Chinese medicine has been favoured over traditional western natural remedies, on which information is more readily available. You can see this clearly by looking at how two star anti-anxiety remedies, lemon balm and L-Theanine, have been dropped from this formulation in favour of Eastern substitutes.
It is hard to determine to what extent the Eastern herbs are in fact adequate substitutes as there is, to our knowledge, not always and Eastern equivalent for a Western herb, and vice versa. So the approach is quite different and new, and possibly good. But due to hard evidence on some of the ingredients, we cannot vouch for efficacy.
How Do You Use Stress Free Botanical Stress Relief?
Have one capsule three times a day between meals. Not safe for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The Cost
The supplement is only available in retailers and online stores, not from the manufacturer. You’ll pay $12.71, $15,39 and $29.11 for 60, 90 and 180 tablets respectively.
Is There A Guarantee?
Yes, there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee although what in practise this means is not clear. You’ll either get your money back or store credit. Contact the manufacturer should you need more specifics, such as if you can return opened bottles and what the time limit for doing so is.
The Conclusion Of Our Planetary Herbals Stress Free Botanical Stress Relief Review
We believe that this synergy of Chinese-Western herbs could indeed ease anxiety, support the adrenal system and regulate mood. However, we say so cautiously, as very little is known about the workings of Far Eastern herbs compared to the studies done on Western ones. Skullcap, for example, can has such an effect on the nervous system that it can interfere with anesthesia. For starters, therefore, if you are taking other supplements or drugs you should speak to your doctor to ascertain what interactions can take place.
Of course, if you prefer western botanical approaches and ingredients, this is not the right choice for you. Key ‘normal’ botanicals are not included in this formula. We also add to our reservations about this product that it does not seem to be widely used. Consumer feedback on how good the product is varies significantly from person to person.