Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Stress
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
L-Tyrosine | 150 mg for every 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight, split into two doses taken before stressful activitiy (take the second dose 40 to 90 minutes after the first) |  [3 stars] Occasionally taking this amino acid before a stressful activity may help maintain your mental capacity. |
Rhodiola | 170 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract | [3 stars] Rhodiola has been shown to promote feelings of well-being and support mental function. |
Vitamin C | 100 to 3,000 mg daily | [3 stars] Studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin C helps to normalize stress-hormone levels. |
Asian Ginseng | Take an extract supplying at least 1.6 mg daily of ginsenosides, along with a multivitamin |  [2 stars] Supplementing with Asian ginseng has been shown to enhance feelings of well-being and improve quality of life in some studies. |
DHA | 1.5 to 1.8 grams daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, may help improve responses to stress. |
Eleuthero | 2 to 3 grams per day of powdered root for 6 to 8 weeks, then stop 1 to 2 weeks, then resume if desired | [2 stars] Eleuthero appears to have antistress effects. Supplementing with an eleuthero extract led to higher quality-of-life measures in healthy elderly people, according to one study.
|
Multivitamin | Follow label directions | [2 stars] Several studies have shown that a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement may help people better cope with chronic stress by improving concentration, mood, and energy levels. |
Ashwagandha | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Ashwagandha may be helpful for reducing the effects of stress, including chronic psychological stress. |
Maca | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Studies have shown that maca can reduce the negative effects of stress. |
Probiotics | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Probiotic supplements may help counteract stress’s detrimental effect on the balance of intestinal bacteria. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.