The following plant ingredients come recommended by herbalists and stress experts for enhancing mood—both in the moment and long term. “It can also act in the brain, working on the serotonin system and the GABA system, which are both related to anxiousness and stress levels2,” Julie Moltke, M.D., a general practitioner with a background in emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery, who currently focuses on mental health, previously told mindbodygreen.* In the long term, hemp products can also nurture and support the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)3, which regulates many essential physiological processes—from sleep to the stress response.* Forms: Capsule, tincture, gummy, or beverage Saffron and its active extracts (crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal) have properties that support cardiovascular health4 over time. Corbett notes that energetically speaking, this herb can be an ally for those wading through heartache and grief. More immediately, the constituents of this plant have also been shown to elevate the level of “happy” hormones like serotonin and dopamine by inhibiting their reuptake by brain synapses, according to preclinical animal studies5.* Forms: Capsule, tincture, spice (saffron lemonade, anyone?) This mentally soothing quality makes lavender a wonderful plant to work with before bed. You can either smell its essential oils, consume the plant in a supplement, or sip it as tea. Corbett notes that you can also infuse lavender with sweet ingredients like honey for a tastier option. (Despite its delicious smell, its taste can actually be a bit bitter on its own). Forms: Capsule, tea, essential oil, pillow spray One 2016 meta-analysis published in the Korean Journal of Medical Science found that ginseng supplements promoted energy and feelings of motivation6—likely due to the plant’s main constituents, ginsenosides, which are rich in antioxidants and support higher cellular energy production.* “Ginsenosides are also thought to help modulate the effects of the stress hormone cortisol on the body, which can have an overall impact on stress management and mental well-being as well,” nutritionist Jess Cording previously told mindbodygreen.* Forms: Tea, capsules Forms: Tea, essential oil Ashwagandha has become popular in the West among those looking to stay steady in the face of stressors, and it seems to work by activating GABA9, the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter10, receptors, which bring us back into balance during stimulating or stressful periods.* Forms: Tinctures, powder, capsules It’s been studied for its impact on attention and cognitive performance11, and clinical trials show that it helps to increase calmness and ease negative moods12 associated with stress compared to a placebo. “A lot of herbalists really like to use lemon balm to relax the body, soothe the digestive system, and uplift the spirit,” Corbett adds.* Forms: Tea, capsule, tincture Forms: Tincture Forms: Tincture, capsule Forms: Tincture, capsules That said, here are a handful of other strategies to work into your routine for more holistic mood support: Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,000 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes. She’s spoken about the intersection of self-care and sustainability on podcasts and live events alongside environmental thought leaders like Marci Zaroff, Gay Browne, and Summer Rayne Oakes.
