This is our in-depth review of Planetary Herbals Stress Free, a Chinese and Western herb synergy designed to aid with anxiety relief in a three-pronged approach. The product combines anxiety relief properties with calming agents and tonifiers to support the adrenal system. In those subjected to high and sustained stress, the adrenal system usually takes a battering. As a result, those with anxiety and depression usually have high levels of cortisone, which is produced by the adrenal glands during situations of tension, fear and panic.
Our review of Planetary Herbals Stress Free examines to what extent this triangular approach to treating anxiety is likely to work.
Ingredients
- 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 proprietary formulation, which comprises the ingredients Jujube seed to Eleuthero Root Extract is unique indeed. The influence of Chinese medicine is clear as Chinese herbal remedies have been favoured above traditional ones such as lemon balm and L-Theanine. This is potentially a drawback, but only so if there are no equivalents in the Chinese ingredients. Additionally, it is not as simple as comparing apples and pears, as the very approach to the triangle of anxiety contained in this product is different to almost any other.
The nervines in Stress-Free use mainly Jujube and Skullcap to strengthen the body’s responses to stress as a whole. The tonifier aspect relies mainly on licorice and eleuthero to help the adrenal system and neuroendocrine system. The calming agents promote relaxation. Chamomile and Valerian are the most important botanicals here.
It is clear that this product indeed combines the best of Chinese herbs and traditional western science to unpack the layers of anxiety and their causes, and to neutralize these. Although there are not a plethora of studies backing up the claims of Chinese herbalism in general, we do believe that based on the properties of the individual ingredients, the product is good and novel anti-stress supplement.
Dosage
The suggested dose is one tablet, 3 times a day, between meals. Not suitable for pregnant women, lactating women and children.
Possible Side Effects
Because so little is known about the workings as well as effects of Chinese remedies as opposed to ones formulated mostly with Western herbs, we agree that pregnant and breastfeeding women should steer clear entirely as the safety has simply not been ascertained. Skullcap, for example, dulls and slows down the nervous system so can interfere with anesthesia.
It is with caution therefore that in this review of Stress Free we would advise consumers to exercise the utmost caution when taking this supplement along with other supplements or medications, whether for anxiety or not.
Price
You cannot buy this product directly from the manufacturer. It is available from local retailers and online stores. A bottle of 60, 90 and 180 tablets retails for $12.71, $15,39 and $29.11 respectively.
Guarantee
A 100% satisfaction guarantee exists. The product will be refunded with store credit or monetarily. Further details are not available. Contact customer service of the manufacturer should you have concerns.
Conclusion – Planetary Herbals Stress Free Botanical Stress Relief
The product is a synthesis of Chinese and Western herbs, and contains a unique and relatively unknown formula. Our research indicates that the botanicals do indeed go a long way to strengthening the body’s reaction to to stress, helping the adrenal system and inducing calm feelings.
If you prefer to rely on a more traditional approach, this product is not for you. Key ingredients such a lemon balm and L-Theanine are dropped in this formula in favor of Eastern remedies. You could always give the product a try and return it should you not be happy. There are relatively few product reviews but consumers seem satisfied with the efficacy.