Guide
Anti-stress complex: the best products compared (2026)
Last updated: 3 August 2026
Written by
Health Tested Editorial Team
For many people, stress is simply part of everyday life: around two thirds of people in Germany regularly feel stressed.¹
On top of the usual demands of work and family come other sources of stress, such as intense exercise, environmental toxins, pressure to perform, certain foods or allergens. These can push stress levels even higher and lead to sleep problems, more frequent infections, anxiety and a noticeably poorer quality of life.
In the long run, chronic stress also increases the risk of illness. So what can help? Alongside relaxation, exercise and a healthy diet, some food supplements have also proved effective. Here you'll find out which ingredients really work and which products are worth the money.
There are countless anti-stress products on the market, but not all of them are effective.
Staying calm is good for your health
In stressful situations, your body becomes more alert. In the short term, this reaction can help sharpen your attention and concentration. Long-lasting stress, on the other hand, overloads your body and can lead to headaches, muscle tension and sleep problems. Over time, it increases the risk of both physical and mental illness.
Stress often only makes itself felt once things calm down, on holiday, for example. The first symptoms, such as a headache, sore throat or aching limbs, can appear after just a few days of rest. But why does this happen?
On holiday, you leave the tension of the past few weeks behind. The sources of stress fade, and that gives your body a chance to recover: adrenaline and cortisol levels fall and the immune system starts to recover. Yet this is exactly when colds can strike, because the immune system is still weakened and more vulnerable to infections. So stress and colds are directly linked.²
To prevent the negative effects of stress, it's important to identify what triggers it and then tackle or avoid those triggers.
Food supplements: plant extracts and more have been shown to help you relax
Supplements can't prevent stress, but they can help you cope with it better. They make stress feel less of a burden, strengthen your resilience and can fill the nutritional gaps that increased stress leaves behind. This may also lower the risk of stress-related illness.
During periods of heavy physical and emotional strain in particular, certain vitamins and plant compounds can ease the feeling of stress and soften its negative effects on your body.
Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety: studies show impressive effects
In studies, ashwagandha has produced striking results for stress and anxiety. Research has focused in particular on its ability to lower cortisol, the stress hormone.
A 2012 study tested its effect on cortisol levels and perceived stress. For two months, 64 participants took either 300 mg of an ashwagandha root extract twice a day or a placebo. The result: cortisol levels in the ashwagandha group fell significantly, by 30%, while no change was seen in the placebo group.
But it wasn't only hormone levels that improved. Subjective feelings of stress fell by 64%, and symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia dropped by almost 70%.
Better sleep with ashwagandha
A study from August 2020 showed how ashwagandha can ease sleep problems. For six weeks, 150 participants with sleep problems took either 120 mg of ashwagandha extract or a placebo every day.
The results speak for themselves: sleep quality improved by 72% in the ashwagandha group, compared with 29% in the placebo group. The participants taking ashwagandha also fell asleep faster, had a longer total sleep time and recovered better. They also slept considerably longer before first waking in the night.
Better still, no side effects were reported. So ashwagandha can be a natural, well-tolerated way to ease sleep problems while also improving general wellbeing.
The key benefits of ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is also credited with many other positive effects on body and mind:
- regulates hormones and supports fertility
- increases muscle mass and energy
- inhibits inflammation
- lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
- improves brain function
- regulates blood sugar
- regulates body weight
- has antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects (strengthens the immune system and protects against harmful influences)
- slows dementia
- supports the heart, lungs and nervous system
- has anti-ageing effects
Taking it regularly can be especially useful at stressful times, such as in winter or during physical exertion.
Rhodiola rosea: for stress, anxiety, depression and burnout
The medicinal plant Rhodiola rosea, also known as roseroot, has many positive effects on body and mind. It's an adaptogen, which means it helps you cope better with stress, and studies show that it may also be effective against depression, exhaustion, tension and anxiety.
In a British study of 101 people suffering from severe stress, participants took 200 mg of Rhodiola rosea extract every day for four weeks.
The results were impressive. All the symptoms tested improved considerably. Within the first week, the patients' stress-related problems at work, in their social lives and in their family lives had clearly eased. In most cases, these positive effects appeared as early as the third day of treatment and grew stronger throughout the study, without any side effects.
An analysis of 11 studies also confirmed that Rhodiola rosea can improve physical and mental performance and relieve psychological symptoms.⁶The key benefits of Rhodiola rosea
The root extract is credited with a range of positive properties:
- increases energy production in the cells
- improves mood (raises levels of serotonin and dopamine)
- supports DNA repair
- protects against inflammation thanks to its antioxidant properties
- increases physical and mental performance
- supports concentration and coordination
- helps you fall asleep
- relieves tiredness and headaches
- improves libido
- helps with weight loss
- strengthens the immune system
GABA: the neurotransmitter for inner calm
The neurotransmitter GABA has been shown to promote inner calm and may help with anxiety, depression and sleep problems. It has even proved effective against pain, epilepsy and diabetic nerve damage.
GABA is a chemical messenger in the brain with a calming effect on the nervous system. It's made from glutamic acid, which is found in many protein-rich foods. Food itself, however, contains only small amounts of GABA.
This neurotransmitter calms the nerves, reduces anxiety, relaxes the muscles and promotes restful sleep. GABA has also long been used successfully to treat pain and nerve disorders such as diabetic neuropathy. An imbalance of GABA has been linked to anxiety and anxiety disorders.
A review of studies suggests that taking GABA may reduce stress and improve sleep quality.⁸
B vitamins: important for stress and exhaustion
People under stress need more B vitamins, because both their absorption and the way the body processes them are affected. Intense thoughts and emotions use up B vitamins in the production of neurotransmitters and hormones. Vitamin B12 in particular is needed for nerve function, for the growth and repair of nerves and for energy metabolism.
Studies have shown that B vitamins, especially B12, reduce tiredness and exhaustion and counteract low mood. A study by Swinburne University of Technology found that participants who took B vitamins for several weeks were 20% less stressed.
Getting enough B vitamins makes stress easier to cope with and supports nerve function.
High-quality vitamin supplements make use of synergies by combining many vitamins and minerals in balanced amounts. This means you not only benefit from several nutrients at once but also get a greater overall effect.
Not all anti-stress supplements are equal
What to avoid when buying an anti-stress complex
If you decide to take a supplement to help you feel calmer, watch out for the following:
- low bioavailability
- under-dosed products
- capsules containing gelatine
- fillers and anti-caking agents
- allergens (lactose, gluten, soya)
- unnecessary additives
- sugar, alcohol or flavourings
- inflated prices
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right product to help you relax.
Supplements come in several forms
Supplements for better inner balance mainly come as capsules or tablets, but also as powders, gummies and granules. One particularly useful form is liposomal encapsulation, which we look at in more detail below.
Many products, however, contain fillers, preservatives, flavourings (often with sugar) or colourings. That's why we focus on the three most popular, best-established forms: drops, capsules and the liposomal form.
Below you'll find the advantages and drawbacks of each form to make your choice easier:
Capsules
Pros
Easy to take: you simply swallow them
Convenient when travelling and on the go
Easy to dose (consistent active ingredient content)
No unpleasant taste or smell
Can be combined with other active ingredients
Cons
Stomach acid can affect absorption of the active ingredient
Digestion can partly break down the active ingredient
The bioavailability of the active ingredient can vary
The capsule shell may contain gelatine
Often contain additives
Unsuitable for people who have difficulty swallowing
With a low dose, you may need several capsules
Drops
Pros
Easy to dose
Fast absorption of the active ingredient (through the mucous membranes)
Well suited to people with swallowing difficulties or stomach problems
Versatile: can be mixed into drinks or food
Cons
The drops can taste unpleasant
Exact dosing can be difficult, as the number of drops varies
The liquid can drip or spill
Short shelf life
Liposomal form
Pros
Higher bioavailability of the active ingredient
Better absorption by bypassing stomach acid
A lower dose is needed for the same effect (usually just 1 capsule)
Can mask the taste of the active ingredient
No additives
Cons
May cost more because of the more complex manufacturing process
Availability may be limited
Making liposomes can be difficult and requires specialist technology
Less choice, as not all manufacturers use the process
Liposomal supplements: optimal absorption and tolerability
With conventional supplements, the problem is often that your body struggles to absorb the nutrients they contain. This is where liposomal encapsulation comes in: vitamins and minerals are enclosed in tiny bubbles of fat called liposomes.
This technology makes it easier to transport the nutrients into your body and improves their absorption. Liposomes pass through cell membranes more easily, so your body can make better use of the nutrients. At the same time, they protect the contents from digestion, so they remain fully effective.
The result: your body can make optimal use of the nutrients, which considerably increases their effect. That means lower doses are needed, which in turn reduces the risk of side effects.
Gentle on the stomach and gut
Liposomal supplements aren't just more effective, they're also particularly well tolerated. Liposomes stop the nutrients from coming into direct contact with the sensitive stomach lining, so they irritate the digestive tract less. This lowers the risk of side effects such as an upset stomach.
These properties make liposomal products ideal if you have a sensitive stomach or react badly to conventional supplements.
Simple model of a liposome. A liposome is like a tiny bubble with a layer of fat on the outside and a watery chamber on the inside. This structure makes liposomes especially effective, because they can carry active ingredients and release them where they are needed. Thanks to this innovative technology, liposomes have become increasingly important in medicine and cosmetics. They help active ingredients to be absorbed effectively and protect them from breaking down, and they have a wide range of uses.
Top 3: the best anti-stress products of 2026
There are countless anti-stress products on the market today. We've assessed them against several criteria to bring you the best:
What is the supplement made of?
Are there study or test results?
How high is the dosage of each nutrient?
Does the product contain allergens?
How good is the value for money?
Are there special features in the composition or manufacturing?
product review
TESTED
our quality criteria
MELINAVA Inner Balance
by MELINAVA
Pros
- Ideal nutrient doses in liposomal form
- Maximum bioavailability thanks to liposome technology (absorption up to 64 times higher)
- Contains ashwagandha extract, Rhodiola rosea extract, GABA and the complete B complex
- Good synergy between the nutrients
- Protection against heartburn thanks to the liposomal coating
- Long-lasting effect
- Well tolerated
- Suitable for people with a sensitive stomach
- Free from soya, gluten and lactose
- Gelatine-free capsule
- No fillers
- No contaminants
- Made in Europe (France)
- Comes in a high-quality glass bottle that you can reuse at home for spices and more
Cons
- Only available online
- Often sold out
- Only available as capsules
Verdict
Melinava Inner Balance achieved the highest overall score, which makes it the winner of our test (as of January 2026).
The capsules contain ashwagandha extract, Rhodiola rosea extract, GABA and the complete B complex in ideal doses. It is an effective blend, suitable for a wide range of stress-related symptoms.
Liposomal encapsulation considerably increases bioavailability. This means lower doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
We also like the formulation, in which many nutrients work together synergistically.
The liposome technology also leads to higher customer satisfaction, as the product is gentle on the stomach.
MELINAVA sets high safety standards in manufacturing and offers a natural, high-quality product free from unnecessary additives, which also reduces the risk of side effects. The manufacturer takes the product's tolerability very seriously, which is why it is completely free from unwanted additives.
Melinava Inner Balance has already been used with excellent results for symptoms such as persistent exhaustion, stress, sleep problems and restlessness.
Users also report a noticeable improvement in their general mood and their immune defences.
With Melinava Inner Balance, you only need to take one capsule a day.
One pack contains 30 capsules.
Vanosan Anti-Stress
by VANOSAN
Pros
- Contains ashwagandha extract, Rhodiola rosea extract, lemon verbena extract and vitamins B2, B5, B6 and B12
- Calming effect that supports sleep
- No nutrients dosed above their safe upper limits
- Free from soya and gluten
- Vegan
- Laboratory-tested
- Few additives
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Does not protect against heartburn
- 3 capsules a day
- Only available online
- No enhanced bioavailability
Verdict
Vanosan capsules contain ashwagandha extract, Rhodiola rosea extract, lemon verbena extract and vitamins B2, B5, B6 and B12.
The formulation is good, and none of the vitamins with a safe upper limit is dosed too high.
The nutrients in Vanosan Anti-Stress are well dosed. However, the capsule form somewhat limits how well the nutrients are absorbed.
The capsule shell is made without animal ingredients, so it is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Users' verdict on Vanosan is mostly positive. Customers say it is well tolerated and helps their inner balance, and they report feeling more relaxed and sleeping better. Some customers criticise the number of capsules they have to take each day.
It is made in Europe and is usually dispatched within 1–3 working days.
You should take three capsules a day.
One pack contains 90 capsules.
Unimedica Stress Complex
by UNIMEDICA
Pros
- Contains ashwagandha extract, Rhodiola rosea extract, brahmi extract, ginseng root extract, GABA and B vitamins
- Laboratory-tested
- Vegan
- Tested for contaminants
- Few additives
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Does not protect against heartburn
- 2 capsules a day
- Some customers complain of poor tolerability
- Only available online
Verdict
This anti-stress complex contains ashwagandha extract, Rhodiola rosea extract, brahmi extract, ginseng root extract, GABA and B vitamins. The ingredients are carefully balanced and sensibly dosed.
Here too, however, the capsule form somewhat limits how well the nutrients are absorbed.
Customers rate the capsules as good and effective. Many users have noticed positive changes in how they experience stress. Users also say it relieves symptoms such as sleep problems and lack of energy. Some customers criticise the smell, and a few say it does not agree with them. There have been isolated reports of heartburn after taking Stress Complex. People with a sensitive stomach should therefore avoid it.
Orders are ready for dispatch within 2–3 working days.
You should take two capsules a day.
One pack contains 60 capsules.
Getting enough of the right nutrients is important for strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of infections and inflammation.
What else can help with stress?
Besides supplements, there are other ways to relieve stress and find your inner balance:
Exercise to relieve stress
Activities such as yoga, jogging or swimming release feel-good hormones and help reduce stress. Even a walk in the countryside can help clear your head.
Relaxation methods
Meditation, breathing exercises and techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training help you release tension and relax your body.
Diet
Fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrains strengthen your body and support your ability to cope with stress.
Take breaks
Make a point of setting aside time for yourself, whether for a hot bath, a good book or a cup of tea. Short breaks help you switch off and recharge.
A healthy glutathione level helps your body defend itself against stress and recover quickly.
Our verdict: a calmer, more balanced everyday life
For many people, stress is a constant companion, but when it goes beyond your personal limits, it can become overwhelming. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage stress and strengthen both body and mind.
A high-quality anti-stress complex can offer valuable support. Ingredients such as ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, GABA and the B complex help relieve stress and promote relaxation and mental clarity. Studies show that these synergistic ingredients reduce perceived stress and restore inner calm.
Supplements are no substitute for a holistic approach to managing stress, but they can provide a foundation for more balance and wellbeing. Look for high-quality products and discover our top recommendations for a calmer everyday life.
Several tried-and-tested anti-stress products
* We may earn a commission from some of the companies featured. This is how we keep our comparisons free to read.
Some of these companies are our commercial partners.
Sources
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