Protocol · Mental Health
Anxiety Disorders Protocol
Kava and Ashwagandha are the core of this stack, with 2 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Anxiety Disorders.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
4 supplements · 4 graded · 1 graded A · 7 confirmed studies
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Kava | Amount listed: 300 mg daily (standardized to kavalactones) | Binds to GABA-A receptors and modulates limbic system activity, producing anxiolytic effects without cognitive impairment
| Grade A for Anxiety Symptoms7 studies · 380 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Kava (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Ashwagandha | Amount listed: 600 mg daily | Modulates the HPA axis by reducing cortisol levels and enhancing GABAergic signaling through withanolide compounds
| Grade B for Anxiety Symptoms5 studies · 540 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Ashwagandha (titles as PubMed lists them)
| |||||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Lavender | Amount listed: 80 mg daily (Silexan) | Inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels and modulates NMDA receptor activity, reducing neuronal hyperexcitability
| Grade B for Anxiety Symptoms4 studies · 1,893 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Lavender (titles as PubMed lists them)
| |||||
| Saffron | Amount listed: 30 mg daily | Increases serotonin reuptake inhibition via crocin and safranal compounds while providing antioxidant neuroprotection
| Grade B for Anxiety Symptoms6 studies · 180 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Saffron (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The 4 supplements in this protocol graded A or B. Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade A
- Grade B
- Grade B
- Grade B
We earn from purchases made in our Fullscript store, and links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Full disclosure
How this protocol works
In plain language
Anxiety disorders involve an overactive stress response system in the brain. When you experience anxiety, your brain's alarm centers (particularly the amygdala) become hyperactive, while calming signals from GABA receptors are weakened. This creates a cycle of worry, tension, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and restlessness.
- Kava works directly on GABA receptors, the brain's primary calming system. It produces relaxation similar to anti-anxiety medications but without causing drowsiness or mental fog. Studies show moderate improvement in anxiety symptoms.
- Ashwagandha targets the stress hormone cortisol by calming the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Lower cortisol means your body stays out of fight-or-flight mode more easily. It also supports GABA activity.
- Lavender (as Silexan capsules) calms overexcited nerve cells by blocking calcium channels that trigger neuronal firing. This gentle effect helps reduce the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety.
- Saffron supports healthy serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter associated with mood and emotional balance. It also protects brain cells from oxidative stress.
Expected timeline: Initial calming effects from kava within days. Ashwagandha and saffron show benefits at 4-6 weeks. Optimal results at 8-12 weeks of consistent use.