The fast-paced lifestyle we lead often lands us in complicated life situations. Most of us often face anxious moments, stress and overwhelming emotions due to lack of time for oneself or temporary events. At such times, the logical ability of the brain goes for a toss, and to calm oneself, one needs something external. It is at these times that you may look for natural remedies to calm yourself, without taking anti-stress medications or sedatives. In this regard, you may have heard about Relora – the herb that subdues anxiety, without forcing you to take a nap. You can function normally, and also feel calm and composed.
What is Relora?
A traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Relora is made from two important herbs in a particular combination. Both these herbs, magnolia bark (magnolia officinalis) and a species of phellodendron work together to make Relora a powerful remedy for stress and anxiety.
It has only garnered interest in the 90’s, mostly due to the marketer’s presentation of Relora as ap appetite-curbing herb aimed at people looking to lose weight. The other important benefits of Relora, namely stress reduction and calming anxiety were overlooked. However, studies have confirmed that Relora can work wonders for our health and wellbeing and can have benefits ranging from cardiovascular to treating insomnia and fighting fatigue.
Let us look at the health benefits of Relora herb.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Relora
The herbs that make up relora, magnolia officinalis and Pheillodendron amurense are powerful antioxidants that have the properties of supporting normal adrenal function and a calm mind. For these very reasons, Relora can be beneficial for-
1. Improving cardiovascular health
By taking relora, you may notice a considerable improvement in your lipid and fasting glucose levels, thus benefitting your cardiovascular system. Improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels also improve muscle strength, agility, stability, and weight reduction. Additionally, you overall feel better, and your skin and vision to get healthy.
A study published in “Nutrition Journal” in 2008 concluded that Phellodendron can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular health of a person, without any significant side-effects.
2. Decreases Cortisol levels – the stress hormone
Relora has been found to be beneficial in supporting stress resistance in the body. Studies conducted on the subject have has respondents reporting a decrease in stress levels and increased feelings of relaxation and well-being. The magnolol compound is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and is thus likely to have nootropic effects. The sedative properties of magnolia bark help in decreasing anxiety levels and promote feelings of well-being.
Stress also manifests as irritability, anxiety, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating and emotional mood swings – all of which can be curbed by using Relora.
3. Aids in weight loss
This benefit of Relora has been vastly marketed, with mixed success. The reason being Relora aids weight loss in people who eat when they are stressed. Relora has anti-stress properties and once an individual feels calm and in control of their life, episodes of stress-induced eating take a backseat. This ultimately helps in weight loss or weight management.
Relora decreases the cortisol levels, the steroid hormone that tells the body to burn fat. when stressed, cortisol asks the body to burn proteins instead. However, as Relora works on lowering cortisol, stress-induced eating comes down, and the body goes back to burning fats for energy.
4. Relora for insomnia
Relora is known to have calming, sedative effects on the mind and body. If you are stressed about something and that is keeping you awake more than what you would like, Relora can help you. You will be able to sleep better with Relora, as it calms your mind and increases the feelings of relaxation.
5. Relieves fatigue
Just as Relora works by decreasing cortisol levels and making you free of stress, if you are highly fatigued, it will work wonders for you too. As the body calms down and you feel relaxed and uplifted, fatigue will vanish and you will feel light, energetic and happy. Magnolia officinalis has certain properties that have a positive effect on your body, loosening the tension in muscles and relieving your mind off stress.
6. Relora for blood pressure
Relora has pharmacological qualities. Since high cortisol levels are known to affect the blood pressure adversely, by lowering cortisol levels blood pressure also comes down, making it vital for people battling with high blood pressure issues. Magnolia officinalis contains the antioxidants magnolol and honokiol, that fight the free radicals that aim to damage your body by releasing toxins.
7. As a supplement for dementia
Caused by physical changes in the brain, Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. If a person is taking treatment for dementia, he or she can supplement it with Relora, which can calm the senses, reduce cortisol levels and aid in treating memory impairment.
8. Supports Digestive Health
Have you ever noticed how stress seems to wreak havoc on your stomach? It’s like no matter what you eat, you end up feeling bloated or irregular. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and that’s where Relora comes in. It turns out, stress messes with your gut by throwing off your body’s cortisol levels, which can lead to all kinds of digestive issues. Relora helps by naturally lowering cortisol, and in turn, it can really help your digestive system get back on track. In fact, people who use Relora often mention feeling less bloated and more regular after adding it to their routine—it’s a relief that you can actually feel.
9. Enhances Cognitive Function
Another surprising thing I found with Relora is its impact on mental clarity. We all know that stress can leave your brain feeling foggy, making it tough to focus. What’s great about Relora is that it supports neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, which are key for staying sharp and focused. I came across some research where people taking Relora felt they had better focus, especially when under pressure. So, whether you’re a student cramming for exams or a professional with a never-ending to-do list, this could be a game-changer for your mental clarity.
10. Promotes Healthy Aging
One of the most fascinating benefits of Relora is how it might help with healthy aging. Let’s face it, stress doesn’t just wear you out—it ages you. From heart issues to memory loss, chronic stress is linked to all kinds of age-related problems. Relora, by balancing cortisol and promoting calm, could be a way to slow down those stress-related effects of aging. I’ve read stories from people who say they feel more youthful and energetic after making Relora a part of their daily routine. And honestly, who wouldn’t want that?
Side effects of Relora
Relora reduces stress and improves sleep, the two most important causes of weight gain and obesity. However, it does not seem to have any serious side effects, though Relora may result in the following:
1. Drowsiness and sleepiness
Mild drowsiness is reported by most users of Relora, especially during day time. As the supplement works by calming the mind and does have sedative effects, patients seem to feel heavy and sleepy during the day as well. The condition improves as the body gets tuned to Relora.
2. Hypotension
Relora calms the mind and lowers the blood pressure, but some people have reported mild hypotension with the supplement. A systolic blood pressure of fewer than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or diastolic of less than 60 mm Hg is generally considered to be hypotension and users of the supplement reported lower systolic blood pressure averaging 5 mm Hg.
3. Drug interactions
Relora reduces stress and anxiety and also has antihistamine properties. Hence, if you are already on anti-depressants or on anti-allergic medicines, do consult your doctor. As a thumb rule, before taking any supplement, it is wise to consult your doctor.
4. No studies for pregnant women
Due to the lack of data on effects of Relora on pregnant and lactating mothers, it is best avoided. Even when trying to conceive, Relora may be avoided by women.
Other uncommon side-effects of Relora include shaking hands, heartburn, sexual dysfunction, and thyroid problems.
Having a healthy balance of cortisol, the steroid hormone can have a positive effect on most of your health – including (but not limited to), blood pressure, blood sugar levels, stress, stress-induced eating, sleep, mood, electrolyte balance, immune system response and in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
FAQs
1. Is Relora safe for long-term use?
Short-term use of Relora is considered safe for most, but long-term safety is less understood. Limited studies indicate no adverse effects with consistent short-term use. Consult a healthcare provider if considering long-term use.
2. Can I use Relora to support workouts?
Yes, Relora may support workouts by reducing stress, which can improve focus and recovery. While it doesn’t directly boost physical performance, lower cortisol levels aid muscle recovery, benefiting overall fitness progress.
3. Can Relora affect my appetite?
Yes, Relora helps control stress-related eating. By reducing cortisol levels, Relora may decrease cravings linked to stress. Many users report healthier eating habits, which can support weight management efforts.
