The plants Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense have been used for two thousand years in China to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, enhance mood, and improve gut health.

With the invention of Relora, a patented blend of these two plants, their beneficial properties appear to be more effective than when used separately.

This article lists seven Relora benefits backed by research and explains the science behind them.

7 Relora Benefits

Relora can help improve well-being in many ways, especially those states triggered by stress.

Honokiol and magnolol, the active ingredients in magnolia, and berberine in phellodendron have been clinically studied in animals, humans, and in vitro. Current data suggests they help improve the following health parameters.

1. Reduces Cortisol and Helps Manage Stress

Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands to help regulate essential bodily functions, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and the sleep-wake cycle. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels often cause health issues and can even lead to fatal diseases.

Research shows that after four weeks of taking Relora supplements, participants had significantly lower cortisol levels (by 18%). Honokiol and berberine exhibited anxiety-reducing (anxiolytic) and anti-stress properties comparable to pharmaceuticals such as diazepam but without their sedative effects.

The study results also showed an improvement in the participants’ mood state parameters, including increased energy and lower tension, helping them better cope with everyday stress.

2. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Many patients who tried Relora for anxiety, depression, and panic attacks report that the natural supplement helped reduce common symptoms and that it promotes relaxation. The aforementioned research also found significantly reduced depressive indices (by 20%) in participants over the course of four weeks.

Note: Discover other natural supplements for anxiety.

A different study suggests that honokiol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces depression caused by inflammation.

The mechanisms of how these herbs reduce anxiety and depression are not fully understood. One explanation is that honokiol and magnolol increase serotonin levels and control hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hyperactivity commonly found in anxiety- and depression-related disorders.

Note: Anxiety can be caused by many factors. Hormones are one of them. Read more about hormonal anxiety – its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

3. Fights Fatigue

Fatigue is a state of extreme tiredness and weakness that makes it difficult to perform daily activities. It is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, low energy, and lack of focus, and is commonly triggered by stress.

Research on Relora has shown the supplement can reduce fatigue by 31%, improving mental and physical performance.

Note: Learn about the correlation between low testosterone and fatigue, or find out what adrenal fatigue is and what are the most effective treatments for this condition.

4. Increases Vigor

Magnolia and Phellodendron are traditionally used in Eastern medicine to address the stagnation of Qi (life energy). In Western terminology, these herbs can help combat psychological burnout by increasing physical and mental energy.

Studies show Relora supplementation can increase vigor by 18%, which the researchers attributed to the reduction of stress and anxiety.

5. Improves Sleep

Elevated cortisol levels and chronic stress inhibit healthy sleep patterns and can cause disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia. Various herbal remedies are studied for their potential to improve sleep, and Relora ingredients are among them.

Research confirms the benefits of Relora for sleep. Honokiol and magnolol were found to modify GABAA receptors, which help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and promote relaxation.

Honokiol was found to shorten the time to full sleep (sleep latency) and increase the length of non-REM sleep. Magnolol also shortens sleep latency and increases the amount of non-REM and REM sleep. These findings confirm the Relora’s potential to fight insomnia.

Note: Life phases that are accompanied by hormonal shifts can keep us tossing and turning in bed. Read more about hormonal insomnia and what you can do about it.  

6. Maintains Gut Health

The gastrointestinal system helps bring nutrients into the body to make energy for essential bodily functions and removes waste products. However, more than just digesting food, our gut is also crucial in maintaining a robust immune system, mental health, mood, and overall well-being.

Chronic stress can cause a disbalance in gut microbiota composition and increase gut barrier permeability (leaky gut), allowing bacteria to come in, lowering antibody response, and increasing inflammation.

One small study on Magnolia officinalis suggests it has gastroprotective effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Another study reveals the plant’s potential to increase gut bacteria diversity and improve gut health.

7. Decreases Food Cravings and Helps Manage Weight

Stress triggers the increased intake of high-caloric foods in many people, leading to weight gain.

A study that followed women who typically ate more in stressful situations showed Relora supplementation helped them maintain their weight when exposed to stress, while the placebo group gained weight.

Researchers believe that the supplement reduces cortisol levels and perceived stress, decreasing food cravings and helping the participants manage their weight.

Should You Take Relora?

Healthy adults should take Relora if they experience symptoms such as stress, tension, mild anxiety, mild depression, fatigue, sleep deprivation, overeating, and weight gain.

The recommended dose is 250-500 mg of Relora, and the supplement is taken two or three times daily for at least four weeks. Patients can take it at each meal or as their medical provider advises. Before starting a new supplement it is important to discuss your symptoms, medications, and supplements with your health care provider.

Note: Relora is a beneficial supplement to many, but is not suitable for certain categories of people. Learn about the potential side effects of Relora and who should not take it.

Conclusion

Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, the cornerstone of a healthy life, many health experts recommend taking dietary supplements to increase energy, improve digestion, and manage stress.

If you feel the consequences of everyday stress, add Relora to your daily routine to improve your health parameters and feel better.

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