Take Assessment
Natural herbs and supplements for healing and nervous system support
Natural Support Tools

Herbs, TCM & Supplements

200+ evidence-informed natural supports for nervous system healing, trauma recovery, and post-faith wellbeing. Each linked to Amazon with our affiliate tag.

Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions. Some supplements interact with medications. Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: spankyspinola-20).
148Supplements
16Categories
31Strong Evidence
10Trauma-Specific
Showing 148 of 148 supplements

Ashwagandha (KSM-66)

Strong
Adaptogens

Cortisol reduction, HPA axis regulation, anxiety

View on Amazon

Rhodiola Rosea

Strong
Adaptogens

Stress resilience, burnout recovery, fatigue

View on Amazon

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Moderate
Adaptogens

Adaptogenic stress support, anxiety, blood sugar

View on Amazon

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Moderate
Adaptogens

Stamina, stress adaptation, immune support

View on Amazon

Schisandra Berry

Moderate
Adaptogens

Liver support, stress resilience, mental clarity

View on Amazon

American Ginseng

Moderate
Adaptogens

Cognitive function, energy, immune support

View on Amazon

Maca Root

Moderate
Adaptogens

Energy, libido, hormonal balance

View on Amazon

Astragalus

Moderate
Adaptogens

Immune modulation, longevity, stress adaptation

View on Amazon

St. John's Wort

Strong
Mood Support

Mild-moderate depression, seasonal affective disorder

Interacts with many medications — check with your doctor
View on Amazon

SAMe (S-Adenosyl Methionine)

Strong
Mood Support

Depression, joint pain, liver health

View on Amazon

Saffron Extract

Strong
Mood Support

Depression, anxiety, PMS

View on Amazon

5-HTP

Moderate
Mood Support

Serotonin precursor, mood, sleep, appetite

Do not combine with SSRIs without medical supervision
View on Amazon

L-Tryptophan

Moderate
Mood Support

Serotonin precursor, mood, sleep

View on Amazon

Lemon Balm

Moderate
Mood Support

Anxiety, stress, sleep, mood

View on Amazon

Passionflower

Moderate
Mood Support

Anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension

View on Amazon

Lavender (Silexan)

Strong
Mood Support

Generalized anxiety disorder, sleep

View on Amazon

Melatonin

Strong
Sleep

Circadian rhythm, sleep onset, jet lag

View on Amazon

Magnesium Glycinate

Strong
Sleep

Sleep quality, muscle relaxation, anxiety

View on Amazon

Valerian Root

Moderate
Sleep

Sleep onset, sleep quality, anxiety

View on Amazon

Glycine

Moderate
Sleep

Sleep quality, core body temperature regulation

View on Amazon

L-Theanine

Strong
Sleep

Relaxation without sedation, sleep quality, anxiety

View on Amazon

Hops Extract

Moderate
Sleep

Sleep onset, anxiety, often combined with valerian

View on Amazon

Chamomile Extract

Moderate
Sleep

Sleep, anxiety, digestive calm

View on Amazon

Phosphatidylserine

Moderate
Sleep

Cortisol reduction, cognitive function, sleep

View on Amazon

GABA

Emerging
Nervous System

Inhibitory neurotransmitter support, anxiety, stress

View on Amazon

Magnesium L-Threonate

Moderate
Nervous System

Brain magnesium, cognitive function, anxiety

View on Amazon

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Moderate
Nervous System

Nerve growth factor, cognitive function, mood

View on Amazon

Reishi Mushroom

Moderate
Nervous System

Immune modulation, stress, sleep, anxiety

View on Amazon

Chaga Mushroom

Emerging
Nervous System

Antioxidant, immune support, inflammation

View on Amazon

Cordyceps

Moderate
Nervous System

Energy, athletic performance, immune support

View on Amazon

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Moderate
Nervous System

Immune modulation, gut microbiome, antioxidant

View on Amazon

Turmeric / Curcumin (with BioPerine)

Strong
Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation, joint pain, mood, brain health

View on Amazon

Boswellia Serrata

Strong
Anti-Inflammatory

Joint inflammation, pain, gut inflammation

View on Amazon

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

Strong
Anti-Inflammatory

Depression, inflammation, brain health, heart health

View on Amazon

Quercetin

Moderate
Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation, allergies, antioxidant, immune support

View on Amazon

Resveratrol

Moderate
Anti-Inflammatory

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, longevity

View on Amazon

Berberine

Strong
Anti-Inflammatory

Blood sugar, gut health, inflammation, cholesterol

View on Amazon

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Moderate
Anti-Inflammatory

Antioxidant, nerve health, blood sugar, inflammation

View on Amazon

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Strong
Anti-Inflammatory

Glutathione precursor, OCD, addiction, liver health

Particularly relevant for OCD/scrupulosity
View on Amazon

Bacopa Monnieri

Strong
Cognitive

Memory, learning, anxiety, stress adaptation

View on Amazon

Ginkgo Biloba

Moderate
Cognitive

Circulation, memory, cognitive function

View on Amazon

Phosphatidylcholine

Moderate
Cognitive

Choline source, memory, liver health

View on Amazon

Alpha-GPC

Moderate
Cognitive

Acetylcholine precursor, memory, focus

View on Amazon

Huperzine A

Moderate
Cognitive

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, memory, focus

View on Amazon

Vinpocetine

Moderate
Cognitive

Cerebral blood flow, memory, neuroprotection

View on Amazon

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Moderate
Cognitive

Energy metabolism, cognitive function, mood

View on Amazon

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

Emerging
Cognitive

Mitochondrial biogenesis, neuroprotection, energy

View on Amazon

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Moderate
Gut-Brain

Anxiety reduction, gut health, GABA modulation

View on Amazon

Bifidobacterium longum

Moderate
Gut-Brain

Stress response, gut health, mood

View on Amazon

Saccharomyces boulardii

Strong
Gut-Brain

Gut health, diarrhea, microbiome restoration

View on Amazon

Psyllium Husk

Strong
Gut-Brain

Gut motility, cholesterol, blood sugar

View on Amazon

Slippery Elm

Moderate
Gut-Brain

Gut lining support, IBS, reflux

View on Amazon

Marshmallow Root

Moderate
Gut-Brain

Gut lining, respiratory, urinary tract

View on Amazon

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

Moderate
Gut-Brain

Gut lining, reflux, ulcers

View on Amazon

Aloe Vera (inner leaf)

Moderate
Gut-Brain

Gut inflammation, IBS, reflux

View on Amazon

Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)

Strong
Hormonal

PMS, PMDD, hormonal balance, prolactin regulation

View on Amazon

Dong Quai

Moderate
Hormonal

Menstrual regulation, menopausal symptoms, blood building

View on Amazon

Black Cohosh

Moderate
Hormonal

Menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, mood

View on Amazon

Maca (for hormonal balance)

Moderate
Hormonal

Hormonal balance, libido, energy, menopausal symptoms

View on Amazon

DHEA

Moderate
Hormonal

Adrenal support, hormonal precursor, energy

Consult a doctor before use
View on Amazon

Pregnenolone

Emerging
Hormonal

Hormonal precursor, memory, mood, stress

Consult a doctor before use
View on Amazon

Saw Palmetto

Moderate
Hormonal

DHT inhibition, prostate health, hair loss

View on Amazon

Red Clover Isoflavones

Moderate
Hormonal

Menopausal symptoms, bone health, cardiovascular

View on Amazon

Huang Qi (Astragalus)

Moderate
TCM

Wei Qi (defensive energy), immune support, longevity

View on Amazon

Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng)

Strong
TCM

Qi tonification, cognitive function, adaptogen

View on Amazon

Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis)

Moderate
TCM

Blood building, menstrual regulation, circulation

View on Amazon

Bai Shao (White Peony)

Moderate
TCM

Liver Yin nourishment, pain, muscle spasm, mood

View on Amazon

Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia)

Moderate
TCM

Kidney Yin tonification, blood building, hormonal

View on Amazon

He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)

Emerging
TCM

Kidney Jing, hair health, longevity, blood building

Liver toxicity risk — use with caution and medical supervision
View on Amazon

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra)

Moderate
TCM

Five-flavor berry, adaptogen, liver, cognitive

View on Amazon

Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes)

Moderate
TCM

Spleen Qi tonification, digestion, energy, dampness

View on Amazon

Fu Ling (Poria)

Moderate
TCM

Calm Shen (spirit), digestion, sleep, anxiety

View on Amazon

Ziziphus (Suan Zao Ren)

Moderate
TCM

Heart Blood nourishment, insomnia, anxiety, palpitations

View on Amazon

Long Yan Rou (Longan)

Emerging
TCM

Heart and Spleen Blood tonification, anxiety, insomnia

View on Amazon

Yuan Zhi (Polygala)

Moderate
TCM

Calm Shen, cognitive function, phlegm misting the heart

View on Amazon

Bai He (Lily Bulb)

Emerging
TCM

Lung Yin nourishment, grief, anxiety, dry cough

Particularly relevant for grief and loss
View on Amazon

Mu Li (Oyster Shell)

Emerging
TCM

Anchor Yang, calm Shen, anxiety, palpitations

View on Amazon

Ci Shi (Magnetite)

Emerging
TCM

Anchor Yang, calm Shen, tinnitus, insomnia

View on Amazon

Huang Lian (Coptis)

Moderate
TCM

Clear Heart Fire, anxiety, irritability, insomnia

View on Amazon

Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena)

Emerging
TCM

Clear Heat, nourish Yin, anxiety with heat signs

View on Amazon

Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia)

Moderate
TCM

Cool Blood, nourish Yin, anxiety with heat

View on Amazon

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

Strong
Ayurvedic

Medhya rasayana, memory, anxiety, stress

View on Amazon

Shankhpushpi

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Medhya rasayana, memory, anxiety, sleep

View on Amazon

Jatamansi (Spikenard)

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Calm Vata, anxiety, insomnia, nervous system

View on Amazon

Guduchi (Tinospora)

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Rasayana, immune modulation, anti-inflammatory

View on Amazon

Shatavari

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Female reproductive tonic, hormonal balance, stress

View on Amazon

Triphala

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Digestive tonic, antioxidant, gentle detox

View on Amazon

Neem

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Antimicrobial, blood purification, skin, gut

View on Amazon

Moringa

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Nutritional density, anti-inflammatory, energy

View on Amazon

Amalaki (Amla)

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Vitamin C, antioxidant, Pitta cooling, rejuvenation

View on Amazon

Bibhitaki

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Kapha reducing, respiratory, digestive

View on Amazon

Haritaki

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Vata balancing, digestive, cognitive, longevity

View on Amazon

Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)

Moderate
Ayurvedic

Cognitive function, anxiety, wound healing, circulation

View on Amazon

Vitamin D3 + K2

Strong
Vitamins & Minerals

Mood, immune function, bone health, depression

View on Amazon

Magnesium Malate

Moderate
Vitamins & Minerals

Energy, fibromyalgia, muscle pain

View on Amazon

Zinc Bisglycinate

Strong
Vitamins & Minerals

Immune function, mood, testosterone, wound healing

View on Amazon

B-Complex (Methylated)

Strong
Vitamins & Minerals

Methylation, energy, mood, nerve function

View on Amazon

Folate (Methylfolate)

Strong
Vitamins & Minerals

Methylation, depression, MTHFR support

View on Amazon

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Strong
Vitamins & Minerals

Nerve function, energy, mood, methylation

View on Amazon

Iron (Bisglycinate)

Strong
Vitamins & Minerals

Anemia, fatigue, cognitive function

Test before supplementing
View on Amazon

Iodine (Lugol's or Kelp)

Moderate
Vitamins & Minerals

Thyroid function, cognitive function, energy

Test thyroid before supplementing
View on Amazon

Selenium

Moderate
Vitamins & Minerals

Thyroid function, antioxidant, immune support

View on Amazon

Copper Bisglycinate

Moderate
Vitamins & Minerals

Connective tissue, neurotransmitter synthesis, iron metabolism

View on Amazon

Manganese

Moderate
Vitamins & Minerals

Bone health, antioxidant, blood sugar regulation

View on Amazon

Chromium Picolinate

Moderate
Vitamins & Minerals

Blood sugar regulation, carbohydrate metabolism

View on Amazon

Molybdenum

Emerging
Vitamins & Minerals

Sulfite metabolism, detoxification, enzyme cofactor

View on Amazon

Boron

Moderate
Vitamins & Minerals

Bone health, testosterone, cognitive function

View on Amazon

Lithium Orotate

Emerging
Vitamins & Minerals

Mood stabilization, neuroprotection (low dose)

Not the same as prescription lithium
View on Amazon

L-Tyrosine

Moderate
Amino Acids

Dopamine precursor, focus, stress, thyroid

View on Amazon

L-Phenylalanine

Moderate
Amino Acids

Dopamine/norepinephrine precursor, mood, pain

View on Amazon

L-Glutamine

Moderate
Amino Acids

Gut lining, immune function, muscle recovery

View on Amazon

L-Arginine

Moderate
Amino Acids

Nitric oxide production, circulation, cardiovascular

View on Amazon

L-Citrulline

Moderate
Amino Acids

Nitric oxide, athletic performance, cardiovascular

View on Amazon

Taurine

Moderate
Amino Acids

GABA modulation, cardiovascular, antioxidant, bile

View on Amazon

L-Lysine

Moderate
Amino Acids

Collagen synthesis, calcium absorption, cold sores

View on Amazon

L-Proline

Moderate
Amino Acids

Collagen synthesis, wound healing, joint health

View on Amazon

Glycine

Moderate
Amino Acids

Collagen, sleep, gut health, detoxification

View on Amazon

L-Carnosine

Moderate
Amino Acids

Anti-glycation, neuroprotection, antioxidant

View on Amazon

Inositol (Myo-Inositol)

Strong
Trauma Recovery

OCD, anxiety, panic disorder, PCOS, insulin sensitivity

Particularly relevant for OCD/scrupulosity
View on Amazon

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

Strong
Trauma Recovery

OCD, addiction, anxiety, glutathione, liver

Strong evidence for OCD symptom reduction
View on Amazon

Lithium Orotate (low dose)

Emerging
Trauma Recovery

Mood stabilization, neuroprotection, PTSD

View on Amazon

Kava Kava

Strong
Trauma Recovery

Anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, sleep

Avoid with alcohol and liver conditions
View on Amazon

Skullcap (Scutellaria)

Moderate
Trauma Recovery

Anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, GABA modulation

View on Amazon

California Poppy

Moderate
Trauma Recovery

Anxiety, insomnia, pain, nervous tension

View on Amazon

Motherwort

Moderate
Trauma Recovery

Anxiety, palpitations, nervous tension, uterine tonic

View on Amazon

Wood Betony

Emerging
Trauma Recovery

Nervous system grounding, headache, anxiety

View on Amazon

Mimosa (Albizia)

Moderate
Trauma Recovery

Grief, depression, anxiety, emotional pain (TCM: He Huan Pi)

Traditional use for grief and broken heart
View on Amazon

Rose (Rosa centifolia)

Emerging
Trauma Recovery

Heart Qi stagnation, grief, anxiety, emotional pain

Traditional use for grief and emotional pain
View on Amazon

Evening Primrose Oil

Moderate
Essential Fatty Acids

GLA source, PMS, hormonal balance, skin

View on Amazon

Borage Oil

Moderate
Essential Fatty Acids

GLA source, inflammation, skin, adrenal support

View on Amazon

Black Currant Seed Oil

Moderate
Essential Fatty Acids

GLA and ALA, immune modulation, inflammation

View on Amazon

Flaxseed Oil

Moderate
Essential Fatty Acids

ALA omega-3, hormonal balance, cardiovascular

View on Amazon

Hemp Seed Oil

Moderate
Essential Fatty Acids

Balanced omega-3/6, skin, inflammation

View on Amazon

Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Strong
Detox & Liver

Liver protection, detoxification, antioxidant

View on Amazon

Dandelion Root

Moderate
Detox & Liver

Liver support, bile production, digestive bitter

View on Amazon

Artichoke Leaf Extract

Moderate
Detox & Liver

Liver support, bile production, cholesterol

View on Amazon

Burdock Root

Moderate
Detox & Liver

Blood purification, liver, skin, lymphatic

View on Amazon

Yellow Dock

Moderate
Detox & Liver

Liver, iron absorption, digestive bitter, skin

View on Amazon

Chlorella

Moderate
Detox & Liver

Heavy metal chelation, detox, nutritional density

View on Amazon

Spirulina

Moderate
Detox & Liver

Nutritional density, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

View on Amazon

Elderberry

Moderate
Immune

Antiviral, immune modulation, respiratory

View on Amazon

Echinacea

Moderate
Immune

Immune stimulation, upper respiratory, antiviral

View on Amazon

Andrographis

Moderate
Immune

Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immune support

View on Amazon

Cat's Claw (Una de Gato)

Moderate
Immune

Immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral

View on Amazon

Pau d'Arco

Moderate
Immune

Antifungal, antimicrobial, immune support

View on Amazon

Olive Leaf Extract

Moderate
Immune

Antiviral, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, antioxidant

View on Amazon

Oregano Oil

Moderate
Immune

Antimicrobial, antifungal, gut health

View on Amazon

Garlic (Allicin)

Strong
Immune

Antimicrobial, cardiovascular, immune support

View on Amazon

How to Use This Guide

This guide is organized by category and evidence level. "Strong" evidence means multiple randomized controlled trials support the use. "Moderate" means consistent observational data or smaller trials. "Emerging" means traditional use with limited clinical research.

For religious trauma recovery specifically, we highlight supplements with particular relevance to the nervous system, trauma processing, OCD/scrupulosity, grief, and identity reconstruction. The "Trauma Recovery" category is a good starting point.

Always work with a healthcare provider. This is a reference tool, not a prescription.