Although biochemistry is a big factor, we’re also affected by what happens to us in our lives. We’re all hit by unpleasant events that may cause brain levels of norepinephrine and dopamine to fall temporarily. People with naturally large reserves usually get through the troubling times with minimal difficulties, but those with initially low chemical levels are more likely to be affected.

The Japanese have long known that L-theanine, an amino acid derived from green tea, is a natural relaxant that diminishes stress,18-21 without drowsiness, impaired thought, or other side effects.

L-theanine produces calming effects in the brain in ways that have been compared to meditation, massage, and aromatherapy. L-theanine induces relaxation without causing drowsiness. In fact, studies show that L-theanine enhances the brain’s ability to concentrate, learn, and remember.22-28 L-theanine increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that not only induces relaxation but also produces a sense of well-being.29 L-theanine may normalize levels of dopamine, a critical brain hormone that is depleted by various stress factors.23,29,30

A Host of Health-Enhancing Benefits

Research shows that L-theanine has numerous health-enhancing effects, including promoting healthy cognitive function. In studies of neurons in cell culture, L-theanine reversed glutamate- or other neurotoxicant-induced neurotoxicity, a major cause of normal brain aging.19-30

Beware of Imitations: The L-theanine used in Natural Stress Relief is Suntheanine®, the only pure form of L-theanine protected by 40 internationally recognized patents and scientifically proven in clinical studies to be safe and efficacious. Independent laboratory analysis has verified that certain other products on the market claiming to contain “L-theanine” are only half L-theanine, the other half being a different form of theanine known as “D-theanine” which has not been scientifically evaluated in published studies.