Integrative, not alternative
Supplements can support brain health alongside therapy and medication when appropriate.
Evidence-informed
Each supplement discussed here has research behind it, though the strength of evidence varies.
Medication interactions matter
Even natural supplements can interact with medications. Always review with your clinician.
Fewer is better
The goal is a small number of thoughtful tools, not many supplements.
Selected Supplements
These are the supplements that come up most often in integrative psychiatry conversations at Viewpoint, organized by category.
🍄 Functional Mushrooms
Emerging research in brain health
Functional mushrooms are not psychedelic. Used in traditional medicine for centuries, they are now being studied for potential effects on neuroplasticity, inflammation, and stress resilience. Human psychiatric research is still emerging, but interest is growing rapidly in neuroscience and integrative medicine.
🦁 Lion’s Mane
Supports brain health and cognitive clarity
Lion’s Mane contains compounds that may influence nerve growth factor pathways involved in neuroplasticity. Early research suggests potential benefits for cognitive performance, brain fog, and mood.
• Brain fog
• Focus
• Cognitive fatigue
Typical use: 1–2 g daily, morning or midday
⚡ Cordyceps
Supports energy and mental stamina
Traditionally used to support stamina and cellular energy production. Some research suggests it may support mitochondrial function, which can influence fatigue and low motivation.
• Fatigue
• Burnout
• Low mental energy
Typical use: 1–3 g daily, morning
🌙 Reishi
Supports stress regulation and evening calm
Reishi has traditionally been used to support relaxation and balance the stress response system. Some people find it helpful for difficulty winding down at night due to stress.
• Stress regulation
• Evening relaxation
• Sleep support
Typical use: 1–3 g daily, evening
🌿 Herbal Adaptogens
Plant-based compounds that help the body regulate its stress response. Some have meaningful research supporting their role in anxiety, mood balance, and nervous system resilience.
🌱 Ashwagandha
Supports stress regulation and anxiety reduction
Ashwagandha is one of the most studied adaptogenic herbs. Clinical trials suggest it may help regulate the stress response and reduce symptoms of chronic anxiety.
• Chronic stress
• Generalized anxiety
• Sleep disruption
Typical use: 300–600 mg daily with food
🌸 Saffron
Mood support with emerging psychiatric research
Saffron has been studied in multiple clinical trials for mood support. Some studies suggest benefits comparable to antidepressants in certain populations and possible improvement in antidepressant-related sexual side effects.
• Mood support
• Emotional resilience
• SSRI-related sexual side effects
Typical use: 28–30 mg daily (Affron extract)
🔵 Myo-Inositol
Supports neurotransmitter signaling and anxiety patterns
Myo-inositol is involved in cellular signaling pathways that influence neurotransmitters. Research has explored its role in panic symptoms, intrusive thoughts, and OCD-spectrum patterns.
• Panic symptoms
• Intrusive thoughts
• Anxiety patterns
Typical use: Powder form, gradually titrated
✨ Sleep & Calm
Many mental health symptoms are closely connected to sleep quality and nervous system regulation. These supplements are sometimes used to support relaxation, reduce stress reactivity, and promote a calmer, more focused mental state.
🌙 Magnesium
Supports nervous system regulation and sleep quality
Magnesium plays an important role in regulating the nervous system and supporting sleep. Certain forms are better absorbed and may support relaxation and brain health.
• Sleep onset
• Nervous system regulation
• Cognitive support
Typical use: 200–400 mg in the evening
🍵 L-Theanine
Promotes calm focus without sedation
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that supports a calm but alert mental state. Many people find it helpful for racing thoughts, situational anxiety, or difficulty settling before sleep.
• Calm focus
• Racing thoughts
• Situational anxiety
Typical use: 100–400 mg, morning or evening
🌿 Reishi + Ashwagandha Gummies
May support stress regulation and evening relaxation
A blend of functional mushrooms and adaptogenic herbs traditionally used to support the body’s stress response and help the nervous system settle at night.
• Stress reactivity
• Difficulty winding down
• Sleep support
Typical use: 1–2 gummies in the evening
Medication review recommended.
Integrative psychiatry at Viewpoint
How I Think About Supplements
Supplements are sometimes used as supportive tools alongside therapy and medication when the clinical picture and evidence support it. The goal is not to take many products, but to use a small number of thoughtful tools that may support sleep, stress regulation, and cognitive clarity.
Supplement information on this page is educational and should not replace medical care. Always discuss new supplements with your clinician before starting them, especially if you take prescription medications.