Which anti-stress food supplement should you choose?
Stress is experienced differently from one woman to another: for one it is nervousness and an overstimulated nervous system, for another elusive sleep or lingering emotional fatigue. The right supplement is the one that meets your need at that moment:
Nervousness and an overstimulated nervous system : magnesium is the primary go-to. Mama-gnésium is a 100% magnesium bisglycinate supplement, a well-absorbed form that is gentle on digestion; it contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue [1]. It is our benchmark anti-stress magnesium supplement, suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Evening relaxation ritual : Mama Relax combines magnesium and glycine in a neutral-tasting powder, with no added sugars, to be diluted in the evening.
Established stress and mental load : ashwagandha is a plant with adaptogenic properties that helps the body resist stress and manage it better, and contributes to emotional balance [6]. Our Ashwagandha is an organic KSM-66® root extract at 600 mg per day. It is intended for adults only and is not suitable for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Restless sleep and racing thoughts : Mama Dreams combines lemon balm, chamomile and glycine, without synthetic melatonin, and remains suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Sweet Mama herbal tea (organic chamomile and apple) extends the evening ritual, and is also suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Low energy and low mood : magnesium and vitamin B6 contribute to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue [1]. For emotional balance, saffron helps support emotional balance and maintain a positive mood: found in Happy Postpartum, our saffron-based supplement for post-birth.
Low energy and lack of sunlight : Sunny Mummy provides plant-based vitamin D3 and K2. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal muscle function [1]; a deficiency, common in winter, sustains the feeling of fatigue.
What if you could only keep one? Mama-gnésium: the foundation of an anti-stress routine, taken in just a few capsules a day, supporting every stage of a woman's life, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Salomé, mum of 2 boys, 24/07/2026
I have been using magnesium for several months now and I am very pleased with it. It has significantly improved the quality of my sleep; despite nights that are sometimes short or disrupted, I feel energised, more serene and less irritable.
Magnesium and stress: the mineral for nervous system balance
Stress and magnesium fuel each other: periods of tension increase magnesium elimination, and a lower magnesium status makes the body more reactive to stress. Research describes this phenomenon as a vicious circle between stress and magnesium [4]. This is why magnesium is a logical starting point when addressing nervousness. The authorised claims are clear: magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function, normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue [1]. Several reviews have looked into its effect on perceived anxiety and stress, with encouraging signals that remain to be confirmed [3], and combining magnesium with vitamin B6 has been studied in adults experiencing marked stress [5]. As for the form, bisglycinate is recognised for its high absorption and digestive tolerance: Mama-gnésium provides 100% of it. For a relaxing moment in the evening, Mama Relax combines magnesium with glycine powder.
Ashwagandha: the adaptogenic plant for stress
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a plant with adaptogenic properties, widely recognised for supporting periods of mental and nervous tension and anxiety. It helps the body resist and better manage stress, contributes to emotional balance and general well-being, aids recovery after stressful events, and supports the onset of sleep. Clinical trials conducted with a standardised extract have also observed, in stressed adults, a reduction in perceived stress and a decrease in cortisol, the hormone associated with stress [6]. Our Ashwagandha is an organic KSM-66® root extract, standardised to 5% withanolides, dosed at 600 mg per day, generally in two doses.
An important safety point: ashwagandha is strictly for adults. It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, nor in cases of thyroid, liver or heart conditions, or when taking sedative medications. In April 2024, ANSES reiterated these precautions and urged caution, particularly due to a lack of safety data for these populations [7]. If you are currently undergoing medical treatment or have any doubts, seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting [7, 9]. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, opt instead for magnesium and the compatible relaxing botanicals described below.
Stress, sleep and emotional fatigue: breaking the cycle
Stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances often form a trio: we sleep poorly because we overthink, and we handle stress less effectively because we haven't slept well. Acting in the evening helps break this cycle. Glycine, an amino acid, has been studied for sleep quality and the feeling of waking up more refreshed [8]; it is included in Mama Dreams and Mama Relax. Mama Dreams also combines lemon balm and chamomile, two relaxing plants, without synthetic melatonin, and remains compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. To establish a soothing routine, Sweet Mama herbal tea (organic chamomile and apple) is enjoyed an hour before bedtime, and is also compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Emotional fatigue shows up through a few clear signs: irritability, feeling hypersensitive, difficulty concentrating, and a desire to put everything on pause. It is not an illness, but a signal of overwhelm. On the nutrient front, magnesium and B vitamins, including B6, contribute to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue [1]. When lack of sunlight plays a role, vitamin D from Sunny Mummy helps you through winter by supporting the immune system and normal muscle function [1].
Pregnancy, postpartum and stress: what can you take?
Pregnancy and the first weeks with baby are times when stress and sleep are put to the test, and when you need to be more selective about what you take. The golden rule: avoid plants that affect hormones and potent adaptogens. Specifically, ashwagandha is not intended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding [7], and saffron is not recommended during pregnancy at medicinal doses.
What remains safe and reassuring: magnesium, with Mama-gnésium, compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding, which contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue [1]; in powder format for relaxation with Mama relax; sleep support with Mama Dreams (lemon balm, chamomile, glycine, melatonin-free) and Sweet Mama herbal tea, both formulated for these stages; and vitamin D from Sunny Mummy for overall vitality. After childbirth, when emotional balance is delicate, the saffron in Happy Postpartum—which helps support emotional balance and maintain a positive mood—takes over. Persistent stress or anxiety during pregnancy or after birth should be discussed with your midwife or doctor.
Anti-stress routine: when to start and for how long?
An anti-stress routine should begin as soon as you feel tension rising, and its benefits are felt over time. Magnesium is taken in two or three daily doses with meals, over at least one to three months, giving your body time to rebuild its reserves. A course can be repeated during demanding periods. Ashwagandha is evaluated over four to eight weeks in adults, respecting the recommended dose. Evening formulas, such as Mama Dreams, Mama Relax and Sweet Mama herbal tea, are used at bedtime for as long as needed. A word of advice: avoid piling on too many products. A solid foundation of magnesium, complemented if necessary by sleep support or, for non-pregnant adults, by ashwagandha, is sufficient in most cases. Each product page specifies the pack duration and dosage.
Stress and diet: the essentials before supplements
A supplement complements your diet, but never replaces it. To support a taxed nervous system, focus first on magnesium-rich foods: green leafy vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds, whole grains and dark chocolate. Include sources of B vitamins (whole grains, eggs, fish), omega-3s (oily fish), and limit excessive coffee and alcohol, which fuel nervousness and disrupt sleep. Regular meals help prevent energy crashes that worsen irritability, and staying well hydrated is equally essential. On this foundation, a targeted routine, led by magnesium, provides that extra boost to help navigate busy periods.