A nice cuppa is known to help you relax. But there are many other potential health benefits that you might not know about theanine. However, though some research shows promising results for L-theanine’s anti-tumor properties, teas that contain amino acids can have other ingredients that could be harmful to people being treated for cancer.

Harvard Medical School Health Publishing, Harvard University. Harmful effects of supplements can send you to the emergency department. If you’re looking to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve your sleep quality, L-theanine and lemon balm are two of the best herbs reported to help. You may also want to consider adding magnesium, sour cherry juice, and valerian to your diet. White, D. J., et al. (2016). Anti-stress, behavioural and magnetoencephalography effects of an L-theanine-based nutrient drink: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. We know that it stimulates relaxation, which helps contribute to better sleep, but how does l theanine contribute to making those changes in the brain? Three ways theanine helps your brainIf you’re feeling brain fog or a general blah feeling, L-theanine may be able to help give you a boost of mental clarity and enhance your ability to focus. According to the same 2019 study, L-theanine helped healthy adults with verbal fluency and the ability to stay focused. The benefits are heightened when taken with caffeine. Two of our high-performance Theanine and Lemon Balm tablets contain the same 200mg of L-theanine – found in our original supplement – but with the addition of 600mg of Lemon Balm (Melissa). To L-theanine and Lemon Balm, we added biotin for the normal function of the nervous system and normal psychological function, as well as pantothenic acid for normal mental performance. It’s important to add that these L-theanine side effects are relatively uncommon and tend to be mild. L-theanine is generally considered safe for most people, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. In addition, pregnant or breastfeeding (chestfeeding) people should also exercise caution when taking L-theanine, as there’s limited research on its safety in these populations. Demirci K, Akgönül M, Demirdaş A, Akpınar A. Does Melissa officinalis cause withdrawal or dependence? Med Arch. 2015;69(1):60–61. doi:10.5455/medarh.2015.69.60-61

But it’s important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplement. Manufacturers of those products bear the weight of the responsibility to make sure their products are safe (19).L-theanine has also been shown to improve mood and cognitive function. It can help to increase focus, attention, and mental clarity, and it may also help to improve memory and learning. Promotion of Relaxation and Better Sleep Most known for helping people relax, L-theanine has other potential health benefits, including: Anxiety and stress relief One study found that people who usually experienced higher blood pressure after specific mental tasks found that L-theanine helped reduce an increase in blood pressure. Weydert JA. Recurring abdominal pain in pediatrics. In: Integrative Medicine. Elsevier; 2018:457-465.e2. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-35868-2.00045-1