Best Supplements for PTSD (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops following traumatic experiences and involves intrusive memories, heightened anxiety, and difficulty with emotional regulation. While trauma-focused therapy remains the primary treatment, certain supplements may help support nervous system balance and stress resilience during recovery. This guide examines supplements that research suggests may be beneficial for managing PTSD symptoms alongside professional treatment.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: WellPath Zen Stress Relief – comprehensive stress and anxiety support
• Best for Hyperarousal: Vital Nutrients Triple Magnesium – nervous system regulation
• Best Value: aSquared Rhodiola 1000mg – stress resilience and adaptation

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredients	Form	Servings	Best For
WellPath Zen Stress Relief	Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, GABA	Capsules	60	Overall PTSD stress
Vital Nutrients Triple Magnesium	Magnesium Glycinate, Malate, Oxide	Capsules	120	Hyperarousal symptoms
aSquared Rhodiola 1000mg	Rhodiola Rosea Extract	Vegan Capsules	180	Stress adaptation
Relaxium Calm	Ashwagandha, 5-HTP, Magnesium	Capsules	60	Mood and sleep
Cortisol Supplements 10-in-1	Ashwagandha, Magnesium, L-Theanine	Capsules	60	Cortisol dysregulation
Mushroom Gummies 4000mg	26 Mushrooms, Ashwagandha	Gummies	60	Brain health support
Magnesium Citrate 500mg	Magnesium Citrate Complex	Capsules	90	Sleep disturbances
Prominent Nutrition Schisandra	Schisandra Berry Extract	Capsules	90	Mental stamina

1. WellPath Zen Stress Relief Supplement – Best Overall

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WellPath Zen provides comprehensive support for the heightened stress response and anxiety symptoms central to PTSD through research-backed adaptogens and calming compounds.

This formula combines ashwagandha for cortisol regulation, rhodiola for stress resilience, and GABA for nervous system calm. PTSD involves a dysregulated stress response system that remains in high alert even when safe. The adaptogenic herbs help normalize this overactive response over time, while GABA provides additional calming neurotransmitter support. Users with high-stress conditions report feeling more balanced and better able to manage triggering situations after consistent use.

What We Like

• Combines multiple mechanisms for stress system regulation
• Adaptogens help restore healthy stress responses
• Non-habit forming for safe long-term use
• Addresses both hyperarousal and emotional symptoms

What Could Be Better

• Requires 2-4 weeks of daily use for full benefits
• Not a replacement for trauma-focused therapy

Bottom Line: For comprehensive support of the dysregulated stress system in PTSD, WellPath Zen offers well-rounded adaptogenic and calming support.

2. Vital Nutrients Triple Magnesium Complex – Best for Hyperarousal

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Three forms of highly absorbable magnesium help regulate the hyperarousal and hypervigilance that characterize PTSD.

PTSD involves a nervous system stuck in high alert, constantly scanning for threats. Magnesium supports nervous system regulation and helps modulate the stress response. This pharmaceutical-grade formula combines glycinate for calming effects, malate for energy, and oxide for overall magnesium status. Research suggests magnesium may help reduce hyperarousal symptoms and support better sleep, which is often severely disrupted in PTSD. The 250mg dose provides therapeutic support without causing digestive issues.

What We Like

• Triple magnesium blend maximizes absorption and effectiveness
• Specifically helpful for hyperarousal and hypervigilance
• Supports GABA production for nervous system calm
• 120 capsules provide four months of supply

What Could Be Better

• Addresses physical more than emotional symptoms
• May need combination with other supportive supplements

Bottom Line: For managing the nervous system hyperarousal and physical tension in PTSD, magnesium provides essential foundational support.

3. aSquared Nutrition Rhodiola Rosea 1000mg – Best Value

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High-potency rhodiola provides powerful adaptogenic support for building stress resilience during PTSD recovery.

Rhodiola rosea helps the body adapt to stress more effectively, which is particularly valuable when recovering from trauma. At 1000mg per serving, this supplement provides a therapeutic dose that supports healthy cortisol patterns and improves stress tolerance. The 180-capsule bottle offers six months of daily support at an exceptional price. Many users find that rhodiola helps them feel less reactive to triggers and better able to engage in therapeutic work.

What We Like

• Exceptionally high potency at 1000mg per serving
• Supports stress adaptation and emotional resilience
• 180 vegan capsules provide six months of supply
• Helps reduce fatigue from chronic stress

What Could Be Better

• May be too stimulating if taken late in the day
• Benefits develop gradually over several weeks

Bottom Line: For building long-term stress resilience that supports PTSD recovery at an excellent price, rhodiola is highly effective.

4. Relaxium Calm – Best for Sleep and Mood

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This neurologist-designed formula addresses sleep disturbances and mood symptoms commonly experienced with PTSD.

Sleep problems and mood difficulties are hallmark symptoms of PTSD. This formula combines 5-HTP for serotonin support with ashwagandha for stress regulation and magnesium for nervous system calm. The 5-HTP may help improve both sleep quality and mood, which are often significantly impaired following trauma. However, you should consult your healthcare provider before using this if you take antidepressants or other medications.

What We Like

• 5-HTP supports both sleep and mood regulation
• Developed by a clinical neurologist
• Comprehensive approach to multiple PTSD symptoms
• Non-habit forming sleep support

What Could Be Better

• Should not be combined with SSRIs without medical guidance
• May cause drowsiness during the day in some users

Bottom Line: For addressing the sleep and mood components of PTSD, Relaxium Calm offers multi-targeted support when used appropriately.

5. Cortisol Supplements 10-in-1 – Best for Stress Hormones

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This comprehensive formula targets the cortisol dysregulation that’s central to PTSD’s stress response dysfunction.

PTSD often involves abnormal cortisol patterns, with some people having elevated levels and others having blunted cortisol responses. This 10-ingredient blend combines ashwagandha, L-theanine, and magnesium with seven other compounds to help normalize cortisol function. The L-theanine provides more immediate calming effects, while adaptogens work on long-term stress system regulation. This can help reduce the intensity of stress reactions to triggers.

What We Like

• Ten ingredients work together for comprehensive support
• Specifically targets cortisol dysregulation
• Combines immediate and sustained stress benefits
• May help reduce reactivity to trauma triggers

What Could Be Better

• Complex formula makes individual effects harder to track
• Higher cost per serving than single ingredients

Bottom Line: For comprehensive cortisol regulation that addresses the hormonal dysregulation in PTSD, this multi-ingredient approach is thorough.

6. Mushroom Gummies 4000mg – Best for Brain Health

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A blend of 26 functional mushrooms plus ashwagandha supports brain health and cognitive function affected by trauma.

PTSD can impact memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. This comprehensive mushroom formula includes lion’s mane for brain health, reishi for stress adaptation, and cordyceps for energy and resilience. The addition of ashwagandha provides anxiety-specific support. The gummy format makes consistent supplementation easy. At 4000mg per serving, you’re getting substantial amounts of beneficial mushroom compounds that support both brain and stress resilience.

What We Like

• 26 mushroom species provide comprehensive brain support
• Supports memory and focus alongside stress management
• Easy-to-take gummy format encourages compliance
• Combines cognitive and adaptogenic benefits

What Could Be Better

• Contains natural sugars from gummy formulation
• More expensive than capsule alternatives

Bottom Line: For supporting brain health and cognitive function impaired by trauma, these mushroom gummies provide unique comprehensive benefits.

7. Magnesium Citrate Complex 500mg – Best for Sleep

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High-dose magnesium citrate specifically addresses the severe sleep disturbances common in PTSD.

Sleep problems are nearly universal in PTSD, including difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, and frequent waking. Magnesium citrate at 500mg provides substantial support for nervous system relaxation and sleep quality. The citrate form is highly bioavailable and also supports digestive health. Taking this in the evening can help promote more restful sleep and may reduce the severity of nightmares through its nervous system calming effects.

What We Like

• High 500mg dose for significant sleep support
• Citrate form excellent for both sleep and digestion
• May help reduce nightmare frequency and intensity
• Excellent absorption and bioavailability

What Could Be Better

• May have mild laxative effect in some individuals
• Best used in evening rather than throughout day

Bottom Line: For targeting the sleep disruption that’s so common and debilitating in PTSD, magnesium citrate provides powerful evening support.

8. Prominent Nutrition Schisandra – Best for Mental Endurance

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Schisandra berry extract provides adaptogenic support for the mental fatigue and exhaustion that often accompany PTSD.

Living with PTSD is mentally exhausting, as your nervous system works overtime to manage hypervigilance and stress responses. Schisandra is known for supporting mental endurance and reducing fatigue. This extract helps your body maintain energy and cognitive function despite chronic stress. The 90-capsule supply provides three months of daily adaptogenic support at a reasonable price.

What We Like

• Reduces mental fatigue from chronic hyperarousal
• Supports both stress adaptation and liver health
• No artificial colors or unnecessary additives
• Three-month supply per bottle

What Could Be Better

• Less research on PTSD specifically than other adaptogens
• Benefits may take 4-6 weeks to become noticeable

Bottom Line: For managing the mental exhaustion and fatigue that accompany PTSD recovery, schisandra offers valuable adaptogenic endurance.

How to Choose the Best Supplement for PTSD

Selecting supplements for PTSD requires understanding that they cannot replace trauma-focused therapy, which is the primary evidence-based treatment. Therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Processing Therapy are essential for PTSD recovery. Supplements should be viewed as supportive tools that may help manage symptoms while you engage in therapeutic work.

Start by identifying your most problematic PTSD symptoms. Are you struggling primarily with hyperarousal and hypervigilance? Magnesium can help regulate an overactive nervous system. Is sleep severely disrupted? Magnesium citrate or formulas containing 5-HTP may provide valuable support. Do you experience emotional numbing or depression alongside PTSD? Supplements supporting neurotransmitter function might be beneficial, though these should be discussed with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications.

Research suggests that certain nutrients may be particularly relevant for PTSD. Some studies have found that multivitamin supplementation following traumatic events may reduce PTSD development, suggesting that nutritional support matters for stress resilience. Omega-3 fatty acids have also shown promise in some research for reducing PTSD symptom severity. Vitamin D deficiency is common in PTSD and correcting it may help with mood and stress resilience.

Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola help normalize stress hormone patterns, which are typically dysregulated in PTSD. These herbs work gradually over several weeks to improve stress tolerance and resilience. This can make therapeutic work more manageable and may reduce the intensity of stress responses to triggers. However, adaptogens won’t eliminate PTSD symptoms – they simply support more balanced stress responses.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you take medications for PTSD or other conditions. Some supplements can interact with psychiatric medications. Start with single supplements rather than complex formulas so you can identify what helps. Give each supplement adequate time (4-6 weeks) before evaluating effectiveness. Remember that healing from PTSD takes time and professional support – supplements are just one piece of a comprehensive recovery approach.

Benefits of PTSD Supplements

Supplements for PTSD primarily work by supporting the dysregulated stress response system that characterizes this condition. Following trauma, the stress system can become stuck in high alert, constantly scanning for threats even when safe. Adaptogenic herbs help normalize this overactive system by regulating cortisol and improving how your body responds to stress. This doesn’t erase traumatic memories or eliminate symptoms, but it can make the nervous system more flexible and less reactive over time.

Magnesium supplementation addresses the hyperarousal and hypervigilance common in PTSD. Magnesium supports GABA production, the neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system. It also regulates the stress response and supports healthy sleep. Since magnesium deficiency can worsen anxiety and stress symptoms, ensuring adequate levels provides a foundation for better nervous system regulation. This can make it easier to sleep, reduce physical tension, and potentially decrease reactivity to triggers.

Supplements supporting neurotransmitter function may help with the mood and emotional regulation difficulties in PTSD. Many people with PTSD experience depression, emotional numbing, or mood swings. Supplements like 5-HTP that support serotonin production may help improve mood, though they should be used carefully and never combined with SSRIs without medical supervision. L-theanine can promote calm without sedation, which may be helpful for managing anxiety between traumatic stress responses.

Sleep-supporting supplements are particularly valuable for PTSD, where nightmares and sleep disturbances are nearly universal. Better sleep supports emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall resilience. Magnesium, particularly taken in the evening, can promote more restful sleep. Some research suggests it may also reduce nightmare frequency through its nervous system calming effects. Improved sleep quality supports the therapeutic work necessary for PTSD recovery and enhances overall quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best supplement for PTSD and trauma?

While no single supplement treats PTSD, research suggests several may be helpful. Magnesium is important for nervous system regulation and is often deficient in people with PTSD. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown promise in some studies for reducing symptom severity. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola help normalize stress responses. Some research suggests that multivitamin supplementation following trauma may reduce PTSD development. However, supplements should always be combined with trauma-focused therapy like EMDR or Prolonged Exposure, not used as standalone treatment.

Can supplements cure PTSD?

No, supplements cannot cure PTSD. PTSD is a serious mental health condition resulting from trauma that requires professional treatment. Evidence-based therapies like EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Processing Therapy are the primary treatments for PTSD. Medication may also be necessary. Supplements can provide supportive benefits by helping manage symptoms like anxiety, hyperarousal, and sleep disturbances, but they don’t address the underlying traumatic memories or restructure the stress response system the way therapy does.

Should I take supplements if I’m on PTSD medication?

You should always consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements if you’re on PTSD medication. Some supplements can interact with psychiatric medications, particularly SSRIs and other antidepressants. Supplements affecting serotonin (like 5-HTP or St. John’s Wort) should generally be avoided when taking SSRIs. Other supplements like magnesium, ashwagandha, or omega-3s typically have fewer interactions but should still be discussed with your doctor, who can help determine safe and potentially beneficial options for your specific situation.

Does magnesium help with PTSD nightmares?

Magnesium may help reduce nightmare frequency and intensity through its calming effects on the nervous system, though research specifically on PTSD nightmares is limited. Magnesium supports GABA production and helps regulate the stress response, which may lead to more restful sleep with less hyperarousal. Some people with PTSD report fewer or less intense nightmares when taking magnesium before bed, particularly magnesium glycinate or citrate. However, trauma-focused therapy remains the most effective treatment for PTSD-related nightmares.

How long do supplements take to work for PTSD symptoms?

The timeline varies significantly by supplement type and symptom. Magnesium may help with hyperarousal and sleep within 1-2 weeks as levels normalize. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola typically require 2-4 weeks of consistent use before noticeably improving stress resilience and reducing reactivity. Some acute-acting supplements like L-theanine may provide calming effects within 30-60 minutes but work best with regular use. For any supplement, full benefits generally develop over 4-6 weeks. Supplements work much more gradually than medications and should be viewed as long-term supportive tools.

What about omega-3 fatty acids for PTSD?

Research on omega-3 fatty acids for PTSD has shown mixed but somewhat promising results. Some studies suggest that adequate omega-3 intake, particularly high-EPA fish oil, may help reduce PTSD symptom severity and support brain health following trauma. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and support healthy brain function. While they’re not a primary PTSD treatment, ensuring adequate omega-3 intake through diet or supplementation may provide supportive benefits. Typical therapeutic doses are 1000-2000mg of combined EPA and DHA daily.

Can vitamin deficiencies worsen PTSD?

Yes, certain nutritional deficiencies can worsen PTSD symptoms or make recovery more difficult. Vitamin D deficiency is particularly common in people with PTSD and has been linked to more severe symptoms. B vitamin deficiencies can affect neurotransmitter function and stress resilience. Magnesium deficiency worsens anxiety and stress responses. Omega-3 fatty acid insufficiency may impair brain function and emotional regulation. While correcting deficiencies won’t cure PTSD, ensuring optimal nutritional status supports overall brain health and may improve your capacity to engage in therapeutic work and manage symptoms.

Should supplements be used immediately after trauma?

This is a complex question best answered by a healthcare provider familiar with your situation. Some research suggests that certain nutritional interventions following trauma might support resilience and potentially reduce PTSD development. However, the immediate priority after trauma should be safety, basic needs, and professional support. If considering supplements early after trauma, work with a healthcare provider who can recommend appropriate options while ensuring you receive proper trauma support and monitoring for PTSD symptoms that would require professional treatment.

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