Sleep & Recovery
Sleep architecture, circadian, and CNS recovery.
Ranked by evidence strength across reported benefits.
Creatine Monohydrate
The most-studied and effective ergogenic aid — replenishes ATP via the phosphocreatine system.
Magnesium
Essential cofactor in 300+ enzymatic reactions, from ATP production to muscle relaxation.
Ashwagandha
Adaptogenic herb that down-regulates HPA-axis output — lowers cortisol, supports T in stressed men.
Melatonin
Pineal hormone that signals biological night — most effective for circadian-rhythm shifts.
L-Theanine
Calm focus — alpha-wave amino acid from green tea that takes the edge off caffeine.
Magnesium Glycinate
Chelated magnesium bound to glycine — best-tolerated form for sleep, calm, and muscle relaxation.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-intoxicating cannabinoid studied for anxiety, sleep, and seizures.
Glycine
Inhibitory amino acid that improves sleep quality, glycemic control, and collagen synthesis.
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Hepatoprotective flavonolignan — best-known liver herb, often used around alcohol exposure.
B-Complex (Drinking Recovery)
Alcohol depletes B1, B6, folate — repletion supports neurological recovery.
Bacopa Monnieri
Ayurvedic nootropic with strong evidence for memory consolidation over 8–12 weeks.
Melatonin (low-dose physiologic)
Endogenous sleep hormone; low doses (0.3–0.5 mg) typically outperform mega-doses.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Anti-nausea root — useful for hangover nausea and acid reflux after drinking.
Lavender Oil (Silexan)
Oral lavender essential oil with proven anxiolytic effect.
Kava (WS-1490)
Standardized kavalactone extract for anxiety.
Chamomile (GAD)
Matricaria recutita standardized extract for generalized anxiety.
Rhodiola Rosea
Arctic adaptogen — reduces fatigue and improves mental performance under stress.
Glycine
Inhibitory neurotransmitter that improves sleep quality and supports collagen synthesis.
L-Glutamine
Most abundant amino acid; primary fuel for enterocytes and immune cells.
Panax Ginseng
Adaptogenic ginseng studied for fatigue, cognition, and erectile function.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Ayurvedic adaptogen with anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, and glycemic effects.
Licorice Root
Adrenal-supporting herb; chronic high-dose causes pseudo-aldosteronism.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phospholipid that supports cognition and may blunt cortisol response to stress.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
Malaysian root with moderate human evidence for raising free testosterone and reducing SHBG.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Universal antioxidant that's both water and fat soluble — supports glycemic control and nerve health.
HMB (β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate)
Leucine metabolite — anti-catabolic, useful for cutting phases and untrained populations.
L-Theanine (Sleep)
Tea-derived amino acid that raises alpha brainwaves — relaxation without sedation.
Tart Cherry (Montmorency)
Natural melatonin and anthocyanin source — improves sleep and reduces DOMS.
Phosphatidylserine
Membrane phospholipid — blunts cortisol response to stress and exercise.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha
Root-only standardized ashwagandha extract — the most-studied form for stress and T-support.
BCAAs
Branched-chain amino acids — leucine is the primary mTOR signal for muscle protein synthesis.
HMB
Leucine metabolite reducing muscle protein breakdown, useful in untrained/elderly populations.
Passionflower
Mild anxiolytic and sleep aid with GABA-A modulation.
Reishi
Adaptogenic mushroom used for immune balance, sleep, and stress.
MSM
Organic sulfur source studied for joint pain and exercise recovery.
Ipamorelin
Selective GH secretagogue researched for muscle and recovery; not FDA approved.
Dihydromyricetin (DHM)
Flavonoid from Hovenia dulcis — accelerates alcohol clearance and blunts hangover symptoms.
NAC (Pre/Post Drinking Use)
Glutathione precursor — bolsters acetaldehyde detoxification before and after alcohol.
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid)
Conjugated bile acid — hepatoprotective and ER-stress-reducing.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
Phospholipid precursor with cytidine bonus — supports membranes and dopamine.
Rhodiola Rosea
Arctic adaptogen for mental fatigue, burnout, and stress resilience.
Magnesium L-Threonate
Magnesium bound to L-threonic acid — the only form shown to meaningfully raise brain magnesium.
Passionflower (Anxiety)
Passiflora incarnata for mild GAD and pre-surgical anxiety.
L-Tyrosine (Dopamine Replenishment)
Catecholamine precursor — replenishes dopamine/norepinephrine pools after stimulant use.
L-Tyrosine
Catecholamine precursor preserving cognition under stress and sleep deprivation.
L-Tryptophan
Essential amino acid precursor to serotonin and melatonin.
Casein Protein
Slow-digesting milk protein providing sustained amino acid release, popular pre-sleep.
EAAs (Essential Amino Acids)
All 9 essential amino acids; superior to BCAAs alone for MPS.
Chamomile
Gentle anxiolytic and sleep-supportive herb.
Lemon Balm
Mild anxiolytic with cognitive calming effects via GABA-T inhibition.
Schisandra
Adaptogenic berry traditionally used for stamina, liver protection, and stress resilience.
Magnesium Glycinate
Bisglycinate chelate form of magnesium — gentle, well-absorbed, ideal for sleep.
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)
Isoflavone-rich root — reduces alcohol craving and intake in human trials.
NAC (Post-Use Recovery)
GSH precursor — supports glutamatergic rebalancing and oxidative stress recovery after stimulant or psychedelic use.
Alpha-GPC (Cholinergic Recovery)
Choline source — supports acetylcholine after stimulant-driven depletion.
Glycine (Sleep Onset)
3 g pre-bed lowers core body temperature and improves subjective sleep.
Ashwagandha (Cortisol Lowering)
Validated cortisol-lowering adaptogen — ~28% reduction in chronically stressed adults.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Sacred basil adaptogen — anti-stress and mild glucose-lowering effects.
Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol)
15 g hydrolyzed collagen + 50 mg vit C taken 60 min pre-rehab — Shaw 2017 protocol.
L-Glutamine (Gut Barrier)
Preferred fuel for enterocytes — supports intestinal barrier integrity.
Sensoril Ashwagandha
Root + leaf extract standardized to ≥10% withanolides — higher potency, more sedating.
Magnolia Bark
GABAergic anxiolytic bark extract used for sleep and stress.
Hops Extract
Bitter cone extract with mild sedative and phytoestrogenic effects.
L-Tryptophan (Sleep)
Direct serotonin/melatonin precursor for nocturnal use.
GABA (Pharma-grade)
Fermented GABA with reported peripheral relaxation effects.
Valerian (Sleep)
Valeriana officinalis root extract for sleep latency.
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica for anxiety and insomnia.
Shoden Ashwagandha
35% withanolide glycoside Ashwagandha for sleep.
Poria Cocos
TCM mushroom for sleep and immunity.
PharmaGABA
Naturally fermented GABA.
Zinc Monomethionine (ZMA)
Zinc + magnesium + B6 for recovery.
Saffron Affron
Standardized saffron for mood.
Valerian Root Extract
Valeriana officinalis for sleep.
Valerian + Hops
Sleep blend.
Honokiol
Active magnolia compound.
Micellar Casein
Slow-digesting milk protein.
5-HTP
Direct serotonin precursor with mood and sleep applications.
Eleuthero
Adaptogen used to support stamina, immune function, and stress resilience.
Magnesium Taurate
Magnesium + taurine — gentle on the gut with cardiovascular and glycemic synergies.
GABA
Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; oral supplementation has limited CNS penetration.
Valerian Root
Sedative herb traditionally used for sleep onset and mild anxiety.
BPC-157
Research peptide derived from gastric protein, studied for tendon and gut healing.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
Synthetic thymosin β-4 fragment researched for tissue repair; not approved.
Phenibut (caution)
GABA-B agonist with high abuse and dependence potential; restricted in many countries.
Magnesium L-Threonate
Mg form designed for brain penetration; studied for cognition and sleep.
ALCAR (Pre-Drinking)
Mitochondrial cofactor that may reduce acetaldehyde-induced oxidative stress.
Prickly Pear Extract (Opuntia ficus-indica)
Cactus extract — clinically studied for reducing hangover severity when taken before drinking.
Electrolyte Mix (Drinking Protocol)
Sodium, potassium, and magnesium to offset alcohol-induced diuresis and hangover dehydration.
Magnesium Glycinate (Pre-Stimulant Use)
Pre-loaded magnesium glycinate reduces jaw clenching and post-use muscle tension during stimulant/MDMA use.
ALCAR + ALA (Mitochondrial Protection)
Mitochondrial antioxidant stack — popularized as harm-reduction adjunct for MDMA neuroprotection.
EGCG (Green Tea Catechin)
Potent CYP/COMT-modulating antioxidant — popularized in MDMA harm-reduction stacks.
Lion's Mane (Neuroregeneration)
NGF-upregulating mushroom — included in post-use stacks for neurotrophic support.
Vitamin C (Harm-Reduction Antioxidant)
Water-soluble antioxidant — quenches dopamine quinone and other reactive metabolites.
Ashwagandha (Thyroid Support)
Supports T4→T3 conversion in subclinical hypothyroid adults.
L-Ornithine
Urea-cycle amino acid that lowers fatigue and supports nighttime GH release.
Apigenin
Chamomile/parsley flavonoid — GABA-A modulator and CD38 inhibitor for sleep and NAD+.
Valerian Root
GABAergic sedative herb — modest sleep onset benefit.
Passionflower
Anxiolytic herb shown comparable to oxazepam for generalized anxiety.
Lemon Balm (Melissa)
Anxiolytic mint-family herb with GABA-T inhibition.
5-HTP (Sleep Use)
Serotonin → melatonin precursor — supports sleep onset and depth.
Liposomal Glutathione
Phospholipid-encapsulated GSH — protects from gut breakdown for systemic delivery.
California Poppy
Mild sedative with anxiolytic and analgesic activity.
Ziziphus (Jujube Seed)
Traditional Chinese seed extract for insomnia and anxiety.
5-HTP (Post-MDMA Replenishment)
Serotonin precursor — used post-MDMA to support depleted 5-HT stores. Never combine same-day.