Sold by wellness brand Calming Co, Ü Relax is a powder supplement that combines kava with herbs and adaptogens. Mix these ingredients into a glass of water and the brand claims that you’ll feel more relaxed, calm, and in a brighter mood.
So can Ü Relax really provide all of these benefits? To answer this question, keep reading for our comprehensive Ü Relax review.
We’ll evaluate the formula to see if the ingredients are backed by science and if they are used in effective doses for optimal results. We’ll also share if there’s any side effects to look out for, as well as whether or not the formula includes potentially harmful additives.
Lastly, we’ll share some Ü Relax reviews from real customers so that you can get their take on the benefits (and potential side effects) of this product.
What Are The Ü Relax Ingredients?
In order to determine how well Ü Relax performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Kava
The star ingredient in Ü Relax is kava, which is obtained from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant.
Kava has been widely consumed for many years in the South Pacific Islands for ceremonial reasons and also because it provides soothing and calming effects. The main constituents of kava that are responsible for the relaxation effects are called kavalactones.
In a systematic review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, the researchers concluded, “Kava Kava appears to be a short-term treatment for anxiety, but not a replacement for prolonged anti-anxiety use.”
While the stress-relieving benefits of kava are great, we’re concerned about the safety of kava, which we will discuss below.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an excellent addition to the Ü Relax formula because it functions as an adaptogen. This means it works to counteract the harmful effects of stress in the body by lowering levels of the “stress hormone,” cortisol.
Results from numerous clinical trials demonstrate that ashwagandha extracts may help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as help with sleep.
Chamomile
Chamomile is well known as a sleep-inducer, and it can also have positive effects on mood and anxiety.
A randomized controlled trial of 60 elderly people compared placebo capsules to 200 MG of a standardized chamomile extract taken twice daily. The chamomile group had significantly improved sleep quality as compared to the control group.
Plus, no side effects were reported in the chamomile group.
However, we have to point out that we have no way of knowing the exact amount of chamomile (or any ingredient) that’s used in the Ü Relax formula. That’s because the brand uses a proprietary blend for its active ingredients and only the total dose is disclosed rather than the specific dose of each individual ingredient.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that’s well known for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It provides these benefits by elevating levels of neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin.
A 2019 randomized trial published in the journal Nutrients found that healthy adults who took L-theanine over the course of four weeks had a decrease in stress-related symptoms.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has been used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as promote sleep.
There aren’t many studies that look at lemon balm on its own; the studies typically combine lemon balm with other herbs known to reduce stress and anxiety.
For example, in a study involving individuals with mild sleep issues, 81% of those who took a herbal blend of valerian and lemon balm reported significantly improved sleep compared to those who received a placebo. However, the specific contribution of lemon balm, valerian, or their combination to these results remains unclear in this and similar studies.
What Are The Benefits of Ü Relax?
After evaluating the Ü Relax ingredients, we believe there are two main benefits you may notice with this supplement:
Stress Relief
Every ingredient in the Ü Relax formula has research demonstrating the ability to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
Better Sleep
Once again, all of the ingredients in Ü Relax have been shown in studies to help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.
What Are The Side Effects of Ü Relax?
The main ingredient in Ü Relax that could cause side effects is kava. Mild side effects include nausea, stomach aches, drowsiness, and headaches.
The more serious adverse effect that we’re concerned about is liver damage.
In 2002, the FDA issued an advisory notifying consumers that kava-containing dietary supplements may be associated with severe liver injury.
According to the NIH, “The FDA reported that kava-containing products have been associated with liver-related injuries, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure, in over 25 reports of adverse events in other countries.”
How to Use Ü Relax?
Add 1 packet to 4 to 6 ounces of cold water and drink.
Where to Buy Ü Relax?
Ü Relax is sold exclusively on the brand’s website (calmingco.com).
How Much is Ü Relax?
Ü Relax costs $59.85 USD for 15 packs (15 servings), which equates to $3.99 per serving. This is pricey compared to supplements with similar ingredients.
Our Verdict
While the ingredients in Ü Relax have research to support their stress-reducing benefits, we cannot recommend this product due to the potential of kava to cause liver damage.
Pros
- All active ingredients are backed by research
- Benefits include reduced stress and better sleep
- Many positive Ü Relax reviews
- 30 day money back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Kava may cause severe liver injury
- Doses of individual ingredients aren’t listed
What Are Some Alternatives to Ü Relax?
If you’re searching for alternatives to Ü Relax, you can look for relaxing teas or supplements with similar ingredients as this supplement (minus the kava due to the potential for liver injury). Here’s a few alternatives we came across:
- Hyland’s Stress Busters ($15.61 on Amazon): Contains L-Theanine, Lemon Balm and Chamomile
- OLLY Goodbye Stress ($19.49 on Amazon): Contains GABA, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm
- Yogi Tea Honey Lavender Stress Relief Tea ($3.98 on Walmart.com): Contains Organic Chamomile Lavender Tea, Lemon Balm, and more
We recommend that individuals consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
References:
Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 Nov:33:107-117.
Nutrients. 2019 Oct; 11(10): 2362.
J Clin Med. 2022 Jul; 11(14): 4039.
