WASHINGTON — With all the anxiety in the world, how is anyone supposed to relax?
A new line of drinks are promising to help people do just that.
With names like Marley’s Mellow Mood and Just Chill, they’re being marketed as a less extreme measure than taking prescription drugs or drinking alcohol to take the edge off, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Small studies show that some of the ingredients in the relaxation drinks, such as melatonin, valerian root and L-theanine, can help fight things like sleeplessness. Also, they can “create a sensation of relaxation in isolated situations,” according to The Wall Street Journal.
Clinicians, however, say that supplements or drugs should be a last resort to reduce anxiety. Exercise, a consistent schedule and therapy are preferred methods, according to the Journal.
The FDA isn’t really keeping tabs on the drinks because the ingredients aren’t “drugs,” according to the report.
“They’re not watching for efficacy or the quantity of ingredients in each bottle, or safety,” says the Wall Street Journal’s Sarah Nassauer.
And they’re on the store shelf, next to the soda cans, where kids can get their hands on them.
They run about $2.40 for a can or bottle of Just Chill or Neuro Bliss and while their ingredients read like that of green tea, some contain melatonin.
Nassaeur says, “It’s still a little unclear how effective some of these are.”
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