L-Theanine
Calming amino acid for focus and relaxation
Category: CAM
Overview
In plain language
L-Theanine is an amino acid found primarily in tea leaves that promotes calm alertness without drowsiness. It increases alpha brain waves associated with relaxed focus and works synergistically with caffeine.
L-Theanine is an amino acid found primarily in tea leaves that promotes calm alertness without drowsiness. It increases alpha brain waves associated with relaxed focus and works synergistically with caffeine.
L-Theanine is a unique amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and influences neurotransmitter activity. It increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels while boosting alpha brain wave activity associated with a state of relaxed alertness. Unlike sedatives, L-theanine promotes calm without drowsiness, making it ideal for focus and concentration. When combined with caffeine, it provides smooth, sustained energy without jitters or crash.
Benefits
Use this section to compare the kinds of benefits people most often look for from this treatment.
General Benefits
L-Theanine promotes a calm, focused mental state by modulating neurotransmitter activity and increasing alpha brain waves. It helps reduce the negative effects of stress while supporting attention, learning, and overall mental performance.
Physical Benefits
Supports healthy blood pressure – Relaxation effects may help maintain blood pressure in the healthy range
Enhances sleep quality – Promotes relaxation without sedation, supporting natural sleep when taken before bed
Modulates caffeine effects – Smooths caffeine's stimulating effects, reducing jitters and crash
Supports immune function – Research suggests potential benefits for immune response modulation
Mental Benefits
Reduces anxiety: Promotes calm alertness.
Improves concentration: Enhances focus and attention span.
Supports mood: Balances neurotransmitters.
Enhances creativity: Encourages relaxed flow state.
Improves sleep onset: Eases transition to rest.
Reduces stress perception: Promotes emotional steadiness.
Additional Information
Related Conditions: Anxiety, stress, insomnia, sleep apnea, fatigue, high blood pressure, immune weakness
Conditions This May Help With
See where this treatment appears most often and review the related condition pages for context.
Health Condition
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common emotional state characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease. It can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing. While a certain amount of anxiety is normal, excessive or persistent anxiety can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
5 studies
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Health Condition
Insomnia
Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, is a common sleep disorder that can significantly impact quality of life. It can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for months or years. While insomnia can affect people of all ages, it is particularly prevalent among older adults.
2 studies
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Expert View
This treatment is included because our expert advisors consider it relevant, even if supporting studies are still limited.
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Our Experts' Opinion
While we don't yet have peer-reviewed research on l-theanine in our database, our clinical advisors have reviewed it and included it based on established clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus.
We continuously evaluate new research and will add supporting studies as they become available.
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