Japanese drugstores offer a wide range of over-the-counter supplements designed to ease tension, promote relaxation, and help you stay emotionally balanced.

When browsing the shelves, look out for keywords such as 不安 (anxiety), リラックス (relaxation), and 気分サポート (mood support). From kampo blends rooted in traditional medicine to modern herbal tablets and amino–acid–based calming aids, these products offer accessible, gentle ways to manage seasonal stress and maintain a sense of calm as winter approaches.

Kracie Herb Relax (クラシエ ハーブリラックス)

Best for: Mild irritability, nervousness, restlessness and tension

Summary and What Pharmacists Say: 

A gentle, herb-based remedy that helps calm the mind and ease feelings of restlessness and tension without causing drowsiness. Its traditional herbal formula supports mental balance, making it ideal for stressful days, pre-meeting nerves, or any period of emotional strain. Pharmacists say this is an option for people seeking a natural, non-habit-forming way to restore calm and focus during busy or stressful times.

Active Ingredients: Hange-Koboku-To extract (approx. 750 mg) per 3 packets.

Dosage Instructions: Take 3 packets per day when you feel symptoms such as tension, nervousness or chest/abdominal discomfort.

Price: ~¥2,200 for 24 packets (varies by pharmacy).

Sato Pansedan (佐藤製薬 パンセダン)

Best for: Stress, irritability, tension and mild anxiety

Summary and What Pharmacists Say: 

A plant‑based sedative made with four calming herbs (passionflower, mistletoe, kagi‑kazura and hops) to ease stress, irritability, tension and nervous excitement. It helps relieve mental tension without strong habit-forming effects, making it a good choice for first-time users. 

Pharmacists recommend it for people who feel anxious during stressful life changes, especially when they want a natural, mild way to calm down and also get support with mental clarity.

Active Ingredients: Passionflower extract (approx. 80 mg), Mistletoe extract (approx. 20 mg), Kagi‑kazura extract (approx. 45 mg), Hops extract (approx. 18 mg) per 2 tablets.

Dosage Instructions: Take 2 tablets, 3 times a day. Consume when you feel stressed, anxious or irritable, such as before exams, meetings or during tense or hectic periods.

Price: ~¥1,210 for 24 tablets (varies by pharmacy).

Kobayashi IRC (小林製薬 イララック)

Best for: Irritability, nervous tension, restlessness and mild excitement

Summary and What Pharmacists Say: 

Another gentle, plant-based herbal medicine that helps calm the mind and ease nervous tension. Its traditional botanical formula supports mental balance and relaxation, making it ideal for daily stress, mood swings, or restless periods. Pharmacists often recommend it for people seeking a natural, non-habit-forming solution to restore calm and focus during stressful days.

Active Ingredients: Hops extract approx. 60 mg, Uncaria thorn extract approx. 45 mg, Kanokosou (Japanese valerian) extract approx. 0.24 g per 4 capsules.

Dosage Instructions: Take 4 capsules per day. Consume when you feel irritable, restless, or tense, such as during stressful periods, before important meetings, or whenever you need a natural calming effect.

Price: ~¥1,500 for 20 capsules (varies by pharmacy).

Kobayashi Teirakku (小林製薬 テイラック) 

Best for: Weather-related headaches, dizziness and swelling during low-pressure days

Summary and What Pharmacists Say: 

A fast-acting kampo remedy designed to ease symptoms caused by sudden drops in air pressure, such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue and swelling, by helping rebalance the body’s internal water levels. Its full-dose Goreisan formula works quickly and is recommended for when weather changes trigger discomfort. Pharmacists suggest it to people who feel unwell on rainy, low-pressure days and want an option that supports both physical stability and the autonomic nervous system.

Active Ingredients: Goreisan extract (2.3g per daily dose) per 12 tablets.

Dosage Instructions: Take 4 tablets three times a day (12 tablets total daily). Take before or between meals when you start feeling symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or swelling caused by low pressure.

Price: ~¥1,098 for 24 tablets (varies by pharmacy).

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This information is based on interviews with Japanese drugstore employees and available product data as of November 2025. Always read the product packaging and instructions carefully, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about your treatment. 

For more information, read our full guide to drugstores in Japan.

This page has been brought to you as a public service of The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinic in Yokohama.