It’s tea time – the perfect way to come back to yourself and find your center. It has been shown the simple act of making tea decreases stress. This article goes a step further to provide you with information on the best teas for relaxation, de-stressing, and relieving anxiety. Next time you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, consider picking one of these teas to soothe your mind, body, and spirit.
For Relaxation
Rose Hips Tea
The smell of roses has shown in research to lead to relaxation. In addition to breathing in the luxurious scent, drinking Rose Hips tea can also help you to relax while offering many health benefits. Rose Hips tea contains analgesic, a natural anti-inflammatory agent that relieves muscle pain. This tea is also filled with vitamin C, which restores your natural immune defenses. Since there is no caffeine in Rose Hips, you can drink this tea any time and do not have to be concerned about it inducing anxiety.
Brahmi Tea
Brahmi is a small succulent herb that is very popular in Ayurveda medicine. Brahmi tea is very effective for relaxation because it helps to regulate the stress response hormones. When ingested, Brahmi increases your levels of serotonin in your brain and this induces a feeling of relaxation. Brahmi also is full of antioxidants that boost your immune system’s response and remove free radicals in the body. While Brahmi will make you feel peaceful and calm, it also boosts your memory and enhances mental focus. This is a great tea to start your morning with as you settle into a serene flow for the day.
Passion Fruit Tea
Passion Fruit tea has long been used for relaxation; the Inca, Aztecs, and South American Indians used this regularly in their medicinal practices. Made from the leaves of the passionflower, this tea naturally reduces anxiety by increasing GABA levels in your brain. Research has shown it both improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety. Since it’s filled with phytochemicals and alkaloids, drinking Passion Fruit tea makes you feel calm and at ease. Other health benefits include repairing skin and tissue damage, cleansing your colon, and boosting your immune system.
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon Balm tea is refreshing, restorative, and relaxing. Lemon Balm is part of the mint family and shares many healing traits with Peppermint. Research shows that Lemon Balm relieves stress, reduces anxiety, and helps alleviate depression. The rosmarinic acid in Lemon Balm activates GABA receptors in your brain, which leads to a feeling of peace and relaxation. Other benefits of Lemon Balm tea are enhancing cognitive functioning such as concentration and memory, soothing the digestive system, and reducing tension to relieve headache and muscle cramps.
For De-Stressing
Ashwagandha Tea
Ashwagandha is an herb with a longstanding history of being used in ancient medicine. It is commonly known as Indian Ginseng or winter cherry. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that assists your body in managing stress. Research has shown that ashwagandha helps to lower the levels of cortisol, or the stress hormone. When cortisol rises due to one’s stress level, other hormones become unbalanced, and this can lead to anxiety or depression. Drinking Ashwagandha tea keeps your cortisol low and therefore leads to a reduction of stress and stress-related symptoms, which over time increases your mental health, blood sugar level, and energy levels.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is a wonderful stress relieving tea with bioactive compounds and antioxidants that improve physical health. Gingerol, the main antioxidant in Ginger tea, protects the brain from harmful chemicals produced by stress. Ginger is also effective in boosting serotonin levels and reducing anxiety. This tea is best for those who suffer digestive issues due to stress, as ginger stimulates acid production to enhance digestion and soothe heartburn and an upset stomach.
Rhodiola Tea
Rhodiola tea, also known as Golden Root tea, is an adaptogen that helps the body to cope with physical, chemical, and environmental stress. The most potent active ingredients in Rhodiola tea are rosavin and salidroside. Research showed that participants who consumed Rhodiola during times of stress found a lessening of anxiety, stress, and fatigue in just three days. Another study demonstrated that Rhodiola improves symptoms related to burnout, or chronic stress. This wonderful root has been used for centuries in Russia and Scandinavia and continues to be a natural option for stress relief.
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the best options for stress relief. Research showed that people who drank green tea had consistently lower levels of stress than those who did not. Green tea is high in L-theanine, which is an amino acid show to decrease stress levels, reduce fatigue, and promote better sleep. Green tea is filled with antioxidants that have physical, mental and emotional benefits. Epictechin is one of these antioxidants in Green tea, and it greatly aids in combating the effects of stress on your body. This tea is often popular as iced tea, but it is just as beneficial when prepared hot. Incorporate it into your daily routine to lower your stress level.
For Anxiety Relief
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint Tea is one of the most versatile teas with immense health, emotional, and psychological benefits. Research has shown the aroma of peppermint reduces feelings of frustration, anxiety, and fatigue. Peppermint herbs have an antispasmodic and sedative effect, which help to relax both mind and body. This tea also is best for soothing stomach troubles and enhancing your digestive system, which is good for those whose tummies are affected by anxiety. Peppermint tea is often non-caffeinated so you can drink it anytime to shift your anxiety and sense of overwhelm into calmness and balance.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular teas for tranquility and anxiety relief. Research has shown that long-term use of chamomile extract significantly reduces moderate to severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. This tea is made from dried chamomile flowers, which resemble daisies in the way they look. It is caffeine-free, which makes it okay to drink any time of the day. Chamomile tea naturally increases serotonin and melatonin levels in your body, which leaves you feeling calm and relaxed without becoming drowsy. Drinking Chamomile is especially potent for eliminating headaches from stress, tension, and anxiety.
Lavender Tea
Lavender is commonly known as a tranquil, relaxing scent. Most don’t realize drinking Lavender tea also has wonderful benefits too, such as mood stabilization and decreasing stress. Research has shown ingesting lavender is as effective as lorazepam, a prescription medicine for people with generalized anxiety disorder. In another study, lavendar was shown to decrease anxiety and increase one’s feeling of positivity. There are also many health benefits to drinking Lavender tea, such as relaxing your muscles and nerves naturally, which reduces muscle pain, prevents tension headaches, and soothes your emotions. The anti-inflammatory properties of Lavender tea also help to prevent stress related illness, boosting your immunity.
Valerian Root Tea
Valerian Root Tea is the go-to for those who need assistance relaxing before bed. Valerian Root is a natural sedative and is a natural cure for sleeplessness due to anxiety. Valerian Root tea regulates your nerve impulses by balancing the GABA levels in your brain. The effects are reducing stress, lowering anxiety levels, and reducing your blood pressure. Long term, Valerian Root tea can help balance your serotonin and norepinephrine levels, which naturally decreases your levels of stress and anxiety. It is very important to note that Valerian Root can interact with certain meditations, so if you are taking prescription medicine please be aware and check with a doctor. Otherwise, this is a wonderful bedtime tea to help you release anxiety before bedtime to fall asleep quickly.
Alanna is a self-care enthusiast, who believes in the restorative power of nature. She studies eco-pscyhology to bridge the human and natural world to promote regenerative healing of the mind, body, and soul. Alanna is currently working as a content writer and enjoys spending her time hiking, meditating with nature, and discovering holistic wisdom.