Drinking a warm cup of tea is one way to help make you feel calmer. When we hold and sip a warm beverage, it increases feelings of interpersonal “warmth” and friendliness and creates a soothing effect, regardless of the flavor. In addition to this, tea also contains the amino acid, L-Theanine, which helps to balance your mood. The type of tea you choose to brew can also help relieve stress and anxiety. Check out our list below for the 5 best herbal teas for stress relief and relaxation.
This herbal tea is among the most well-known stress-soothing teas. It naturally increases serotonin and melatonin levels in your body. Naturally, you will feel relaxed without feeling drowsy.
Peppermint tea acts as a natural antispasmodic and sedative, which in turn, helps your body and mind relax. It also helps to relax muscles which can help reduce tension headaches and finally, it has shown to be great for your digestive system. Some research even suggests the aroma alone may even reduce feelings of frustration, anxiety and fatigue.
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, but the one targeted directly at stress relief is a flavonoid called epicatechin. This helps to protect your brain from oxidative damage, which helps combat the negative effects that stress can have on the body. Green tea is also high in L-Theanine which helps reduce anxiety.
A mint relative, lemon balm tea contains rosmaric acid. This acid helps to activate GABA receptors in the brain which serve to control the fear or anxiety experienced when neurons are overexcited. In addition, it also helps with sleeplessness, reducing muscle tension and muscle cramps, relieving headaches and soothing the digestive system.
Lavender is widely known for its aromatic ability to sooth anxiety, stabilize moods and even have sedative effects. However, ingesting it can have the same effect. Lavender helps to soothe and relax muscles and nerves, it's great for the digestive system and it also acts as an anti-inflammatory which helps lessen the negative effect that stress can have on the body.
Passionflower has long been used to improve sleep quality and ease symptoms of anxiety. It does this by increasing GABA levels which help reduce stress chemicals and leave you feeling calmer. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, helping to protect your body from the negative side effects of stress such as skin issues, digestive problems and resltessness.
It is important to remember that what works for one person may not work for you. Finding the right herbal tea can take time and you should always talk with a health care provider before adding an herbal tea to your routine.
