What Tea is Good for Stress?
Did you know that tea can help you with stress? There is a range of different herbal teas that people have used for thousands of years to enjoy but also help with a variety of health concerns such as stress, anxiety, headaches, fatigue, and sleep.
Not only can the concept of sitting mindfully and enjoying a warm cup of tea help with stress, but many of the herbal properties have been shown by science to affect your stress levels too. This is due to the herbs being able to reduce high blood pressure, inflammation and protect the body from stress with antioxidants, and antiviral and antibacterial compounds.
Herbal teas are derived from natural ingredients, so are typically safe to consume unless stated otherwise. You may choose to slowly introduce them into your usual diet. If you have any serious health conditions, are pregnant, have any allergies, or are on any medication, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor or a health professional to get advice before consuming.
You should always purchase herbal teas from a reputable company that only uses natural ingredients. Make sure you check the packaging to ensure there are no unnecessary ingredients that have been added, as it will dilute the impact of the herb. You can, however, consume teas that combine natural ingredients, for example, lemon and chamomile, as long as they are made with natural ingredients.
Some teas will directly reduce stress while others will help different parts of your body that are under stress or inflamed, for example, IBS, and therefore, reduce the overall stress and tension that your body is experiencing.
Here are some of the best teas that you can purchase, or make fresh yourself, that is good for stress.
#1 Chamomile tea
Chamomile is a small flower from the daisy family and is a popular choice of drink around the world. Chamomile tea is typically associated with better sleep, however, many of the properties can help you relax and reduce overall anxiety. It also holds amazing properties that were previously used to treat a range of intestinal issues and IBS symptoms. Chamomile tea is extremely comforting and gently calms you down. It is slightly sweet, which makes it enjoyable too. It has also been shown to help ease the symptoms of anxiety. Its effectiveness for relieving stress and anxiety has been linked to one of its active ingredients, called apigenin.
#2 Lemon Balm Tea
“Balm” translates to restorative and soothing. Lemon balm has been used for centuries to help with relaxation, stress and to boost a person's mood. It does this by cleansing the body and removing the toxins from your digestive system, blood, and more. It also has properties that can help a headache, improve your digestive health, help your heart, and is a natural antiseptic. It has a mild sedative effect and has a pleasant taste and smell.
#3 Passionflower Tea
Passionflower is often used to make a calming tea to help with anxiety, body aches, and a racing mind. This particular tea has a long history in a variety of cultures, such as with the Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and the Native people of America, all for its medicinal properties. Passionflower is a common plant, so you must harvest it from a trusted source.
#4 Valerian Tea
Valerian roots is another herb that has been used for a long time around the world and dates back to ancient Rome and Greece, as a mild sedative to relax and sleep better. Valerian shouldn’t be taken with alcohol or drugs, as the combination may impact you negatively. It is extremely strong in its relaxation effect, so you shouldn’t drive or participate in any activities that require your attention.
#5 Lavender Tea
Not only does lavender have a gorgeous and distinctive floral scent, but it has also been shown to have a powerful calming effect when a person is feeling stressed, restless, or anxious. It can also help calm you down for a good night's sleep, with a mild sedative effect. It is quick and easy to make your own with loose lavender flowers, or you can purchase tea bags already prepared. There are many lavender essential oils for sale, but these should not be used to make tea. The best lavender for tea is found in England and France.
#6 Green tea
Green tea is one of the most popular teas in the world. It is rich in a wide variety of properties that can help your overall health and is nicknamed the tea of equanimity. This is because green tea has a compound called L-theanine, which can help raise dopamine levels (associated with pleasure) while reducing stress and anxiety and calming the mind.
#7 Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is filled with goodness. It has antiviral and antimicrobial properties, as well as the ability to relax muscles and calm you down. Peppermint is known for its stress-busting properties and has a very pleasant taste and aroma. It can also give you a natural energy boost, even though it does not contain any caffeine. You must ensure that you source peppermint leaves appropriately, as wild mint can be filled with environmental toxins.
There is no one best way to brew tea because there are a variety of techniques that you can use. It also depends on your personal preferences, for example, if you want it hot or cold, or weak or strong. Each tea you purchase should come with its own set of instructions for you to follow, to brew the best tea.
When consuming your tea for stress relief, make sure you schedule out time in your day to sit down and enjoy it. If you are feeling stressed, it is likely a sign that you need to slow down and change your environment. Tea is a great aid for reducing stress.