In today’s fast-paced and stress-filled world, finding ways to manage anxiety has become more important than ever. While there are various techniques and therapies available, sometimes a simple cup of tea can provide a soothing and calming effect. From ancient herbal remedies to modern blends specifically formulated to alleviate anxiety, the world of tea offers a plethora of options to help calm the mind and promote relaxation. This is why we decided to explore some of the best teas for anxiety that allow you a moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life.
Remember, tea is a tool, not a cure. If anxiety persists or feels overwhelming, reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance. But for a gentle nudge towards tranquility, why not give tea a try? You might just find a steaming cup of calm waiting for you! And if you do decide to give it a try, we at StudyFinds are here to help. We have researched across eight expert sources to bring you today’s list of the top seven best teas for anxiety you can get today! Don’t agree with our list or feel we missed out on a good suggestion? No worries. We would love to hear from you in the comments below! Now, onto the list!
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The List: Best Teas For Anxiety That Mental Health Experts Recommend
1. Chamomile
Feeling stressed? Chamomile tea might be the answer you’re looking for. This daisy-like flower isn’t just known for its calming aroma; it packs a powerful punch when it comes to easing anxiety and promoting relaxation. With its delicate aroma and mild, floral taste, chamomile tea has become a go-to choice for those seeking relaxation and relief from various ailments. Nutratea delves into the science behind chamomile’s stress-busting properties. Apigenin, a natural flavonoid, acts as a mild tranquilizer in the brain, mimicking the effects of some antidepressants. This explains why chamomile tea has been a go-to remedy for centuries.
Healthline confirms chamomile’s effectiveness against anxiety, citing a 2016 study that showed long-term use significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. While it may not prevent future anxiety, it can certainly offer relief in the moment.
Choosing Therapy takes a broader look at chamomile’s medicinal benefits beyond stress relief. They mention its historical use as a herbal treatment and its documented presence as one of the oldest medicinal plants. The key lies in its unique composition of flavonoids and terpenoids, which contribute to various therapeutic effects. From reducing inflammation and muscle spasms to soothing menstrual cramps and aiding sleep, chamomile tea offers a holistic approach to well-being.
2. Lavender
Lavender tea is a delightful and fragrant herbal tea that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made from the dried flowers of the lavender plant, this soothing beverage offers a myriad of health benefits and a pleasurable taste profile. But Lavender isn’t just a beautiful flower with a mesmerizing fragrance; it’s also a natural ally in the fight against stress and anxiety. Choosing Therapy reveals that among the 47 lavender varieties, English lavender is the most common in tea blends, offering a floral, sweet taste with known calming benefits.
The science backs the experience. Greatist cites a comprehensive review of 90 studies, where inhaling lavender significantly reduced anxiety. Even oral consumption and massage with lavender showed effectiveness in calming the mind. Consider adding lavender to your wellness routine, whether through tea, aromatherapy, or topical applications. Its calming power might be just what you need to find your inner zen.
Nutratea delves deeper into lavender’s properties, comparing it to chamomile as a natural sedative. Both lavender and chamomile help slow racing thoughts and relax the body, leading to improved sleep and reduced anxiety throughout the day. So, whether you choose a calming lavender-infused tea or simply inhale its soothing aroma, this versatile herb offers a natural way to find peace and relaxation.
3. Passionflower
Passionflower tea is an herbal infusion that has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits and calming effects. Derived from the passionflower plant, this tea has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its sedative properties. Choosing Therapy explains that among the 500 species in the Passifloracea family, passiflora incarnata is the most commonly used in tea. It boasts a range of benefits, including promoting calmness and better sleep. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help reduce inflammation, contributing to overall well-being.
Looking for a natural way to ease into relaxation and improve your sleep? Passionflower tea might be worth exploring. Twinings USA delves into the historical significance of passionflower, highlighting its long-standing use by indigenous peoples in America to support restful sleep. The presence of relaxing compounds similar to chamomile further strengthens its calming properties, making it a potential aid in reducing anxiety.
Calm Clinic compares it to kava, another herb known for its relaxation effects. While not as potent as kava and with fewer conclusive studies, many users report finding similar calming benefits from passionflower tea without the potential side effects associated with kava.
4. Valerian Root
Not to be confused with the Valyrians of “Game of Thrones,” Valerian Root tea, also known as Valeriana officinalis, has long been used for its potential health benefits. Derived from the roots of the Valerian plant, this tea is known for its calming properties and is often consumed to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Valerian root has a long history of use as a sleep aid, but its potential to ease anxiety is also gaining attention. Art of Tea suggests it might regulate nerve impulses in the brain, contributing to reduced anxiety and stress, with many tea drinkers vouching for its calming effects before bed.
Calm Clinic clarifies that while not specifically designed for anxiety, many users find its calming nature effective in soothing anxiety symptoms. Healthline does note the mixed research on valerian’s impact on anxiety while highlighting a 2015 study showing its effectiveness in reducing anxiety in women undergoing a medical procedure.
5. Peppermint
With its vibrant green color and distinct minty flavor, peppermint tea has become a popular choice among tea enthusiasts worldwide. Whether hot or cold, this herbal tea offers a multitude of health benefits and a delightful sensory experience. Art of Tea suggests it could help by calming the digestive system, often upset by anxiety and stress.
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? Peppermint tea might be worth a try. Healthline expands on the potential benefits, citing research that suggests the aroma of peppermint alone may reduce feelings of frustration, anxiety, and fatigue. This adds another layer to the calming effect of peppermint tea.
Wait! there’s more! Choosing Therapy delves deeper into peppermint’s properties, mentioning its caffeine-free nature and naturally sweet taste. They emphasize its long history of use for health benefits, attributing its calming effect to the presence of essential oils like limonene and menthol. Additionally, they mention peppermint’s potential to aid digestion, soothe headaches, relieve cold symptoms, boost energy, and improve concentration.
Check out our list of the best peppermint teas here.
6. Lemon Balm
Derived from the leaves of the lemon balm plant, this tea is renowned for its soothing properties and distinct citrus aroma. Lemon balm tea also offers a delightful and calming experience that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It has long been associated with stress and anxiety relief. Calmer You highlights its ability to improve mood and promote a sense of calm, making it a popular choice for unwinding.
Nutratea explains that lemon balm’s calming properties might stem from its ability to stimulate the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter associated with relaxation. Low GABA levels are linked to anxiety and low mood, so regular consumption of lemon balm tea could potentially improve your outlook and soothe stress.
Greatist provides a historical perspective, mentioning lemon balm’s medicinal use for over 2000 years. They cite scientific studies supporting its anti-anxiety and anti-depressive properties, suggesting it might even prevent oxidative stress and cell death. Additionally, a 2014 study showed that lemon balm tea intake lowered anxiety and cortisol levels while improving memory, potentially offering an alternative to prescription medications with fewer side effects.
7. Green
Green tea is a type of tea that has been consumed for centuries, originating in China and later spreading to other parts of Asia. Known for its numerous health benefits, green tea has gained popularity worldwide and is now one of the most widely consumed beverages.
Why is it so popular? Green tea offers more than just a refreshing drink; it might hold the key to relaxation and improved well-being. Calmer You explains how this may be because of the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid known to promote relaxation and focus, making it a gentle yet effective way to unwind without feeling drowsy.
Choosing Therapy takes a broader look at green tea’s historical significance and potential health benefits. They mention its use in ancient Asian medicine and its association with reducing the risk of various chronic diseases. Additionally, green tea’s antioxidant content might contribute to both physical and mental health by protecting the brain from damage, boosting memory, and potentially reducing stress and anxiety.
But before you dive into a pot of green tea, Art of Tea emphasizes the importance of moderation, reminding us to be mindful of caffeine intake, especially before bedtime, to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Check out our list of the best green teas here.
How does tea reduce anxiety?
But in a world filled with alternative means to relieve anxiety and a plethora of ways to attain them, why turn to tea? We at StudyFinds wanted to answer that exact question and found that there are numerous reasons why one would turn to such a natural remedy. Here are some reasons why sipping on serenity might be just the ticket:
- Herbal Haven: Many teas boast calming properties thanks to their natural ingredients. Chamomile eases tension, lavender promotes relaxation, and valerian root encourages restful sleep.
- Warmth from Within: Holding a steaming mug and inhaling the fragrant aroma provides instant comfort. It’s a sensory hug in a cup, reminding you to slow down and savor the moment.
- Mindful Ritual: Preparing tea becomes a calming ritual. From selecting the blend to measuring the leaves and watching the water dance, each step encourages focus and presence.
- Flavorful Distraction: Engaging your taste buds with a soothing flavor like citrusy lemongrass or sweet honeybush can take your mind off worries and anxieties.
- L-Theanine Power: Certain teas, like green, contain L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress hormones. It’s nature’s built-in chill pill!
- Hydration Hero: Anxiety can dehydrate you, so sipping on tea replenishes fluids and keeps your body happy, which in turn supports emotional well-being.
- Caffeine-Free Options: Worried about the jitters? Opt for naturally caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile. Enjoy the calming benefits without the buzz.
- Sweet or Savory: Customize your cup to your mood. Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing zing. It’s your personal comfort concoction.
- Affordable Antidote: Compared to other stress-reduction strategies, a steaming cup of tea is a budget-friendly way to find your zen. So brew up a batch and breathe easy!
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