These 7 Herbal Teas Could Help Relieve Anxiety and Stress

The ongoing health crisis has created quite a stressful atmosphere for people and it may seem impossible to just stop and take a breather. In times like these, even the simplest activities like taking a few minutes to prepare a cup of tea may help slow things a bit. Sipping on a hot cup of herbal tea could help relieve the occasional built-up of stress and improve your mood.

While it may take some time for you to find the best-suited herbal tea or tea blend for yourself, the ritualized relaxation could turn out to be very beneficial. One of the key reasons why teas might work so well is due to L-theanine. It is an amino acid that helps increase the production of alpha waves in the brain which may improve brain functions and balance your mood, according to Healthline.

Here is a list of teas that may help you calm your nerves on days when you're extremely anxious:

1. Chamomile tea

The daisy-like flower makes for one of the most popular calming and soothing teas. The caffeine-free, herbal tea blend, helps stabilize anxiety levels. Following a 2016 study, it was found that long-term use of chamomile extracts significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The tea, made using dried Chamomile flowers, comes in two varieties - German and Roman chamomile, according to NetMeds. It is abundant in natural compounds like flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and antioxidants. Moreover, it increases the secretion of serotonin and melatonin hormones which in turn alleviates symptoms of chronic anxiety. A hot cup of chamomile tea can also work wonders on your skin.

2. Peppermint tea

The refreshing garden plant has more uses than just being a seasoning. The cross between watermint and spearmint may help relieve stress, tension headaches, migraines, and even digestive symptoms, per Healthline. A few studies suggest that the aroma of peppermint could help with anxiety, fatigue, and can even boost your energy, naturally leaving you feeling energetic and calm. The menthol in peppermint helps increase the flow of blood while providing a cooling sensation that could relieve stress and ease the pain.

3. Lemon Balm tea

As the name suggests, this balm has a lemony fragrance and is widely used to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. A study revealed that lemon balm helped reduce corticosterone levels, decrease GABA-T levels, and boost GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that soothes stress. In a 2011 study, it was revealed that the extract of lemon balm helped with mild to moderate insomnia and anxiety. A lemon balm supplement was found to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, according to a 2018 study.

4. Lavender tea

While lavender is known for its sedative and mood-stabilizing effects, it can also be handy in relieving anxiety. Prepared using dried buds of lavender, the tea helps relax muscles and nerves while relieving tension and stress, per WebMD. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties also help counter digestive issues stemming from stress. Researchers found that an oral lavender capsule called Silexan was effective as lorazepam, a medicine used to treat anxiety, insomnia, or sleep difficulty due to anxiety or stress, in adults with GAD, according to a 2010 study.

5. Green tea

High in amino acid, L-theanine, green tea may help reduce anxiety and fatigue. The L-theanine boosts the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and increases dopamine, which produces alpha waves in the brain. Loaded with antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols, green tea can also improve physical health along with mental health. It may reduce the risk of cancer and help burn fat.

6. Turmeric tea

Turmeric is a spice found in most households due to its rich anti-inflammatory compound curcumin. Researches in a 2017 study found that curcumin in turmeric may have an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effect on people. It is traditionally used in Asian countries as a medical herb due to its antimutagenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

7. Passionflower tea

The wildflower has been used for a long time to improve sleep and it may also help with anxiety. Passionflower tea has a mild taste that helps increase GABA levels. It is a rich source of phytochemicals and alkaloids, which are known to help reduce stress chemicals. It also helps relieve inflammation and protects the body from stress-induced negative effects on the skin and digestion. A 2017 study found that a passionflower supplement works just as well as mainstream medicines used to treat anxiety in people having dental work.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/tea-for-anxiety#peppermint

https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/5-astounding-benefits-of-chamomile-that-you-should-know#:~:text=Treats%20Anxiety&text=It%20also%20increases%20the%20secretion,hysteria%2C%20nightmares%2C%20and%20insomnia.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stimulants-in-tea#:~:text=Tea%20contains%20an%20amino%20acid,caffeine%2C%20may%20improve%20brain%20function.

https://www.sipsby.com/blogs/functional-herb-spotlights/best-teas-for-stress-anxiety

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538#nutrition

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/calming-effects-of-passionflower

Cover image source: Getty Images | Photos by (L) Natalia Ganelin, (M) Jutta Klee, (R) ChamilleWhite