What kind of tea relieves stress

Lemon balm is available in capsules, tablets, creams, and as a tea. Anecdotal reports and scientific research suggest that lemon balm can help with relaxation, boost mood, and ease the symptoms of stress. A study suggests that food containing lemon balm can improve stress levels and cognitive function in young adults. Linden tea is made from the dried flowers, leaves, or bark of the Linden tree. Traditionally, linden tea has been used as an herbal medicine to soothe nerves and treat anxiety, insomnia, and headaches.

One study found that a compound in Linden tea affects the activity of the gamma aminobutyric acid GABA , a naturally occurring amino acid that acts as a chemical messenger in the brain, in a similar way as anti-anxiety medication effects.

If you have low blood pressure or are currently taking medications to lower your blood pressure, you may want to avoid linden tea or use it with caution. It could cause your blood pressure to drop to very low levels. However, this herb was traditionally used to treat stomach and intestinal issues, including gas, upset stomach, stomach inflammation, and anxiety-related loose stools.

Stress and anxiety can aggravate symptoms in people with Irritable bowel syndrome IBS. Some research suggests that the relaxing effects of chamomile and its other compounds may provide some relief for people with IBS. A study of 45 people with IBS found that after 4 weeks of consuming chamomile extract daily, IBS symptoms — such as bloating, abdominal pain, stool consistency, and defecation issues — decreased significantly.

In addition, research suggests that chamomile can help reduce anxiety and insomnia. Rosemary is a popular herb for cooking and fragrances.

One of its less common uses is as an herbal tea. The research shows that the compounds in rosemary can help reduce inflammation, prevent ulcers, and improve overall brain health. Lavender tea may benefit your digestive and mental health.

Lavender extract has long been used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, and research suggests that there may be mental health benefits from drinking it too. A study in 60 older adults found that drinking lavender tea in the morning and night reduced anxiety and depression scores in the participants. Lavender itself can also help promote relaxation and sleep, relieve an upset stomach , and improve your mood.

Relaxing during that time of the month can be challenging, but rose tea may offer some relief. Over the years, people have added rose petals to cakes, jams, and hot teas for flavoring. Lemon balm tea is a good daytime tea since it can help to boost relaxation, without causing drowsiness or decreasing memory recall. Drink throughout the day as needed to calm jittery nerves and soothe symptoms that lead to panic attacks.

Rose tea refers to an infusion made from steeping rose petals. It offers a delicate floral flavor that is mildly sweet. Try our Shanghai Rose tea which pairs aromatic rose petals with delicate Chinese white tea. Studies show that rose tea has neuropharmacological effects.

Researchers in Iran found that damask rose tea offers hypnotic and analgesic effects. The tea increased deep sleep and reduced the amount of time it took to fall asleep.

Scientists also found that the tea directly affects benzodiazepine receptors—the same way that prescription medications such as Xanax and Clonazepam do 5. Most researchers attribute these benefits to the flavonoids present in rose tea. These flavonoids directly target the production of the stress hormone cortisol and help to decrease inflammation, which alleviates pain.

Use one large tablespoon of dried rose petals for every eight ounces of water. Add to a pot of boiling water and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. Strain the rose petals using a fine mesh strainer and serve in teacups.

Sweeten with agave or honey as desired. Peppermint tea is an invigorating tea that helps to boost mood through its refreshing aroma and tingling flavor.

This herb is used by Yogis and traditional medicine practitioners as a way to increase relaxation and improve mood. Animal studies have shown that peppermint tea may help modulate activities in the central and peripheral nervous system. The uplifting effects of this tea have been attributed to phenolic constituents including rosmarinic acid as well as menthol 6.

Use 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves or 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves for every cup of water. You can also use other plants in the Mint family including chocolate mint and Nana mint—the type of mint used in Moroccan mint tea.

To reap these benefits, use fresh or dried leaves rather than tea bags, which can contain filers and broken leaves without all the healthy compounds. Add the leaves to boiling water and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Drink in the morning to add an energizing boost to your mood or throughout the day to uplift your spirits as needed.

Valerian root is one of the most calming herbs you can use to brew tea. Difficulty sleeping is one of the leading effects of anxiety and depression. Peppermint is a natural stress-buster. The menthol in peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant and overall calming agent. Many people drink a cup after a big dinner to settle their stomach. Some mint growing in the wild can acquire toxins from the environment.

There are many types of teas, and steeping times and techniques can vary greatly from tea to tea and brand to brand. Plus, different people may prefer their tea a certain way — lighter or stronger, for example. Generally speaking, to achieve a lighter brew, steep the tea for a shorter period, or — if using loose leaf tea — use less tea. Teas that are sold in teabags, and even some loose teas often come with instructions for steeping times and water temperature.

You can use these as a guideline and then experiment with longer or shorter steeping times until you find the one that gives you the best result for your personal taste.

If you want to learn more about brewing tea like an expert, check out this article. Most of the teas recommended here are herbal. Though natural, herbs can also be very powerful. The National Institutes of Health NIH advises you to always follow the instructions on the package and never take more than the recommended dose. Herbs packaged and distributed in the United States are considered dietary supplements. The notice also warns that dietary supplements may be harmful if misused.

Everyone reacts differently to herbs. Sticking with reputable, well-known brands is your safest option. That said, most of these herbs have a long history of use. Also, the branded blends we recommend are made by reputable companies that make many teas.

You should be able to enjoy these. Just keep in mind to go slow at first, and try starting out with a small cup. Moreover, the American College of Obstetricians Gynecologists ACOG recommends pregnant people limit caffeine intake to no more than milligrams mg per day from all sources. The one exception is green tea, which contains a small amount of caffeine.

The teas recommended here contain a wealth of compounds that may lower stress and benefit your health in many other ways. Except for green tea, all these teas are herbal. Research suggests that some ingredients in a cup of herbal tea may help:. Herbal teas vary in their effectiveness. What calms one person down may not work for another. Or it may be too relaxing for another and make them groggy. Some experts say that the stress-lowering ability of tea comes partly from just stopping long enough to brew and sip a cup, especially if you share it with a friend.

We second that notion! Slowing down for a tea break is a great first step to de-stressing. But how many of us take the time to do it? The thought of wrapping our hands around a warm cup of tea may provide just the motivation we need. If your stress becomes overwhelming or chronic, you may need more help than a cup of tea can give.

In this comprehensive study, researchers used electroencephalography to compare the brain activity of people consuming either an EGCG-containing nutrient drink or a placebo. The EGCG drinkers experienced an increase in the type of brain activity associated with quiet wakefulness; as well as the type of activity linked to increased focus and attention.

Many studies have suggested positive psychological effects because of consuming tea. For example, daily tea consumption seems to lower the risk of developing depression and dementia.

This is likely due to the amino acid found in tea called L-theanine , in combination with the catechin antioxidant EGCG in combination with caffeine. The L-theanine in tea promotes mental wellbeing by increasing the levels of the calming neurotransmitters serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA. GABA is a naturally occurring amino acid that reduces activity in the central nervous system. GABA neurotransmitters are all over the brain and stimulate nerve cells involved in anxiety inhibition as well as those that help to induce sleep.

In one study , researchers reported that volunteers who consumed a nutrient drink containing milligrams of L-theanine, around the amount found in eight cups of tea, had lower cortisol levels and reported feeling more relaxed after performing stress-inducing tasks than did those who consumed a placebo.

With a delicious flavor that makes it easy to sip on for even the pickiest palates, chamomile tea — derived from the herb Matricaria chamomilla L.

It is also widely thought to have self-soothing benefits that include its ability to help with relaxation and reducing anxiety. Many researchers believe that chamomile tea may function like a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that can reduce anxiety and induce sleep. Some research suggests that chamomile binds to benzodiazepine receptors. One study also found that long-term use of chamomile extracts significantly reduced moderate to severe symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder GAD.

Peppermint tea is also delicious, refreshing, and can be consumed hot or cold. Menthol and methyl salicylate, the main ingredients in peppermint and peppermint tea, have been shown to act as a natural antispasmodic and sedative to help relax both your mind and body. Plus, peppermint has shown to be great for your digestive system , which can be helpful if your stress or anxiety levels tend to bring on tummy troubles. Because it helps to relax muscles, peppermint tea can also help to soothe tension headaches brought on by stress and anxiety , even just by inhaling the scent of a warm mug of peppermint tea.

It is well known that green tea is very high in antioxidants, which are known to promote physical health and wellbeing, but green tea is one of the top contenders to support mental health as well. Green tea is one of the best sources of L-theanine, which was mentioned above and has shown to be helpful especially in higher doses in improving stress levels , reducing fatigue, and promoting better sleep. One of the many antioxidants it contains, a flavonoid called epicatechin, may help to protect the brain from oxidative damage , helping to combat the negative effects that stress has on your body and can also be helpful for improving memory.

Lemon balm is derived from the herb Melissa officinalis , a relative of mint with a lemony fragrance, and is another great tea for relieving stress and anxiety.