Introduction
Struggling with anxiety? Well, don’t go for pills. Sip your way to relaxation with a soothing cup of herbal tea. Although prescribed medications for anxiety are widely available in the market, but for those seeking a natural remedy for anxiety herbal teas are the solution for anxiety relief. But what is the best herbal tea for anxiety and does it really work. Let us explore in this guide the topic of herbal teas for anxiety relief in s lucid yet comprehensive way.
Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact
Before we explore the topic of herbal teas for anxiety relief, let us take a brief look at some key statistics regarding anxiety provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- 1.Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in the world, affecting 301 million people in 2019.
- 2.Women are affected by anxiety more than men.
- 3.Approximately 4% of the global population are affected by anxiety disorders
- 4.Symptoms of anxiety often start to show during childhood or adolescence Even as effective treatments for anxiety are widely available, only in about 1 in 4 people or 27.6% receive any treatment.
Can Tea Stop Anxiety?
Drinking herbal tera can’t cure anxiety totally, but they can definitely provide relief from its symptoms. Teas like chamomile and green tea contain elements that interact with your brain and reduce stress. For example, chamomile contains a compound call apigenis that binds to particular receptors in the brain that promotes sleep and reduce insomnia.
As for Green tea, it contains L-theanine. When consumed it results into relaxation and improves concentration. According to research L-theanine, if confused regularly, can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
Although herbal teas are not ultimate cure for anxiety, they can certainly be useful natural remedies for stress and anxiety.
Best Herbal Teas for Anxiety Relief
So, if you are keen on knowing which tea is best for sleep and anxiety or are looking for the strongest herb for anxiety, there are several herbal teas at your disposal, each with unique properties and effects.
1. Is chamomile tea good for anxiety?
Chamomile tea is one of the most widely used natural remedies for anxiety. Research shows that chamomile tea contains a compound called apigenis which provides relieve for anxiety symptoms.
“Apigenin’s therapeutic potential is underscored by human clinical studies using chamomile extract, which contains apigenin as an active ingredient. Collectively, chamomile extract has been reported to alleviate anxiety, improve mood, and relieve pain” says a research paper titled Apigenin: a natural molecule at the intersection of sleep and aging.
2.Does lavender tea help with anxiety?
Lavender, known for its soothing aroma, is also an effective herbal tea for anxiety and stress relief. It relieves stress, reduces headaches and has a calming effect on your body and mind. Its soothing scent relaxes the brain and therefore it is a popular herbal tea for anxiety and panic attacks.
According to a research paper titled Lavender and Nervous system, the herb can have ananxiolytic effect that is effective in curbing the symptoms of anxiety disorders. “Several animal and human investigations suggest anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties for lavender,” says the research paper.
3.Is lemon balm tea good for anxiety?
Lemon balm, belonging to the mint family, is widely used as a herbal tea for relieving anxiety and stress. If you regularly drink lemon balm tea it can help you stay calm and improve your concentration in a stressful situation.
Research shows that the potential “psychoactive properties” of lemon balm “ may provide a unique pharmacological alternative for certain psychiatric disorders; however, the efficacy appears to be dependent on both gender and administration length.”
4.Does passionflower tea help with anxiety?
Often considered to be the strongest herb for anxiety, passionflower tea boosts gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This reduces brain activity, resulting in a sense of calm.
Research shows that passionflower is as effective asoxazepam, a widely used anti-anxiety drug, in reducing anxiety, without the side effects.
“The results suggest that Passiflora extract is an effective drug for the management of generalized anxiety disorder, and the low incidence of impairment of job performance with Passiflora extract compared to oxazepam is an advantage, states the paper titled Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam.
5.Does peppermint tea relieve anxiety?
Peppermint tea, which has a refreshing flavour is also an effective natural remedy for soothing anxiety and stress. It has a component called menthol that relaxes the muscles in your body and promotes a sense calm in your mind and body. These qualities make it a great tea for anxiety and panic attacks.
Research shows peppermint tea is effective in reducing stress and anxiety. It can also reduce fatigue.
6.Is ashwagandha tea good for anxiety?
Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, is often considered as one of the strongest herbs for anxiety. Such adaptogens help your body in dealing with stress by regulating the production of a hormone called cortisol which is responsible for stress response.
Research shows “high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.”
7.Is Valerian Tea good for anxiety?
Valerian root is a widely used natural sedative known for reducing anxiety, stress and improving sleep quality. You can take valerian tea before going to bed to get better sleep, making it a handy solution if you suffer from anxiety at night.
“The available evidence suggests that valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects. Future studies should assess a range of doses of standardized preparations of valerian and include standard measures of sleep quality and safety,” says a research paper titled Valerian for Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
8.Is green tea good for anxiety?
Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine which is effective in reducing anxiety. What’s more impressive, is that unlike some other herbal tea, which may make you a bit drowsy, green tea is suitable for having at daytime as it provides relaxation and improves concentration.
Research shows thatL-theanine is effective in reducing anxiety and improving focus.
9.Is Rooibos Tea good for anxiety?
Rooibos tea, packed with antioxidants is effective in reducing inflammation and lower the level of cortisol, a hormone associated with your body’s stress response. If you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake , rooibos tea can be a good choice.
According to research, rooibos tea is effective in reducing anxiety and stress as it regulates the cortisol level in your body.
10.Do Holy Basil Tea help with anxiety?
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is widely used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, Holy basil is an adaptogenic herb which means that it can help your body and reduce anxiety.
Research shows that Tulsi’s anti-anxiety effects are comparable prescribed drugs such as diazepam.
Which tea is best for anxiety and sleep?
If you are suffering from both anxiety and lack of sleep, chamomile tea and valerian tea can be the best solution to your problem. With its mild sedative effects, chamomile is the best tea before you go to bed. Valerian tea’s sleep inducing properties can help you get a sound sleep.
Which tea is best for anxiety and depression?
If you are suffering from both anxiety and depression, green tea and ashwagandha tea can be the right picks for you. Green tea with itsL-theanine content reduces anxiety, Ashwagandha, can help regulate the level of cortisol, a hormone responsible for the body’s response to stress, can reduce the symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Herbal Tea for Anxiety?
If you want maximum anxiety-relieving benefits from herbal teas, you have to make them properly. Here are a few tips on how to make the best herbal tea for anxiety.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Ensure that you always use loose tea leaves or fresh herbs to make the teas.
Steep for the Right Amount of Time
Different herbs need different steeping times to function properly. For example, you should steep chamomile for 5-10 minutes. But valerian root may require a bit more time.
Enhance with Natural Sweeteners
If you find that the herbal teas you are taking for anxiety relief too bitter, use add a small amount of honey and avoid artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion
Herbal teas provide you with a natural remedy for anxiety and depression without the side effects of prescribed drugs. Each tea comes with its unique benefits and component to relieve symptoms of anxiety and soothe your body and mind.
So, what is the best herbal tea for anxiety? Well, it depends on your specific requirements and health condition. Now you can take up that tea cup and start your natural journey for anxiety relief. Which herbal tea worked best for relieving anxiety for you? Let us know in the comments section.
FAQ: Herbal Tea For Anxiety Relief
What are the best herbal teas for anxiety relief?
The best herbal teas for anxiety relief include valerian root, chamomile, lemon balm, lavender and passionflower.
How often should I drink herbal tea for stress relief?
To get the best results, you can drink1-3 cups of herbal tea daily every day. However, it will vary depending on individual health condition and preference.
Can I mix different herbal teas for better stress relief?
Yes, mixing herbal teas can be beneficial for anxiety relief. Chamomile and lavender or lemon balm and peppermint are widely used combinations.
Is herbal tea safe to drink before bed?
Yes, most of the herbal teas are safe to drink before bed. Caffeine-free herbal teas such as chamomile, valerian root and lavender are safe to drink before bed.
Are there any side effects of drinking herbal teas?
Herbal teas are mostly safe and well tolerated. However, some herbs likevalerian root and passionflower may make you drowsy or interact with other medications. Its best to consult a doctor on the issue.
