By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Anxiety
Herbal teas for anxiety are a natural remedy that helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
The best herbal teas for anxiety include Valeriana officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Avena sativa, Passiflora incarnata, Zingiber officinale, Camellia sinensis, Melissa officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Ginkgo biloba.
If left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact daily life, leading to difficulties in sleeping, decreased productivity, strained relationships, and even physical health problems, ultimately affecting one's overall well-being and quality of life.
1. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with anxiety because of its unique ability to interact with the brain's neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
The plant's active compounds, including valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, have been shown to have a sedative effect on the nervous system, calming the mind and body. By regulating the body's response to stress, Valeriana officinalis teas can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of unease and restlessness, and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
This results in improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with anxiety.
- Valerenic acid: Acts as a GABA receptor agonist, which helps to reduce anxiety by enhancing the calming effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain.
- Valeranone: Exhibits sedative and anxiolytic properties by modulating the activity of various neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, leading to a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Isovaleric acid: Has a sedative and muscle relaxant effect, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation by reducing muscle tension and promoting a state of calm.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for anxiety.
- Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of valerenic acids, which contribute to the plant's anxiolytic properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Valeriana officinalis contain smaller amounts of valerenic acids, making them a secondary choice for teas focused on anxiety relief.
- Stems: The stems, although less potent than the roots, contain smaller amounts of valerenic acids and are sometimes used as a substitute when roots are not available.
2. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with anxiety because its calming properties have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
The tea's lavender content interacts with the brain's neurotransmitters, slowing down the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This leads to a decrease in anxiety symptoms and an improvement in mood.
Additionally, the tea's soothing aroma can have a calming effect on the mind, making it easier to unwind and fall asleep, further alleviating anxiety-related issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with anxiety.
- Linalool: This terpene helps with anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels through its sedative and calming effects.
- Linalyl acetate: This terpene contributes to reduced anxiety by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the production of stress hormones, thus promoting a sense of calm.
- Luteolin: This phenolic compound helps alleviate anxiety by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotional responses.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for anxiety.
- Leaves: Used for making teas for anxiety due to their calming and soothing effects.
- Flowers: Used for making teas for anxiety because of their potent calming and relaxing properties.
- Stems: Used for making teas for anxiety as they contain essential oils that help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
3. Avena sativa
Avena sativa teas helps with anxiety because it contains the calming compound avenanthramides.
These antioxidants interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to regulate mood and reduce stress levels. Avena sativa also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and calming the mind.
Additionally, its soothing effects help to reduce muscle tension and promote better sleep. As a natural anxiolytic, Avena sativa teas offer a gentle and effective way to manage anxiety and promote overall well-being.
This herbal remedy has been used for centuries to calm the mind and soothe the spirit.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa teas that help with anxiety.
- Avenacoside: Avenacoside has anxiolytic properties by interacting with the GABA receptor, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Fatty acids: Fatty acids in Avena sativa exhibit anxiolytic effects by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in anxiety regulation.
- Isovitexin: Isovitexin has been shown to possess anxiolytic properties by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme COX-2, which is involved in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators that contribute to anxiety.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Avena sativa used to make teas for anxiety.
- Leaves: Avena sativa leaves are used to make teas for anxiety due to their calming and soothing properties.
- Seeds: Avena sativa seeds are used to make teas for anxiety because they contain a high amount of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps regulate mood.
- Stems: Avena sativa stems are used to make teas for anxiety as they contain flavonoids and other compounds that promote relaxation.
4. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata teas helps with anxiety because it contains a unique combination of flavonoids and alkaloids that promote relaxation and calmness.
The herb's sedative properties work by regulating the nervous system's activity, reducing stress and anxiety triggers. Studies have shown that Passiflora incarnata can lower cortisol levels and heart rate, indicating a decrease in anxiety symptoms.
Additionally, its natural anxiolytic properties can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being and tranquility.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata teas that help with anxiety.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Morphinan alkaloids: These alkaloids have a sedative effect on the central nervous system, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness.
- Iridoids: These compounds have a mild sedative effect and are involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Passiflora incarnata used to make teas for anxiety.
- Leaves: They contain the highest concentration of flavonoids, alkaloids, and other active compounds responsible for their anxiolytic effects.
- Flowers: Rich in flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that contribute to their calming properties and ability to reduce anxiety.
- Roots: Contain a range of bioactive compounds, including harman alkaloids, which have been shown to have a sedative effect and help alleviate anxiety.
5. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with anxiety because it contains compounds that have a natural calming effect on the mind and body.
The active ingredients in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. By soothing the digestive system and alleviating nausea, ginger tea can also help alleviate anxiety symptoms triggered by digestive issues.
This natural remedy can promote a sense of calm and well-being, making it a popular choice for anxiety relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with anxiety.
- Gingerols: These compounds have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress by inhibiting the production of stress hormones like cortisol.
- Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols have anti-anxiety properties that help regulate the body's stress response, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety.
- Zingiberene: This sesquiterpene has a sedative effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress by slowing down brain activity and promoting a sense of calmness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for anxiety.
- Roots: Rich in gingerols and shogaols, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties.
- Rhyzomes: Contain essential oils and compounds that help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
- Buds: High in flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties that help to alleviate anxiety and stress.
6. Camellia sinensis
Camellia sinensis teas helps with anxiety because they contain a unique blend of amino acids, including L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and calms the mind.
The tea's gentle, soothing properties also help to reduce stress and promote a sense of balance. By slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure, Camellia sinensis teas create a calming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and reducing anxiety.
This results in a tranquil state of mind, ideal for those seeking relief from anxiety and stress.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Camellia sinensis teas that help with anxiety.
- Catechins: These polyphenolic compounds help reduce anxiety by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
- Theaflavins: These flavonoid compounds have been shown to possess anxiolytic properties by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotional responses.
- L-theanine: This non-protein amino acid has a calming effect on the nervous system by promoting the production of neurotransmitters, such as GABA, which helps reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Camellia sinensis used to make teas for anxiety.
- Leaves: Camellia sinensis leaves are the most commonly used part to make teas, as they contain high levels of L-theanine, which helps promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Stems: The stems of Camellia sinensis, particularly the young shoots, are used to make tea as they contain a higher concentration of L-theanine and other bioactive compounds that help alleviate anxiety.
- Buds: Camellia sinensis buds are also used to make tea, as they contain a higher concentration of L-theanine and other bioactive compounds that help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
7. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis teas helps with anxiety because it contains a unique blend of compounds that promote relaxation and calmness.
The tea's high concentration of melissic acid and linalool has a soothing effect on the nervous system, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. As a result, individuals who consume Melissa officinalis teas often report a sense of tranquility and improved mood.
The tea's anxiolytic properties also help to regulate emotional responses, providing a natural solution for those seeking relief from anxiety.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with anxiety.
- Rosmarinic acid: Acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce anxiety by calming the nervous system and alleviating oxidative stress.
- Linalool: Exhibits a sedative effect, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety by interacting with the body's GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) system.
- Linalyl acetate: Contributes to the anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects of Melissa officinalis by modulating the body's stress response and promoting a sense of calmness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Melissa officinalis used to make teas for anxiety.
- Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high content of essential oils, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which have a calming effect on the body.
- Flowers: They are often used in herbal teas because they contain a higher concentration of linalool and other essential oils, which help to soothe anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Stems: Although less commonly used, stems of Melissa officinalis can be used in teas, as they contain some of the plant's essential oils and may contribute to the overall calming effect.
8. Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla teas helps with anxiety because of its soothing and calming effects on the nervous system.
The tea's active compounds, such as apigenin and luteolin, have been shown to have a sedative effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This can lead to a decrease in anxiety symptoms, allowing individuals to feel more calm and centered.
Additionally, the tea's gentle and smooth flavor can help to calm the mind and promote a sense of tranquility, making it an effective natural remedy for anxiety.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla teas that help with anxiety.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as a GABA receptor agonist, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
- Bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- Luteolin: This flavonoid has a sedative effect, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm by inhibiting the activity of stress-related enzymes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Matricaria chamomilla used to make teas for anxiety.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for anxiety due to their calming and soothing properties, which help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Seeds: Matricaria chamomilla seeds are also used to make teas for anxiety, possibly due to their ability to promote a good night's sleep and calm the nervous system.
- Leaves: The leaves of Matricaria chamomilla are sometimes used to make teas for anxiety, possibly due to their mild sedative and calming effects.
9. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with anxiety because it contains licorice root, which has been traditionally used to calm the mind and soothe the nervous system.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and balance within the body. The flavonoids present in licorice root also have a positive effect on the brain's neurotransmitters, helping to regulate mood and emotions.
This natural remedy may provide a sense of calm and tranquility, making it a popular choice for those seeking a holistic approach to anxiety relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with anxiety.
- Glycyrrhizin: Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, reducing stress and anxiety by regulating the body's response to stress.
- Liquiritigenin: Exhibits anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects by interacting with the brain's neurotransmitters, particularly GABA, to promote relaxation and calmness.
- Isoliquiritigenin: Possesses a sedative effect, helping to reduce anxiety and stress by influencing the body's sleep-wake cycle and promoting a sense of calmness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for anxiety.
- Roots: They are used to make teas for anxiety due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for anxiety due to their calming effects and ability to reduce stress levels.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for anxiety due to their soothing and anti-anxiety properties, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
10. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with anxiety because of its potential to improve blood flow to the brain and promote cognitive function.
The antioxidant properties in Ginkgo biloba may help reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to anxiety. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba may enhance mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety by influencing neurotransmitter activity, such as serotonin and dopamine.
Studies have also suggested that Ginkgo biloba may have a calming effect, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with anxiety.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds help with anxiety by reducing inflammation and promoting a sense of calm, which can be beneficial for individuals experiencing anxiety disorders.
- Terpenoids: These compounds, particularly bilobalide and ginkgolides, have been shown to have anxiolytic properties by reducing stress and anxiety by influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
- Bilobalide: This terpenoid compound has been found to have anxiolytic and anti-stress effects by reducing anxiety-related behaviors and improving mood, possibly through its interaction with neurotransmitter systems.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for anxiety.
- Leaves: They are commonly used for their calming and anti-anxiety effects due to the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids.
- Seeds: They are often used in teas for their ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety due to their flavonoid content.
- Barks: The bark of the Ginkgo biloba tree is sometimes used to make teas that help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of calmness.