By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Stress
Herbal teas for stress are a type of natural remedy that helps alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
They work by regulating the body's response to stress, calming the mind, and improving sleep quality. Some of the best herbal teas for stress include Valeriana officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Passiflora incarnata, Avena sativa, Melissa officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Camellia sinensis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Schisandra chinensis.
If left untreated, stress can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and strained relationships, ultimately affecting overall well-being and quality of life.
1. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with stress because it contains the active compound valerenic acid, which interacts with the brain's GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and calmness.
This herb has been used for centuries to soothe anxiety and promote a good night's sleep. The tea's sedative properties help to reduce restlessness and promote a sense of tranquility, allowing the body and mind to unwind and recover from the stresses of daily life, leading to improved overall well-being.
It is a natural and effective way to calm the mind and body.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with stress.
- Valerenic acid: Valerenic acid has a sedative effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Isovaleric acid: Isovaleric acid has a calming effect on the body, which helps to reduce stress and promote better sleep quality.
- Valeranone: Valeranone has a sedative effect on the central nervous system, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation and calmness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for stress.
- Roots: They are rich in valerenic acid, a compound responsible for the plant's calming effects.
- Leaves: Although less commonly used, they also contain valerenic acid and other compounds that promote relaxation.
- Stems: They can be used to make teas, but their use is less common compared to roots and leaves, possibly due to lower valerenic acid content.
2. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with stress because it promotes relaxation and calms the mind.
The tea's soothing properties are attributed to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that have a calming effect on the nervous system. Drinking lavender tea can slow down heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and ease muscle tension, creating a peaceful atmosphere that allows the body to unwind.
As a result, individuals can experience a sense of tranquility and reduced anxiety.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with stress.
- Linalool: Acts as a natural sedative and anxiolytic, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Linalyl acetate: Exhibits a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calmness.
- Lavandulol: Has a sedative and anti-anxiety effect, helping to alleviate stress and promote a peaceful sleep.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for stress.
- Leaves: Used in teas for stress due to their calming and soothing properties.
- Flowers: Used in teas for stress due to their relaxing and anxiety-reducing effects.
- Stems: Used in teas for stress due to their ability to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension.
3. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata teas helps with stress because it contains a unique blend of flavonoids, alkaloids, and other compounds that promote relaxation and calmness.
The tea's sedative properties work by reducing the activity of neurons in the brain, leading to a decrease in anxiety and stress levels. As a result, Passiflora incarnata teas can help individuals unwind and manage stress, promoting better sleep, improved mood, and enhanced 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 Passiflora incarnata teas that help with stress.
- Flavonoids: These constituents have a sedative effect, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Alkaloids: They act as GABA receptor agonists, enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA's effect, leading to a calming and stress-reducing effect.
- Iridoids: These compounds have anxiolytic and sedative properties, contributing to a reduction in stress levels and promoting a sense of calm.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Passiflora incarnata used to make teas for stress.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part for Passiflora incarnata tea due to their high concentration of flavonoids and other stress-relieving compounds.
- Roots: Roots are also widely used for Passiflora incarnata tea as they contain a higher concentration of passifloric acid, which has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Fruits: Fruits, or more specifically, the pulp of the fruit, is used to make a tea that is believed to have a calming effect due to its high content of antioxidants and other relaxing compounds.
4. Avena sativa
Avena sativa teas helps with stress because it contains the active compound avenanthramides, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
This herbal tea is believed to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation by regulating cortisol levels and promoting a sense of balance in the body. Additionally, Avena sativa has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to soothe the mind and body, making it a popular natural remedy for stress relief.
Its calming properties can help individuals unwind and feel more centered.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa teas that help with stress.
- Avenanthramides: These polyphenolic compounds have been shown to possess anxiolytic properties, helping to reduce stress by modulating the body's response to stress-inducing stimuli.
- Ferulic acid: As an antioxidant, ferulic acid helps mitigate oxidative stress, contributing to a reduction in anxiety levels and an improvement in overall well-being.
- Beta-amyrin: This triterpenoid compound has been found to exhibit sedative and anxiolytic effects, thereby aiding in the alleviation of stress and promoting relaxation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Avena sativa used to make teas for stress.
- Leaves: The leaves of Avena sativa are commonly used to make teas due to their high content of antioxidants and flavonoids, which help to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Seeds: Avena sativa seeds are used to make teas because they are rich in a nutrient called tryptophan, an amino acid that helps to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and reduces stress.
- Roots: The roots of Avena sativa are also used to make teas, as they contain a compound called avenacoside, which has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system and reduce stress.
5. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis teas helps with stress because it contains rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant that soothes the mind and body.
The herb's calming properties promote relaxation, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of balance. The tea's gentle, citrusy flavor also encourages mindfulness and calmness, allowing the mind to quiet and focus. By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, Melissa officinalis teas offer a natural solution for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
This herbal remedy has been used for centuries to calm the mind and body.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with stress.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by inhibiting the production of stress hormones like cortisol.
- Linalool: This terpene has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
- Luteolin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate stress and anxiety by protecting the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Melissa officinalis used to make teas for stress.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part, as they are rich in essential oils that provide a calming effect on the mind and body.
- Flowers: The flowers of Melissa officinalis are used to create teas that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety due to their high content of calming compounds.
- Stems: The stems of the plant are also used to make teas, which are said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system and promote better sleep.
6. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with stress because it contains bioactive compounds such as gingerols and shogaols, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These compounds interact with the body's natural mechanisms to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
Additionally, ginger has been shown to have a sedative effect, helping to calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle, leading to improved overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with stress.
- Gingerols: These sesquiterpene molecules have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce stress-induced inflammation and promote relaxation.
- Shogaols: These compounds have a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing anxiety and stress by inhibiting the production of stress hormones like cortisol.
- Zingerone: This compound has a sedative effect, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce stress by promoting deep relaxation and improving sleep quality.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for stress.
- Rhyzomes: The most commonly used part of ginger for teas, as it contains the active compounds that provide its medicinal properties.
- Stems: Ginger stems are also used to make tea, as they have a similar composition to the rhyzomes and offer similar benefits.
- Leaves: While not as widely used as rhyzomes, ginger leaves can be used to make tea and are said to have a calming effect on the mind and body.
7. Camellia sinensis
Camellia sinensis teas helps with stress because they contain a unique blend of amino acids and antioxidants that promote relaxation and calmness.
The L-theanine present in the tea is particularly effective in reducing stress levels by slowing down the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and promoting a sense of tranquility. This allows the mind and body to unwind, making it easier to manage stress and anxiety.
The soothing effects of Camellia sinensis teas make them a popular choice for those seeking a natural stress-relief solution.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Camellia sinensis teas that help with stress.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have been shown to possess anti-anxiety and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and protecting against cell damage.
- Catechins: Catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety by influencing neurotransmitter activity.
- Theophylline: This methylxanthine compound has been observed to exhibit a mild stimulatory effect on the central nervous system, which can help alleviate fatigue and stress associated with mental exhaustion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Camellia sinensis used to make teas for stress.
- Leaves: They are used to make traditional tea varieties like green tea, black tea, and oolong tea, which are known for their calming effects and stress-relieving properties.
- Buds: They are used to make high-quality teas like white tea, which is prized for its delicate flavor and potential to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Stems: They are sometimes used to make teas that are rich in antioxidants and have a calming effect on the mind and body, although they are less commonly used than leaves or buds.
8. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with stress because it promotes relaxation and calms the mind.
The flavonoids and terpenoids present in ginkgo biloba have antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in stress levels and anxiety.
Additionally, ginkgo biloba teas have been shown to improve mood and cognitive function, helping individuals to feel more focused and centered, making it an effective natural remedy for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with stress.
- Bilobalide: Helps with stress by acting as a GABA receptor agonist, which can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Flavonoids: Helps with stress by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help mitigate the negative effects of stress on the body.
- Ginkgolides: Helps with stress by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as platelet-activating factor, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for stress.
- Leaves: The leaves are the primary part used to make Ginkgo biloba teas due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Seeds: Ginkgo seeds, also known as ginkgo nuts, are used to make teas that help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and improving mood.
- Buds: Ginkgo buds are used to make teas that can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and improving overall well-being.
9. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with stress because its active compound, glycyrrhizin, has a calming effect on the body.
The tea has been traditionally used to soothe and relax the mind and muscles. By reducing inflammation and promoting a sense of balance, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas can help alleviate anxiety and fatigue caused by stress. Additionally, its adaptogenic properties enable the body to better cope with stress, promoting overall well-being and a sense of calmness.
This makes it a popular herbal remedy for stress relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with stress.
- Glycyrrhizin: This compound has anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties, which help mitigate the negative effects of stress on the body.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas possess antioxidant properties that help counteract oxidative stress caused by chronic stress.
- Licene: This compound has been found to possess anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and neuroprotective effects, contributing to the stress-relieving properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra teas.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for stress.
- Roots: Glycyrrhiza glabra roots are used to make teas for stress because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties.
- Leaves: Glycyrrhiza glabra leaves are used to make teas for stress due to their adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress and promote relaxation.
10. Schisandra chinensis
Schisandra chinensis teas helps with stress because it contains a unique combination of adaptogenic compounds that promote balance and resilience in the body.
The tea's antioxidant properties help to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress. By supporting the body's natural ability to cope with stress, Schisandra chinensis teas can help to calm the mind and promote a sense of well-being, making it a popular natural remedy for stress relief.
Regular consumption may also improve sleep quality.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Schisandra chinensis teas that help with stress.
- Schisandrins: These lignans have antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, helping to reduce stress by regulating cortisol levels and promoting balance in the body.
- Glycosides: These compounds have been shown to exhibit a sedative effect, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
- Schisandrins' secondary compounds: These lignans have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help mitigate the physical effects of stress and promote overall well-being.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Schisandra chinensis used to make teas for stress.
- Fruits: The fruits of Schisandra chinensis are used to make teas due to their high adaptogenic properties, which help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
- Leaves: Schisandra chinensis leaves are used to make teas as they contain antioxidants and other compounds that may help alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Seeds: The seeds of Schisandra chinensis are used in teas for their adaptogenic properties, which are believed to help the body cope with stress and promote relaxation.