Updated: Nov 30, 2024
8 Herbal Teas For Anxiety
Herbal teas have been used for centuries to calm the mind and soothe the body, and they can be a great natural remedy for anxiety.
Herbal teas work by interacting with the body's chemistry to reduce stress and promote relaxation. For example, Passiflora incarnata, also known as passionflower, contains flavonoids and alkaloids that have a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping to quiet racing thoughts and calm the mind. Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, has a calming scent that can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep, while Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, contains compounds that have a sedative effect on the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Drinking herbal teas for anxiety can bring many benefits to your life. Not only can they help you relax and reduce stress, but they can also improve your sleep quality, boost your mood, and increase your energy levels. By incorporating herbal teas into your daily routine, you can feel more grounded and centered, better equipped to handle the challenges of everyday life. Plus, herbal teas are a natural and chemical-free way to manage anxiety, making them a great alternative to prescription medications.
By choosing herbal teas like passionflower, lavender, and valerian root, you can take the first step towards a calmer, happier you.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for anxiety and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata teas contains a range of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides.
These compounds work together to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety by interacting with the body's neurotransmitters, such as GABA and serotonin. The flavonoids in Passiflora incarnata teas, particularly kaempferol and quercetin, have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. The alkaloids, including harmine and harmaline, can also help to regulate the body's stress response and promote a sense of calm.
By influencing the body's neurotransmitters and reducing stress levels, Passiflora incarnata teas can provide relief from anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Passiflora incarnata flowers.
- Add 1 tablespoon of dried flowers or 2 tablespoons of fresh flowers to a heat-resistant cup.
- Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the flowers.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea into another cup.
- Drink the tea 1-2 times a day as needed, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
2. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas contains linalool and linalyl acetate, two active constituents responsible for its calming effects.
These compounds interact with the brain's GABA receptors, which helps regulate mood and anxiety levels. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, Lavandula angustifolia teas helps alleviate anxiety symptoms. Its sedative properties also contribute to improved sleep quality, a common issue associated with anxiety.
Regular consumption of Lavandula angustifolia teas may help individuals manage anxiety more effectively.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers.
- Measure 1 tablespoon of the flowers and place them in a tea infuser or a heat-resistant cup.
- Heat 1 cup of boiling water and pour it over the Lavandula flowers.
- Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea into another cup.
- Drink the tea slowly and enjoy, ideally 1-2 cups per day for anxiety relief.
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3. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas contains a group of biologically active constituents called valerenic acids, valepotriates, and isovaleric acid.
These compounds have a direct impact on the brain's neurotransmitters, particularly GABA, which helps regulate calmness and relaxation. By increasing GABA activity, Valeriana officinalis teas can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of balance. Its sedative properties also help slow down an overactive mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
As a result, Valeriana officinalis teas can provide relief from anxiety by promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
- Gather 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of dried Valeriana officinalis root, and a cup or tea infuser.
- Pour the boiling water over the dried Valeriana officinalis root in the tea infuser.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the root's properties to release.
- Strain the tea into a cup and discard the solids.
- Drink the tea as needed, ideally 1-2 cups per day, to help manage anxiety.
4. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis teas contains rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin as its active constituents.
These compounds have anti-anxiety and adaptogenic properties that help the body cope with stress and tension. Rosmarinic acid, in particular, has been shown to have a sedative effect on the nervous system, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation. Luteolin and apigenin have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from oxidative stress, which can contribute to anxiety symptoms.
By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Melissa officinalis teas can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and promote a sense of calm.
- Gather 1 cup of boiling water and 2-3 teaspoons of dried Melissa officinalis leaves.
- Measure 1 tablespoon of honey (optional) and place it in a cup.
- Add 2-3 teaspoons of dried Melissa officinalis leaves to the cup with honey.
- Pour the boiling water over the leaves and honey, then stir well.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea into another cup and serve.
5. Avena sativa
Avena sativa teas contains the bioactive constituents avenacosides, avenalins, and beta-aminobutyric acid (BABA).
These compounds have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress. Avenacosides and avenalins work by interacting with neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, to regulate mood and emotional balance. BABA, on the other hand, acts as a natural sedative, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
By consuming Avena sativa teas, individuals can experience a sense of calm and tranquility, helping to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
- Gather 1 tablespoon of Avena sativa dried root. You can buy it from a health store or online.
- Boil 1 cup of water in a pot.
- Add the Avena sativa root to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea and drink it while it's still warm. Repeat as needed.
6. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas contains bioactive constituents like flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide.
These compounds have anti-anxiety properties due to their ability to improve blood flow to the brain and act as antioxidants. The flavonoids, in particular, help to reduce stress and anxiety by regulating neurotransmitters and hormones. The terpenoids also contribute to the tea's anxiolytic effects by interacting with the brain's GABA receptors, promoting relaxation.
By balancing the brain's chemistry and reducing oxidative stress, Ginkgo biloba teas can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves, and a tea infuser.
- Place the Ginkgo biloba leaves in the tea infuser.
- Steep the leaves in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup and discard the leaves.
- Drink the tea as needed, ideally 1-2 cups per day, to help with anxiety.
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7. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce stress and anxiety.
The antioxidant properties of these compounds help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety. The anti-inflammatory properties also help relax the muscles and improve blood flow, reducing feelings of tension and anxiety. The warm, spicy flavor of ginger tea can also have a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Regular consumption of ginger tea may help reduce symptoms of anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation in the body.
- Gather 1 teaspoon of dried Ginger root powder and 1 cup of boiling water.
- Add the ginger powder to a tea infuser or a small strainer.
- Pour the boiling water over the ginger powder and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea and add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
- Drink the tea warm or at room temperature, as needed for anxiety relief.
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8. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum teas contains hypericin and hyperforin, which are bioactive constituents that have a sedative effect on the nervous system.
These compounds work by inhibiting the activity of neurotransmitters that stimulate anxiety, such as serotonin and dopamine. Hypericum perforatum teas also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. By reducing inflammation and modulating neurotransmitter activity, Hypericum perforatum teas can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, such as restlessness and irritability.
The anti-anxiety properties of Hypericum perforatum teas are thought to be due to its ability to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Hypericum perforatum flowers or 2 tablespoons of dried flowers.
- Place the flowers in a heat-resistant cup or teapot.
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the flowers.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the liquid.
- Drink 1/2 to 1 cup of the tea, 2-3 times a day, as needed.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent anxiety from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help calm the mind and body, which can be a natural way to reduce anxiety.
Some teas, like chamomile and lavender, have a soothing effect that can slow down racing thoughts and promote relaxation.
Regularly sipping on these teas might help people feel more centered and less anxious.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for anxiety every day?
You can safely drink herbal teas for anxiety every day, but in moderation.
Some herbs, like chamomile and lavender, are known for their calming effects. However, consuming large amounts or certain herbs like valerian root can cause drowsiness and interact with other medications.
Be mindful of your body's response and adjust your tea intake accordingly.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in anxiety?
Herbal teas can start helping with anxiety in as little as 30 minutes to an hour after drinking.
Some people might feel calmer and more relaxed within a few sips.
As you continue to drink herbal teas regularly, you may notice a decrease in anxiety symptoms over time, with noticeable results often seen within a week or two.
What time of day is best to drink herbal tea for anxiety?
If you're feeling anxious, a warm cup of herbal tea can help calm you down.
The best time to drink it is usually in the morning or early afternoon, when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
This can help you relax and focus throughout the day, and it's also a good way to unwind before bed.