Herbal teas for General Anxiety Disorder

Herbal teas for General Anxiety Disorder

General anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 7% of Americans (about 18 million people) will have an episode of general anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

 

A man in a distressed posture sitting on the ground holding his head.

Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Manageable? 

The good news is that general anxiety disorder is manageable with a combination of treatments including therapy, medication and self-care practices like meditation and yoga. However, if you are looking for a holistic approach to treating your anxiety, adding herbal teas to your daily routine may help reduce some symptoms associated with general anxiety disorder.

 

The symptoms of GAD can be physical, such as muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue, or emotional, such as irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. It can be challenging to manage these symptoms, but there are several solutions that can help alleviate the effects of GAD.


An assortment of loose leaf herbs for tea by a tea pot.

Calming Tea For Anxiety

Chamomile, lavender and peppermint are all known for their ability to relieve stress and tension in the body. Other teas for stress and anxiety might be blended for a specific effect. Some herbal blends have mild sedative effects which can help you relax after a stressful day or event.


An herb that is growing in popularity is Ashwagandha. This ayurvedic herb is a powerhouse in its ability to help manage the impact of anxiety and stress on the mind and body. Research continues to grow on how impactful this herbal root is. Multiple tea blends have it as an ingredient. 


When paired with other common herbs for mental health management such as chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, passionflower and so on, the compounding effect can lead to a relaxing evening or a deep night’s sleep. 



A cup of tea sitting on top of some books, by a window with a small counter clock and a blanket.

Lifestyle Management and Time

GAD can be all consuming. With the demands on our time that modern society has, there always isn’t time to checkout out. If this is the case, try herbs that don’t have a sedative effect. We recommend teas with Lemon Balm in this case. It helps manage anxiety and stress while not inducing sleepiness. 

Whatever your lifestyle is, try to incorporate small amounts of time for yourself when your biomarkers are acting up. If you notice your jaw is sore or her breath is deep, step away for a moment, start the tea kettle, and get out your preferred tea. Take a deep inhale through your nose and start to feel the impacts of aromas from the herbs. 

It might seem silly, but just the scent of lavender and lemongrass can have an immediate impact on stress and anxiety levels. 

Whatever you do, if you are finding an increasing level of stress and anxiety in your life, don’t wait to long to ask for or seek help. People around you are able and willing. And call the doctor when necessary. No mental health program works in isolation. A team is needed. 

Here are some ways to manage General Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

  1. Lifestyle changes, learning coping skills and using relaxation techniques can also help23. Here are some tips for coping with GAD:
  2. Keep physically active. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer4.
  3. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. These substances can cause or worsen anxiety 4.
  4. Quit smoking and cut back or quit drinking coffee4.
  5. Get enough sleep 4.
  6. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation4.
  7. Make time for hobbies and interests4.
  8. Connect with others by joining a club, volunteering, or taking part in group activities4.

Options

When it comes to picking the right tea for the right moment, it is really up to your preferences. However, we recommend if you want a relaxing moment to unwind, stay clear of caffeinated teas. Our Bear Hug and Reishi Realms are perfect for an afternoon and evening. 

If you like something lighter and uplifting, try our Time to Smile, Happy Hibiscus, or Perky Tea (this one has a little caffeine from white tea). 

For a great bedtime tea, or a tea for a moment of stress and anxiety, try our Cozy Chamomile. It’s formulated with powerful herbs to help with mental stress.

We wish you the best on your wellness journey. Reach out with any insights and teas you found that work well for you. 

 

Precaution

When drinking herbal tea for anxiety or depression, it's important to remember that it's not a substitute for professional help. If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. Herbal tea can be a supportive addition to your treatment plan, but it's not a replacement for professional care.


Citations

  1. Link Herbs for Anxiety: Does it work? 
  2. Link - Long-term Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial
  3. Link - Review of bioactivity and potential benefits of chamomile tea
  4. Link - Herbal medicine of the past with bright future
  5. Link - Chamomile and Sleep
  6. Link - a randomized and controlled Chamomile and oil and GAD
  7. Link - Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial
  8. Link - Lavender Oil for Anxiety and Depression may not be the best. 
  9. Link - Multi-center, double-blind, randomized study of the lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. 
  10. Link - Effects of lavender on anxiety
  11. Link - an overview of the most tranquilizer herbs. 
  12. Link - Study the Effect of Inhalation of Peppermint Oil on Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Myocardial Infarction who are Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units of Sirjan
  13. Link - The effect of Mentha piperita L. on the mental health issues of university students: A pilot study
  14. Link- Study the Effect of Inhalation of Peppermint Oil on Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Myocardial Infarction who are Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units of Sirjan
  15. Link - A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.)
  16. Link - University of Michigan  - Stressed? Peppermint can help!
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