In today's fast-paced world, anxiety has become a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are various treatments for anxiety, including medication and therapy, many people turn to natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms. One such remedy is the use of herbs. While this is not an exhaustive list, consider it a great place to start as you experiment what works best with you.
In the ayruvedic tradition, and the herbalist communities, it is important to keep in mind that your body is unique to you. What works for someone else might not work for you. Consider this as you work with different herbs and different quantities.
Calming Tea For Anxiety
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an herb that belongs to the mint family. It has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and promote relaxation. Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid and eugenol, which are both known for their calming effects. Studies have shown that lemon balm can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Lemon balm can be taken in capsule form, or it can be brewed as a tea.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular herb known for its calming properties. It is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender oil can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood (Source). Lavender can also be consumed as a tea or taken in capsule form.
Holy Basil
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known for its adaptogenic properties, which means that it helps the body adapt to stress. Holy basil contains eugenol, which has a calming effect on the body. Studies have shown that holy basil can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood (Source). Holy basil can be taken in capsule form, or it can be brewed as a tea.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an herb that belongs to the mint family. It is often used to treat digestive problems, but it also has calming properties. Peppermint contains menthol, which has a relaxing effect on the body. Studies have shown that peppermint can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood (Source). Peppermint can be consumed as a tea or taken in capsule form.
Passionflower
Passionflower is an herb that is often used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It contains flavonoids and alkaloids, which have a calming effect on the body. Studies have shown that passionflower can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood (Source). Passionflower can be taken in capsule form, or it can be brewed as a tea.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known for its adaptogenic properties, which means that it helps the body adapt to stress. Ashwagandha contains compounds called with anolides, which have a calming effect on the body (Source). Studies have shown that ashwagandha can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood (Source). Ashwagandha can be taken in capsule form or brewed as a tea.
Rose Petals
Rose petals have been used for centuries for their calming properties. They contain compounds that have a relaxing effect on the body. Studies have shown that rose petals can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood (Source). Rose petals can be consumed as a tea or taken in capsule form.
Chamomile
Chamomile contains compounds like apigenin, terpenoids, and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These compounds may help reduce stress hormones and ease muscle tension. Chamomile also has a mild sedative effect that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer (Source).
Patience is Key
Finding the right blend for you does take a little trial and error. You can choose to drink your herb of choice by itself, or you can choose a blend that is formulated for the multiple symptoms you want to address such as an overactive mind and high stress levels.
Be sure to be patient. You might find you need to use two tea bags per cup for the desired strength you want. Or, you might find that it takes a week or more of drinking your tea before you experience consistent effects.
Whatever it is, pay attention to yourself. Hold space for yourself. Know that taking care of your mental wellness is a priority and you can take time to future it all out.
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.
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
- Link - an overview of the most tranquilizer herbs.
- Link - The effects of Lemon Balm on depression and anxiety
- Link - Effects of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) extract on neurogenesis associated with serum corticosterone and GABA in the mouse dentate gyrus
- Link - Pilot trial of lemon balm suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances
- Link - Lavender Oil for Anxiety and Depression may not be the best.
- Link - Multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder.
- Link - Effects of lavender on anxiety
- Link - an overview of the most tranquilizer herbs.
- Link - Long-term Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial
- Link - Review of bioactivity and potential benefits of chamomile tea
- Link - Herbal medicine of the past with bright future
- Link - a randomized and controlled Chamomile and oil and GAD
- Link - Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial
- Link - Anti anxiety property of herbs - Passion flower
- Link - Passion Flower: a Reliable Herbal Sedative
- Link - For anxiety disorder
- Link - A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality
- Link -Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study
- Link - Review of human trials - an alternative treatment for anxiety
- Link - safety and clinical effectiveness - Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments.
- Link - Stress response and anxiety
- Link - Mental Health and Depression
- Link - Depression and Anxiety
- Link - Anxiety and Stress
- Link - The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature
- Link - Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons
- Link - Health Benefits of Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A Review
- 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
- Link - The effect of Mentha piperita L. on the mental health issues of university students: A pilot study
- 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
- Link - A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.)
- Link - University of Michigan - Stressed? Peppermint can help!