In our world of constant demands and distractions, it makes complete sense that many people are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression. In such a fast-paced environment, it can be hard to slow down and find a moment of calm.
Those looking to infuse some peace of mind into their daily routines may have to look no further than their favorite mug. Herbal teas have been used as homeopathic remedies for centuries. Traditional Chinese medicine and India’s Ayurvedic medical tradition deeply incorporate the uses of herbal infusions in their practice. Modern chemistry has confirmed what these ancient traditions have long known—the benefits of tea extend beyond the body and help us to feel whole in the mind.
Herbal teas may seem like they can work wonders, but herbal remedies are only a part of good mental health. Ancient holistic traditions are not just made of miraculous tea—they are a lifestyle of wellness that focus on healthy habits to prevent illness. Herbal tea is not a substitute for prescribed medication, but its benefits can play an important role in the larger picture of our mental and physical wellbeing.
The following herbs are safe for consumption in most cases, but it should be noted that every body is different and results will vary by person. Please use your best judgement and knowledge of your personal health when selecting herbs to help with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Top Herbal Teas for Mental Health
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub in the nightshade family. It grows in regions of India, the Middle East, and Africa, and has a long history of use in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
There has been much study of ashwagandha’s health benefits in recent years. It is considered an adaptogen—part of a group of roots, herbs, and mushrooms that are thought to help the body respond to stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
Ashwagandha is a complex herb, with a tangled web of active compounds that produce different effects. Research to understand how the benefits of this plant affect the human body is ongoing. A 2019 study found that participants who took a daily dose of ashwagandha experienced a reduction in stress, including reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
In addition to its anti-stress benefits, it is believed to have many other effects on the body that can help with a wide range of conditions, including, memory and cognitive function, obsessive compulsive disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Ashwagandha is a component of the Time to Smile, Reishi Realms, and Cozy Chamomile blends from Enlightened Tea, designed to promote relaxation and boost cognitive function.
Passionflower
This bright, showy flower is native to the warmer climate zones of North and South America, where indigenous cultures have used it for centuries for its sedative properties.
Its extract is still used as a component in herbal sedatives, and it has also been shown to be one of the most effective herbs for treating anxiety. Passionflower is one of the ingredients in the anti-anxiety medications Tranquival and Valiflor.
In one study, consuming passionflower tea was shown to improve sleep quality for adults who had inconsistent sleep patterns. Be cautious when consuming passionflower, as it can occasionally cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion in some.
For an enjoyable infusion of passionflower and other bright, floral flavors, our Happy Hibiscus tea provides a rejuvenating break in the day.
Lavender
Even just walking near a luscious, flowering lavender plant is enough to make one stop and breathe deep for a few moments. The heady aroma instantly makes your eyelids feel heavy and ready to drift off to sleep.
Lavender essential oil contains chemicals called terpenes that interact with our nervous system. A 2017 study found that two of these terpenes—linalool and linalyl acetate—may have a calming effect on chemical receptors in the brain. Another study found that generalized anxiety disorder could be treated just as effectively with lavender oil extract as with lorazepam, a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine. Since benzodiazepines are highly addictive and strictly regulated, a lavender-based alternative could offer a safer option to those experiencing GAD.
Be cautious with consuming lavender in large quantities—some have noted constipation, headaches and low blood pressure, among other effects. However, an occasional cup of lavender tea may soothe tense nerves and help the body and mind relax. Our Perky, Time to Smile, and Cozy Chamomile blends all include the calming effects of lavender to help bring some serenity into your day.
Chamomile
There are few better ways to settle down for sleep than by slowly sipping a piping hot cup of chamomile tea. There are two important chemicals in chamomile—apigenin and flavonoids—that bind to receptors in the brain and produce a sedative effect that improves sleep. Studies have found that long-term treatment with chamomile extract can effectively treat moderate to severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Chamomile also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, strengthening the immune system to improve overall body health as well as mental health. If you want to try it for yourself, our Cozy Chamomile blend is designed to help you achieve a state of relaxation everyone deserves at the end of the day.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a go-to tea for digestive complaints, but in addition to settling stomachs, it has been shown to relieve symptoms of anxiety.
Peppermint oil was found to help depression and anxiety in heart attack patients in a clinical setting. University students who regularly took a peppermint infusion reported improvements in sleep and memory, as well as beneficial effects on anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
The compounds in peppermint have antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties as well. Regular consumption could help stave off disease and kill harmful bacteria in the body. Just the aroma of peppermint has been shown to improve alertness and concentration. It has also been shown to help allergies—few things relieve clogged sinuses better than a strong, reinvigorating cup of peppermint tea.
If you’re looking for a refreshing taste of peppermint in your day, our Perky blend, made to awaken the senses and revitalize the mind, might be the right choice for you.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a sweet, citrus flavor with the same cooling effect as other plants in the mint family. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, where it has been historically used to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite and relieve digestive discomfort.
Research has shown that lemon balm can be an effective agent for treating anxiety and depression. In one clinical trial, lemon balm extract was shown to improve anxiety by 18 percent, and to improve sleep by 42 percent. Other studies have explored lemon balm’s ability to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, reduce irritability in children, and alleviate depression.
Lemon balm is an essential ingredient in the Perky, Time to Smile, and Cozy Chamomile blends from Enlightened Tea.
Holy Basil
Holy basil, also called tulsi, is a plant native to the Indian subcontinent and used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. The Hindu revere this plant as the most sacred of herbs, and it is grown in or near almost every Hindu household.
A 2017 study found that holy basil showed benefits to the metabolism that helped reduce stress on the body by regulating blood pressure, glucose levels, and lipid levels. Some research even showed that regular consumption of holy basil can protect the organs from chemical stress from heavy metals and pollutants in the environment.
This aromatic plant has been traditionally used for a wide variety of physical and mental ailments, and current research shows that the list of conditions that can be treated with holy basil is extensive. In addition to benefits for the body, holy basil naturally releases more oxygen into the air than most plants, and it has been planted around the Taj Mahal to beautify the environment and mitigate air pollution.
Holy basil, along with the sweet, cool tastes of peppermint and licorice, can be enjoyed in our Bear Hug blend, designed to soothe anxiety, depression, and stress.
Noni Leaf
Noni is a tropical fruit that grows across the southern Pacific region, where it has long been used in traditional medicine. The extract of its leaves has been shown to have natural sedative and anti-anxiety effects.
The compounds within this plant interact with many different body systems, which make it a popular supplement to promote overall wellbeing. It is an antioxidant used to prevent various forms of cancer, as well as treat cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been used to strengthen bones and cartilage and relieve arthritis symptoms.
This jack-of-all-trades can be found in our Happy Hibiscus blend, which combines the floral flavors and benefits of passionflower, hibiscus, and rooibos for an antioxidant boost in your day.
Reishi Mushroom
Although the world of mushrooms is still vastly unexplored and sometimes mystifying to modern science, ancient medicinal traditions have used mushrooms as health treatments for centuries. Reishi mushrooms, also called lingzhi, are native to Asia and have been used in traditional medicine to support the immune system and promote longevity. Reishi has sometimes been called the “mushroom of immortality.”
In the human brain, it has been found to promote the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that produces a calming effect in the nervous system.
There are a few noted risks when consuming reishi. It can interfere with low blood pressure medication, diabetes, and immune disorders. But if you are able to safely consume reishi, its health benefits are numerous. Antioxidant properties can help prevent the development of cancers, and reishi has even been shown to protect cellular DNA from harmful agents such as radiation.
Our Reishi Realms blend combines this mushroom with the grounding benefits of ashwagandha, licorice root, and fennel to help you find your inner calm while protecting your body from the effects of stress.
Experiment
Each of us are on our own journey towards health. Whether you are starting your journey, or furthering yourself on your current one, remember to experiment with what works for you and what you think tastes good.
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 stress, 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.