Tea has been cherished for centuries for its soothing qualities. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress or looking to unwind after a hectic day, certain teas can help calm your nerves and promote relaxation. This article explores ten of the best teas known for their calming effects, complete with subheadings to guide you through their unique benefits and properties.
10 Best Tea to Drink to Calm Nerves
1. Chamomile Tea
Origins and History
Chamomile tea, derived from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae family, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. Its calming effects were well-known in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Calming Properties
Chamomile is renowned for its mild sedative effects, which can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep. The presence of apigenin, an antioxidant, binds to certain receptors in your brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep.
How to Prepare
Steep one teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. For added flavor and benefits, consider adding a bit of honey or a slice of lemon.
2. Lavender Tea
Aromatic Benefits
Lavender, known for its fragrant purple flowers, is widely used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation. Lavender tea is no exception, offering both aromatic and ingestible calming effects.
Anxiety Reduction
Research has shown that lavender can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Drinking lavender tea can help calm your mind, reduce restlessness, and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Preparation Tips
Brew one tablespoon of dried lavender flowers in a cup of boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. The floral flavor can be enhanced with a touch of honey.
3. Peppermint Tea
Refreshing Calmness
Peppermint tea is known for its refreshing taste and cooling sensation. It’s made from the leaves of the peppermint plant, a hybrid of watermint and spearmint.
Stress Relief
The menthol in peppermint tea has natural muscle relaxant properties. Drinking peppermint tea can help relax the muscles, reduce tension, and alleviate headaches caused by stress.
Brewing Method
Use fresh peppermint leaves or a tea bag and steep in hot water for 7-10 minutes. Enjoy it hot or iced, depending on your preference.
4. Lemon Balm Tea
Historical Use
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, and improve appetite.
Mood Enhancement
Lemon balm tea contains rosmarinic acid, which has been found to increase the availability of neurotransmitters in the brain, thus helping to improve mood and cognitive function.
Simple Recipe
Steep one to two teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Its mild lemon flavor pairs well with a bit of honey.
5. Valerian Root Tea
Ancient Remedy
Valerian root has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times to treat insomnia and anxiety. Its calming effects are well-documented in herbal medicine.
Sedative Effects
Valerian root is rich in compounds that promote relaxation and sleep. It increases levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and helps you feel calm.
How to Brew
Use one teaspoon of dried valerian root in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Due to its strong taste, you might want to mix it with other calming herbs like chamomile or peppermint.
6. Passionflower Tea
Traditional Use
Passionflower has been used traditionally in the Americas and later in Europe as a calming herb. Its beautiful flowers are as soothing as its effects.
Anxiety and Sleep Aid
Studies have shown that passionflower increases GABA levels in the brain, which lowers brain activity and promotes relaxation. It’s particularly effective for those dealing with anxiety and sleep disorders.
Preparing Passionflower Tea
Steep one tablespoon of dried passionflower in hot water for about 10 minutes. Its earthy flavor can be complemented with a bit of honey or lemon.
7. Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea
Ayurvedic Herb
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with stress.
Stress Reduction
Tulsi tea has been found to reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, thereby helping to alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm.
Brewing Instructions
Steep one teaspoon of dried holy basil leaves in boiling water for 5-6 minutes. For added flavor, you can mix it with other herbs like ginger or mint.
8. Green Tea
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and other compounds that provide numerous health benefits, including stress reduction.
L-Theanine Effects
Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and helps reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness. L-theanine increases the production of alpha waves in the brain, which are associated with a relaxed but alert state.
How to Make
Steep one teaspoon of green tea leaves in hot water (not boiling) for about 3-4 minutes. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
9. Rose Tea
Floral Relaxation
Rose tea, made from the petals and buds of roses, is known for its delicate flavor and calming effects.
Mood Lifting
Rose tea contains flavonoids that have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Its soothing aroma can also help uplift your mood and promote a sense of peace.
Brewing Rose Tea
Use one tablespoon of dried rose petals in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. Its floral notes can be enhanced with a bit of honey or lemon.
10. Ashwagandha Tea
Adaptogenic Herb
Ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body resist stress and maintain balance.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Ashwagandha has been found to reduce cortisol levels and mimic the effects of GABA, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Preparing Ashwagandha Tea
Steep one teaspoon of dried ashwagandha root in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Its earthy flavor can be balanced with a bit of honey or ginger.
See Also: 10 Best Teas to Lower Blood Sugar
Conclusion
Incorporating these calming teas into your daily routine can be a simple and effective way to manage stress and promote relaxation. Each tea offers unique properties that can help soothe your nerves and improve your overall well-being. Experiment with these options to find the perfect blend that suits your taste and needs.
By understanding the calming benefits of these ten teas and incorporating them into your routine, you can create a natural, soothing ritual to help calm your nerves and promote a sense of tranquility in your life.