7 Herbal Teas That Help to Calm Down Anxiety

Anxiety is a severe problem affecting the world. Be it adults or kids, everyone is suffering from some level of stress. It can be due to the pandemic, ever-increasing workloads, or unrelenting deadlines. 

Many people today spend most of their time in front of a screen, with hardly any breaks. Meanwhile, unemployment rates are causing desperation and pandemic news are increasing fear in people. The American Psychology Association (APA) notes that nearly 8 in 10 adults (78%) say the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress.

That and many other socio-economic and environmental problems all come together to heighten people's anxiety and stress. Reports by the Recovery Village states that 33% of adults suffer from extreme stress in the U.S. The scenario is similar in other parts of the world, which is causing havoc in people’s lives and a serious mental health crisis in society.

The potential long-term consequences of persistent stress and anxiety is that it can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems, including high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke—not to mention real emotional distress, restlessness, panic attacks, lack of motivation, fewer sleeping hours and insomnia.

While there are many treatments for stress and anxiety, one of the simplest solutions for calming yourself down at home and relieving some of the stress is physical exercise and sipping a calming beverage. After all, food and exercise are key factors for good mental and physical health.

In fact, experts suggest components in some herbal teas can help take the edge off occasional stress and anxiety. Herbal teas can be a good organic solution for calming down and relieving stress. 

The best things about tea, perhaps, is that it can be consumed not just early in the morning, but also throughout the day. It can also be served hot or cold, depending on your individual preference.

However, there are hundreds of different herbal teas in the world, which means it can be difficult to determine which ones are the best for managing stress and anxiety. 

Best Herbal Teas for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Let’s highlight some of the best herbal teas that are great for lowering stress and anxiety levels:

1. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is a famous herb when it comes to foods and beverages. It has a calming property and several health benefits, including aiding in digestion. 

Peppermint in tea is also a popular choice for alleviating stress and anxiety. The refreshing flavor of peppermint can help reduce your stress and anxiety levels, as well as soothing the stomach.

You can mix peppermint with cold and hot tea for stress relieving effects. 

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger is a famous addition to many beverages, including tea. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve muscle pain and the electrical activity inside the brain. 

Moreover, drinking ginger tea can relax and calm your mind, thus helping to take the edge off and restoring your motivation.

3. Sage Tea

Sage is a kind of mint containing excellent natural calming properties. It can be the perfect addition to your daily tea. 

Research has found sage tea can come in handy in decreasing anxiety, and also increasing people’s immunity to fight infections in the environment.

4. Kratom Tea

Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa), with leaves that contain compounds that have been found to have mood-enhancing and calming effects.

There are various strains of Kratom in the market, including Yellow Vein Kratom, Green Malay Kratom, Red Vein Kratom, Maeng Da Kratom, and many more. The properties in the different Kratom strains vary from strain to strain. 

While some Kratom strains are potent, others are not. But all Kratom strains have psychoactive properties. Dried or powdered Kratom leaves can be added in food, edibles, and brewed as tea, as well as added in mocktails to serve as a recreational product.

In tea, Kraton imparts its calming properties that help in decreasing stress and making the user feel relaxed. Other benefits include improved digestion and improved sleep cycle.

5. Lemon Tea

Lemon added in hot tea and mixed well can help ease stomach indigestion. Sipping hot lemon tea also brings a relaxing effect that can alleviate mental stress and anxieties.

You can also opt for lemon balm or lemon grass. They both are safe for users and have a calming effect that’s good for your health. 

A small clinical trial in 2004 actually found that those who took 600 milligrams of lemon balm before being exposed to a psychological stressor were able to maintain a more positive and calm mood than those who took a placebo.

6. Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon can have many use cases. It can be mixed with many different types of foods, curries, smoothies and beverages for a pleasant, aromatic, healthy, and relaxing culinary experience.

Cinnamon is also filled with antioxidants and offers several health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced blood sugar levels, and even helping with weight loss.

If you are worried about your bulging stomach, you probably should add a piping hot cuppa of cinnamon tea to your daily diet. Studies show cinnamon tea can help fight stubborn fat.

Moreover, consuming cinnamon tea at nigh (ideally with honey) can ;not only be soothing and calm your mind instantly, but also help reduce inflammation and boost wound healing.

The astonishing health benefits of cinnamon does not end there. Cinnamon tea may also fight off infections and reduce PMS and menstrual cramps.

7. Basil Tea

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a tender, aromatic herb native to the Southeast Asia and central African regions. Its leaves are commonly used to add flavor to different foods like salads, pasta, and pizza, as well as beverages. Its flavor lends a particular calming odor and intrigue to tea.

Basil leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in not only calming an aching head and easing extreme anxiety levels, but also promoting overall good mood in the user.

Basil is also believed to help stop or reverse damage caused to lungs due to smoking and tuberculosis. It also contains properties that might help protect the skin from effects of aging.

Because the flavor of some types of basil like tulsi, or holy basil (Ocimum santum), aren’t always strong enough on their own, you can combine basil with black tea and lemon for the perfect brew. Alternatively, steep some fresh basil leaves in boiling water for a few minutes and sip.

In Conclusion

Herbal teas can be a safer option for relieving stress and anxiety and managing many ailments. But you must research your herbs well before using any of them in your food or beverages. 

More importantly, always seek professional guidance from qualified medical experts on usage. Consult them before you include any herbs in your diet. That way you’ll stay safe, use the right quantities, and reap the benefits of herbal teas and other organic solutions for stress and anxiety.