7 Best Teas for Anxiety and Stress

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Drinking tea for anxiety and stress is a common way to shed those worries and give your body and mind a bit of relief, in addition to many other important health benefits.

What are Anxiety and Stress?

Anxiety and stress are general terms that describe an elevated state of our mind and body. Stress is usually defined as any demand that is placed on your mind or body, and in some cases, the reaction of the body with stress hormones is a good thing.

For example, when you are running away from a predator, the stress hormones in your body give you an energetic boost. However, too much stress, particularly on your mind, can be very dangerous over the long term and is often accompanied by anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, fear or discomfort, often centered on a specific event in the future, or a general sense of anxiety about life, which can be exhausting. Whatever the cause of your stress and anxiety, there is a tea that can help you unwind and relax. [1]

Best Tea for Anxiety and Stress

The best tea for anxiety and stress includes peppermint tea, chamomile tea, lemon balm tea, passion flower tea, green tea, rose tea, kava tea, and ashwagandha tea, among others.

Peppermint Tea

The lack of caffeine, anti-inflammatory properties, and the natural muscle relaxant abilities of this tea make it an ideal way to relax and let your cares melt away. [2]

Chamomile Tea

When it comes to relaxing the muscles and inducing sleep, only a few teas are better than chamomile. It will help to clear your mind and calm your muscles, helping you to drift peacefully into sleep. [3]

An older man holding a yellow cup, looking distressed with a folder labeled 'Bills'

Drinking tea can help reduce anxiety and lessen muscle tension. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Lemon Balm Tea

Studies have found that this type of tea can directly impact the level of certain stress hormones in your blood, while also improving mood and providing healthy energy, rather than nervous or manic energy like caffeine. [4]

Passion Flower Tea

Some of the antioxidants and active compounds in this floral tea can help suppress stress hormones and reduce anxiety, while also helping you overcome any sleep issues. However, this shouldn’t be combined with other anti-anxiety medication, as there can be complications. [5]

Green Tea

Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, green tea is an excellent way to settle the body’s hormonal fluctuations, making it easier to regulate mood and relax the mind. [6]

Rose Tea

Rose tea is known as a tea to consume right before going to bed, as it eases the mind and physically relaxes the body. The calming effect will help you enjoy a restful sleep. [7]

Lavender Tea

Studies on lavender have shown that it can reduce hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, due to the active ingredients of these flowers. This is a popular remedy for women who are experiencing stress and anxiety around the time of menstruation. [8]

Ashwagandha Tea

For thousands of years, ashwagandha tea has been trusted as an anxiolytic remedy, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. Known as one of the teas richest in antioxidants, due to the nutrients in ashwagandha, it makes an excellent anxiolytic tea. [9]

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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