What are the best teas for stress and depression? This article is a detailed review of all the teas which can help sooth stress and depression. The article also provides empirical evidence about how each tea can help, as well as where to buy them.
What are the best teas for stress and depression?
Given below is an extensive list of teas, which helps soothe stress and depression:
- Lavender tea
- Lemon balm tea
- Chamomile tea
- Green tea
- Passionflower tea
- Valerian Root Tea
- Peppermint Tea
- Holy Basil Tea
- Ginseng Tea
- Linden Tea
- Rosemary tea
- Catnip Tea
- Oat Straw Tea
- Golden Root Tea
- Ashwagandha Tea
- St. John’s Wort Tea
- Kava Tea
- Ginkgo Tea
- Jiaogulan Tea
- Licorice Root Tea
- Five-flavor fruit tea
- Motherwort Tea
- Hawthorn Tea
- Chinese Jujube Tea
- Chrysanthemum Tea
- Lemongrass Tea
- Safflower Tea
- Gotu Kola
- Sage Tea
- Rose Petal Tea
- Jasmine Tea
- Common Marigold Tea
- Peony Tea
What is Stress?
Stress is a natural response to everyday stresses, but it can become toxic if it interferes with your daily routine. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2019 Stress in America survey:
- More than three-quarters of adults experience physical or emotional stress symptoms like headaches, exhaustion, or shifts in sleeping patterns.
- To cope with stress, 44% of adults say they exercise or go for a walk, while 47% say they listen to music. About a third of people (37%) spend time with friends or relatives.
- In the previous month, nearly half of adults reported that tension kept them awake at night.
- In the past year, almost one-third of adults claim they could have used more emotional support.
What is Depression?
Depression isn’t just a feeling of sorrow. A lack of interest and enjoyment in everyday activities, substantial weight loss or gain, insomnia or heavy sleeping, lack of motivation, inability to focus, feelings of worthlessness or excessive remorse, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide are all symptoms of depression.
The most common mental illness is depression. Depression, fortunately, is treatable. Recovery can be helped by a combination of counseling and antidepressant medicine.
How tea helps with stress and depression?
Tea has traditionally been used as a natural stress reliever and to unwind after a long day. Pouring a hot, steamy cup of tea and sipping it while reading your favorite book or lounging in a comfortable chair will help to improve your mood and reduce stress.
Tea also contains strong components which can target stress and depression on a chemical level, according to scientific studies. Tea is not a substitute for conventional drugs for the treatment of serious depression or anxiety.
Certain medications and herbal supplements can interact with teas. Before using herbal or true teas to relieve your symptoms, talk to your doctor. While tea isn’t a cure, it can help alleviate some of the symptoms that come with mental illness.
It has a natural relaxing effect and encourages you to take a break from your day to relax and concentrate on what really matters. Tea will also make you feel better by improving your general health and well-being.
This balanced elixir’s stress-relieving properties will help you relax, while the delicious flavors are sure to please your palate. Simply steep a few tea bags and lift a glass to a better night’s sleep.
Best teas for stress and depression (Details)
Given below are the details of teas which benefit in stress and depression:
Lavender tea
Lavender is well-known for its ability to soothe and relax the mind. Lavender essential oil has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine and other holistic regimens to help relieve depression and anxiety. In Germany, lavender extracts are also licenced for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Researchers discovered that lavender oil was just as powerful as Lorazepam, a sedative prescribed for anxiety symptoms, in a study of the German lavender supplement Silexan. Lavender also didn’t have the drowsy side effects associated with many anxiety and depression treatments, according to the report. That means you can drink this tea all day long and still concentrate and work.
Lavender tea has a pleasant floral fragrance that aids in relaxation. Lavender’s fragrance has also been shown to increase sleep quality by increasing the amount of time spent in deep sleep cycles.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Lavender Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Lemon balm tea
Lemon balm tea raised GABA levels and decreased corticosterone levels, including cortisol levels, according to a report published in Neurochemical Research. GABA is a relaxation-inducing neurotransmitter, while cortisol is the human stress hormone. According to this report, drinking lemon balm tea will help treat anxiety symptoms on a chemical basis in the brain.
Lemon balm tea was found to help relieve mild to moderate anxiety symptoms in a second study. The 15-day study revealed that 95% of volunteers responded to therapy, with 70% showing full anxiety remission. It’s important to remember that this was a 20-person pilot study, and further research is needed to validate the findings.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Lemon balm Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is made from the flowers of the chamomile plant and has a taste close to that of a crisp green apple. The tea is well-known as a bedtime tea that aids in relaxation. The effects of chamomile tea on psychological distress were investigated in a study published in Phytomedicine.
Chamomile tea’s soothing properties are due to its chemical composition. Apigenin, an antioxidant found in chamomile tea, works directly on neurotransmitters and brain receptors to trigger relaxation. Sleep is also improved with its use.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Chamomile Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Green tea
L-theanine is an amino acid present in green tea. Caffeine absorption is hindered by this amino acid, which has a natural calming effect. L-theanine has been shown in studies to have a natural relaxing effect on the nervous system.
According to a report, green tea has a strong calming effect on the nervous system. Green tea inhibited a-amylase activity, a stress marker, according to the researchers.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Lipton Green Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Passionflower tea
Passionflower has long been used to help people get a better night’s sleep. It can also help with depressive symptoms. The petals of the passion flower plant are used to make passionflower tea.
The plant has long been used to treat anxiety, seizures, and hysteria in the form of tinctures and supplements. Prior to 1978, the FDA had approved passionflower as an over-the-counter sleep aid and sedative.
Drinking passionflower tea improved sleep efficiency, according to a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Phytotherapy Research. Passionflower, like other herbal teas, helps to increase GABA levels, which promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality. Read evidence here.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Passionflower Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Valerian Root Tea
Valerian root tea is a common remedy for insomnia and stress. It has a distinct fragrance and a light sweetness to it. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other herbs like chamomile and St. John’s wort. According to a review, valerian root reduced systolic blood pressure responsiveness, heart rate response, and self-reported stress.
Although there have been cases of over use, Valerian root is usually healthy for most people. An excess of approximately 20 times the prescribed therapeutic dosage, on the other hand, tends to be harmless.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Valerian Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Peppermint Tea
Because of its invigorating fragrance, peppermint tea has potent anti-distress properties. Peppermint tea is made by steeping peppermint leaves in hot water. The result is a pale green tea with a tingling taste and a delightfully soothing scent with hints of pine.
The fragrance of peppermint tea has been shown in studies to help induce relaxation and relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Anti-inflammatory properties in the tea can help to relieve pain and inflammation. It has the same effects on the nervous system as other herbal teas, lowering cortisol levels and improving mood.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Peppermint Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Holy Basil Tea
Holy basil tea has a good aroma and flavour profile, with hints of clove and peppery notes. The herb is widely used in Thai cuisine and has a long list of health benefits.
People who took 500 milligrammes (mg) of holy basil extract every day felt less nervous, stressed, and depressed, according to a report. People were much more sociable. The leaves of holy basil are recommended for drinking as tea by Ayurvedic practitioners.
Holy basil tea has been shown in studies to be as successful as diazepam and other antidepressants in treating anxiety. It has also been shown that the herb improves memory recall and sleep efficiency. Many studies have shown that drinking the tea reduces stress levels dramatically. It is thought to nurture and nourish the body while also providing a sense of relaxation in these realms.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Holy basil Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Ginseng Tea
Ginseng tea can help to alleviate the tiredness that sometimes comes with depression and anxiety. It can also provide protection against high levels of stress. Ginseng tea has a slightly bitter taste that is balanced by a sweet earthiness. It has earthy undertones with traces of carrot and licorice.
Ginseng might not be a cure-all, but science backs up some of its claims. The effects of ginseng were studied in 90 chronic fatigue patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Ginseng was discovered to help enhance mood and cognitive efficiency by researchers.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Ginseng Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Linden Tea
In Europe, linden flower tea is a very popular and common flower tea. It has a sweet taste and a sticky feel, making it one of the best natural teas for at-home use. This tea is used to sedate children, treat headaches, and relieve tension since it has no side effects.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Linden Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Rosemary tea
While rosemary is more commonly found in the kitchen than in the tea cabinet, it makes a tasty, refreshing, and relaxing cup of tea. However, it is still mostly used as an oil. Rosemary oil is used in aromatherapy to help people relax and improve their mood.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Rosemary Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Catnip Tea
Catnip is a stimulant for cats, but it can also be used to make a calming beverage for humans. Catnip has long been used to alleviate fear. It has compounds that are identical to those found in valerian, but it’s unclear if they have the same benefits.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Catnip Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Oat Straw Tea
Oat straw tea has long been used as a folk remedy and natural energy booster, and it can help with insomnia, anxiety, chronic stress, and depression.
Oat straw can also help to boost energy levels and relax the mind. When your mind feels like it’s about to burst, drink this oat straw tea; your mind will soon calm down.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Oat Straw Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Golden Root Tea (Rhodiola)
Rhodiola Rosea, one of the most researched herbs for anxiety relief, may be effective in treating chronic and extreme anxiety. It’s been used in Chinese and Russian medicine to help people deal with stress and improve their stamina. This herb also has potent anti-aging effects. It can be consumed raw or used as a tea.
And though there is some research to back this up, the results are mixed and inconsistent. More research is needed to fully comprehend its possible applications
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Golden Root Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.
Ashwagandha Tea
It’s an adaptogen, which means it can help the body cope with stress. Ashwagandha also has a slew of other health and emotional benefits. It may, for example, improve brain activity, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and aid in the treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms.
Read evidence here.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Ashwagandha Tea | Buy from Amazon |
St. John’s Wort Tea
One of the well-researched herbal treatments for depression is St. John’s wort. It can also help with depressive symptoms.
Before using the herb, consult a doctor or pharmacist since it may interfere with certain medications or cause other negative side effects.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
St. John’s Wort Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Kava Tea
Kava is a plant that grows in the Pacific Islands. Instead of taste, which is characterized as gross, this is often used for its health benefits. It was discovered in a clinical trial that it could be used as a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.
Self-treatment with kava, on the other hand, is not recommended because it can cause liver damage and other severe side effects. It’s commonly used in stress-relieving teas.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Kava Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Ginkgo Tea
A 270 million-year-old tree may be useful in the treatment of anxiety, especially generalized anxiety disorder and memory loss. Both fresh and dried leaves can be used to make tea. If you’re taking some other medications, be careful.
Ginkgo can interact with some medications, such as antidepressants and anticoagulants, despite its benefits.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Ginkgo Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Jiaogulan Tea
Jiaogulan is a plant that has only recently been discovered to be beneficial to humans. It can help to reduce stress and improve overall health as a strong adaptogen.
However, since Jiaogulan is a relatively new plant in the field of non-traditional medicine, the required research could take decades until the benefits and side effects of Jiaogulan are fully understood. According to recent reports, it has anti-stress and anxiolytic properties. Tea can be made from both fresh and dried leaves.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Jiaogulan Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root is a common herbal ingredient in cold and flu teas, as well as a popular sweetener and candy. Licorice is also used to treat stress and exhaustion, but research on this is limited.
Licorice extract was found to relieve stress in mice in a study. In a separate study on mice, researchers discovered that licorice extract would boost the anti-anxiety effects of valerian and other anxiety medications.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Licorice Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Five-flavor fruit tea
In China, Korea, and Japan, five-flavor fruit is widely used to make tea. It can help reduce anxiety and stress in the short term.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Five-flavor Berry Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Motherwort Tea
Motherwort, a mint-family plant, may have sedative and hypotensive effects, and may aid in the treatment of heart problems caused by anxiety.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Motherwort Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Hawthorn Tea
This shrub, which can be found on almost every continent, has long been used to safely treat anxiety and heart issues. In modern medicine, however, there is very little evidence to support its use as an anxiolytic.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Hawthorn Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Chinese Jujube Tea
This mango, also known as Chinese date, can be eaten raw or dried to make tea. It has been used to treat stress and anxiety in Chinese and Korean medicine for centuries. It has been shown in studies to have neuroprotective properties. While this tea is sweet, a compound contained in jujube called ziziphi prevents the perception of sweet tastes in other foods and beverages.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Chinese Jujube Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Chrysanthemum Tea
One of the most popular Chinese teas is chrysanthemum tea. It has a light sweet floral flavour and isn’t just a therapeutic tea; it’s also a tea you can enjoy. Flowers of the chrysanthemum have an anxiolytic effect.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Chrysanthemum Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Lemongrass Tea
Tea, cooking, and essential oils can all be made with one of the most versatile, refreshing, and delicious herbs. According to a study published in the Journal of alternative and complementary medicine, a brief exposure to this fragrance has some perceived anxiolytic properties. Lemongrass tea may have a similar impact.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Lemongrass Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Safflower Tea
Dry safflower petals are commonly used in tea blends for taste, appearance, and health benefits. According to research, safflower has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties that are similar to those of modern drugs.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Safflower Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Gotu Kola
Both Chinese and Indian medicine use gotu kola to cope with stress and anxiety. It has been shown in studies that it can be used as a neuroprotective herbal remedy. Gotu Kola tea has a mild, refreshing, and slightly bitter taste that makes it a refreshing drink.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Gotu kola Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Sage Tea
Clinical trials have shown that one of the most popular Mediterranean herbs i.e. sage, thyme, can reduce anxiety in low doses while increasing calmness in high doses.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Sage Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Rose Petal Tea
Rose tea, in addition to its many advantages, assists in the reduction of stress. This is achieved by soothing the mind, making rose tea an ideal tea to drink before bed. Its soothing effect aids in restful sleep according to research.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Rose Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Jasmine Tea
Only the finest leaves grown to our exacting specifications by trusted growers around the world are used by our professional blenders. We hand pick the leaves. Green tea is expertly blended and infused with real jasmine flowers to produce a fragrant tea with a distinct floral fragrance and flavor.
Thomas Twining started selling fine tea from an English storefront in London’s Strand in 1706. Twinings also sells some of the finest teas in the world from its initial store and in over 100 countries around the world. Twinings natural teas are made without added additives and have a wholesome tea experience.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Twinings of London Jasmine Green Tea Bags, 25 Count (Pack of 1) | Buy from Amazon |
Common Marigold Tea
The common marigold could be one of the best natural remedies for anxiety and stress relief. Marigold has traditionally been used in cosmetics for its skin-soothing properties. Marigold polyphenols were found to have significant anti-anxiety activity in a study.
Marigold tea is made from the dried buds and petals of marigold flowers. Petals are frequently combined with other teas and herbs for flavour and health benefits.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Marigold Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Peony Tea
This flowering plant is commonly used as a herbal remedy or as a refreshing tea in Asia. The buds and petals are used to make a refreshing tea, and the root has sedative and stress-relieving potential. It has an antidepressant-like effect, according to studies.
Name of Tea | Where to buy it from? |
Peony Tea | Buy from Amazon |
Conclusion
This article was a detailed review of tea which can help soothe stress and depression
FAQs: Best tea for stress and depression
What is stress?
Stress is a natural response to everyday stresses, but it can become toxic if it interferes with your daily routine.
What is depression?
Depression isn’t just a feeling of sorrow. A lack of interest and enjoyment in everyday activities, substantial weight loss or gain, insomnia or heavy sleeping, lack of motivation, inability to focus, feelings of worthlessness or excessive remorse, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide are all symptoms of depression.
How can tea help with stress and depression?
Tea also contains strong components which can target stress and depression on a chemical level, according to scientific studies. Tea is not a substitute for conventional drugs for the treatment of serious depression or anxiety.
What is empirical evidence for use of lavender tea?
Researchers discovered that lavender was just as powerful as Lorazepam, a sedative prescribed for anxiety symptoms, in a study of the German lavender supplement Silexan.
Lavender also didn’t have the drowsy side effects associated with many anxiety and depression treatments, according to the report. That means you can drink this tea all day long and still concentrate and work.
What does research say about ginseng tea?
The effects of ginseng were studied in 90 chronic fatigue patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Ginseng was discovered to help enhance mood and cognitive efficiency by researchers.
Can catnip be used for humans?
Catnip is a stimulant for cats, but it can also be used to make a calming beverage for humans. Catnip has long been used to alleviate fear. It has compounds that are identical to those found in valerian, but it’s unclear if they have the same benefits.
Citations
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3367260/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26004733
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003706/
https://annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1744-859X-7-13
http://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPPR/9/IJPPR,Vol9,Issue1,Article22.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22196583