Feeling stressed or experiencing elevated anxiety? Unwind with a soothing cup of tea. Tea is the best natural way to relieve stress and reduce anxiety. It offers relaxing properties and a list of other added benefits for your health. Please note that a doctor should be consulted in order to establish a proper routine for care and treatment of anxiety or stress.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile Tea is a popular herbal tea that is made from the flowers of the Chamomile plant. Aside from it’s long list of health benefits including providing digestive relief, controlling blood sugar levels, and boosting your immune system, Chamomile Tea is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. According to an article on Medical News Today, many researchers believe that Chamomile tea can function as a benxodiazepine, a prescription drug that can induce sleep and reduce anxiety. Since Chamomile is an herb, it will not provide as large of an effect as a pharmaceutical drug but can still show benefits. It has been used for years by many different cultures, and can also be served in supplement form. Chamomile tea is safe to consume and has a recommended dose of 1 to 4 cups of tea daily.
2. Green Tea
Green tea contains an amino acid called Theanine that is a known constituent that effects the central nervous system. It’s mood-altering effects provide relaxing benefits that can be beneficial to someone suffering from anxiety or stress. It can affect certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine which are neurotransmitters that are known to regulate bodily functions such as emotion. It is important to note that green tea contains caffeine and caffeine can alter the effects of theanine. As proven in a study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health, reduced stress and improved sleep quality can be caused by reduced caffeine content in green tea.
3. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint Tea is another popular herbal tea that has proven health benefits including relieving tension, improving energy, and inducing sleep. Peppermint teas are packed with relaxing effects to help relieve stress and ease your mind. The menthol within the peppermint allows your muscles to relax amidst any ongoing stress or anxiety. When your muscles are relaxed, it is also easier to fall asleep. Peppermint tea can also reduce your body temperature and blood pressure, which in result will help you to better relax. Naturally, peppermint tea does not contain any caffeine and it can relieve tension in your sinus is and head which is beneficial if you are sick. Peppermint tea can also be consumed to relieve cramping or body aches.
4. Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is another soothing herbal tea that can help calm your nerves which results in reduced stress and anxiety relief. Lavender is also a popular aromatherapy scent that can be produced in essential oil form. It is known for its soothing scent and clarifying properties. When consumed in tea form, lavender can help improve the quality of your sleep. Lavender extract can also be found in supplement form and should be consumed with caution. When taking anything that may have an effect on your central nervous system it is important to consult a doctor or other health care professional who can better guide you on how to use and consume the product safely. Aside from its soothing properties, lavender tea can also improve the quality of your skin. The anti-inflammatory properties found in lavender extract can help diminish the appearance of inflammation on your skin.
5. Lemon Balm Tea
According to WebMD, lemon balm is a perennial herb from the mint family. It produces a calming effect that can be used to treat insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Similar to lavender, it is another popular essential oil that is used for aromatherapy purposes to achieve soothing effects. Lemon balm tea contains powerful antioxidants that can combat sickness and create an alert effect on your central nervous system. Lemon balm tea contains rosmarinic acid, which is known to boost brain activity.
Self-care is the best way to show compassion for your body in a physical and mental capacity. Whether you are feeling slightly anxious or have a lingering feeling of stress, decompress with a nice cup of tea and experience the anti-stress factors associated with the teas listed above. Not only will you experience soothing and relaxing benefits from consuming these teas but other health benefits as well which can play a role on your mood and brain function. It is important to remember that anxiety is a mood disorder that should be diagnosed by a doctor or other health care professional. If you suffer from anxiety, please consult a doctor before looking to tea as a solution.
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