In this fast-paced and dynamic world, where changes are taking place at an almost staggering rate, it is natural for you to feel anxious and stressed out. Sometimes stress at work can get the better of you, making you feel irritable, restless, and on the edge. But while stress is normal and absolutely natural, we would all be better off without it.

While some people turn to pills and prescriptions to manage their anxiety, it comes with its own long list of side effects. Studies have found that pills medication taken to combat anxiety can increase your mortality risk by over 35%. While medications are necessary to manage extreme cases of anxiety disorders, there are ways to manage less severe and situational anxiety.

So let us look at an alternative to cope with anxiety and stress that come with modern life. Here, we will be listing out some of the more natural and safer options to relieve you from stress - teas. Think about it - unwinding after a long, tiring day with a hot cup of tea and soothing music can instantly change your mood. Here's a list of 10 best teas for anxiety that will help you unwind and relax.

One: Peppermint tea

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is an aromatic herb from the mint family that is a cross between spearmint and watermint. It's native to Asia and Europe and has been used for many years as a flavouring in breath mints, essential oils, etc. Peppermint also has numerous health benefits. It works as a muscle relaxant, a pain reliever and may alleviate you from certain types of headaches. The aroma of peppermint is undoubtedly refreshing and may relax muscles and get rid of anxiety and stress. Peppermint tea is generally recommended to drink before bedtime as it's caffeine-free. It may help you relax, unwind, and get a good night's sleep.

However, pregnant women must refrain from drinking this tea as it may lead to miscarriage.

Method of preparation

You can make peppermint tea using both dry and fresh leaves. Simply add 1 tbsp of dry peppermint leaves or a few fresh leaves into boiling water. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes and then strain it before drinking.

Our recommendation

Zen Mint is a combination of Ceylon black tea, Orange Pekoe One and Mint leaves. This loose leaf tea is from the Kandy region and is suited best for iced tea. The refreshing, fresh, spicy and cool Zen Mint tea is steeped in tradition and when sipped will take you on a walk through the time.

Two: Chamomile tea

When you think about teas to reduce anxiety, I'm sure that chamomile tea tops the list. It's one of the most popular soothing teas. It relaxes muscles, calms you down, and reduces irritability. Not only this, but chamomile also helps in treating insomnia which is closely associated with anxiety.

Method of preparation

Making chamomile tea is very simple. Simply fill up your kettle and bring the water to a boil. Put about three to four tablespoons of chamomile tea into the teapot and pour the boiling water over it. Let it steep for about 5 minutes before you can drink your way to a stress-free life.

Three: Lemon balm tea

Lemon balm or balm mint is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family. It has a citric lemon flavour along with the refreshing taste of mint. Lemon balm tea is widely used in traditional medicine as a laxative tonic and as an antidepressant. Drinking lemon balm tea will brighten up your mood as it reduces the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in your body. It is also used as a sleep aid.

Method of preparation

Add about 2 tbsp of fresh lemon balm leaves into a tea strainer or tea ball and position it in a teacup. Add water to a kettle and bring it to boil. Pour the water into the cup and allow it to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Our recommendation

Ahimsa Veda contains pure Ceylon Green tea, Rosehip, Star Anise, Mint Leaves, Lemon Grass and Lemon Balm Herb (Melissa). Ahima Veda tea will inspire a new level of self-love in your life. It brings the healing of Green tea together with a complement of herbs to help you detox. Enjoy the aroma of fresh peppermint and the minty herbal flavour while detoxing your body.

Four: Green tea

Green tea is one of the most popular kinds of drinks in TV commercials and is consumed widely for its ability to aid in weight loss and reduce belly fat. But it does more than just that. Green tea has high l-theanine content, an amino acid that may reduce stress and anxiety. Although green tea contains a significant amount of caffeine, it is adaptogenic. Therefore, this tea won't sedate you; it can keep you alert yet calm without making you feel sleepy.

Method of preparation

There are three different ways to make green tea. You could use teabags, which is the simplest method of the lot. Or, you can use leaves, or brew green tea powder. To make green tea using green tea leaves, take one tsp of leaves and add it to a strainer and keep it aside. Now boil some water in an electric kettle or a teapot on the stove. Pour the boiling water into a cup with the tea leaves in it and let it steep for a few minutes. You can add honey for some extra sweetness. To brew green tea using powder, take a cup of water in a bowl, and heat it. Turn off the heat when it reaches boiling point and add about 1 or 1.5 tsp of green tea powder to it. Let it soak for about 3 minutes, and then using a strainer, pour the tea into a cup, and enjoy.

Note: green tea tends to turn bitter when it is over-steeped

Our recommendation

Green Valley is a Ceylon green tea that is handpicked with care from the Nuwara Eliya Belt in the Pundalu Oya Valley. This tea is rich in rich and strong in flavour, appears yellow in the cup, and offers a sensational tasting experience.

Five: White tea

White tea, just like green tea, is a true tea. White tea is one of the least processed teas, which is why it retains a lot of its antioxidants. It is found that green tea can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, by over 50 per cent within an hour of consumption. It is because white tea contains catechins, polyphenols, amino acids, and flavonoids. These agents are known to have effects on the brain's neurotransmitters. White tea also contains EGCG, which is an antidepressant.

Method of preparation

The process of preparing white tea is similar to that of any other tea. To brew white tea, heat about one cup of water and bring it to a boil. Allow it to cool for 5-8 minutes. Then add two spoons of white tea leaves into a tea ball or teapot and then pour hot water over the tea. Steep the tea for  5-10 minutes before straining it and pouring it into a teacup.

Our recommendation

Ceylon Ivory is a pure white “Silver Needle” tea. It is hand-plucked, naturally withered and gently hand-rolled before firing. Ceylon Ivory is fresh, light, mild, and nutty in flavour, and appears pale yellow in the cloud.

Also read: What is white tea good for? Your complete guide to White teas

Six: Lavender tea

Lavender is known around the world for its tranquillizing and mood-stabilizing effects. It is also used as a medication to provide relief from stress and anxiety. Its aroma is calm and soothing, which is why it is used in aromatherapy to aid in depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Lavender tea is a herbal tea made from the buds of dried lavender flowers. Drinking aromatic lavender tea can also provide relief from the stress and anxiety that you face in your daily life.

Method of preparation

To brew lavender tea, you need to pour one cup of water into a  kettle to boil. Pour the boiling water into a teapot. Then add the lavender tea to it. Cover the teapot and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Then simply strain the tea and enjoy the taste of this rich aromatic tea.

Our recommendation

Named for the Sanskrit word for ‘bliss’, Ananda Veda is teakruthi's proprietary tea infusion that combines Mint and Lavender for a flavour that tantalizes, while being known in Aromatherapy and Ayurveda to have soothing properties. Brewing to a stunning light copper this tea greets you with the aroma of fresh herbs offering a minty note. The taste embraces your taste buds with a hint of lime and ginger while unlocking your inner Yogi.

If you like Lavender fragrance but prefer true teas over herbal teas, you can try our Pure Ceylon White 'Silver Needle' tea

Seven: Passionflower tea

Passion Flower has a long history of being used to treat sleep disorders. Due to the anti-stress benefits of the flavone chrysin present in the passion flowers, this tea is an excellent fix for stress and anxiety. Passionflower tea also induces sleep and is a good bedtime tea.

Note: Passionflower is usually safe for most people, although when taken in large quantities, it may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Passion Flowers may be unsafe for pregnant women as they contain certain chemicals that may contract the uterus. Hence, if you are pregnant, please refrain from drinking this tea. It is also advised not to drink passion Flower tea during breast-feeding. Children under six months should stay away from this as well.

Method of preparation

The method of preparing passion Flower tea is the same as that of any other herbal tea. Simply boil a cup of water. Add one spoon of dried passion Flower into it and allow it to be steep for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Eight: Ginseng tea

The ginseng root has been used for over a thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine to cure various ailments and illnesses. Studies have proven that ginseng has numerous health benefits such as boosting energy, preventing inflammation, treating colds and flu, and even improving the functioning of the brain.

Ginseng is known to regulate the immune and hormonal changes due to stress and anxiety. In addition to fighting psychological diseases such as anxiety and depression, ginseng also keeps away stress-associated physiological disorders. Hence, drinking ginseng tea can be beneficial in reducing stress and can help you relax and unwind.

Method of preparation

Take about 1 tbsp of ginseng root powder. Add about one cup of water to a kettle and bring the water to a boil. Add the ginseng powder to the hot water. Let it steep for about 5 to 15 minutes, then strain and enjoy it while it is hot.

Our recommendation

Shakti Veda contains Pure Ceylon Green tea, Hibiscus, Rosehip, Orange peel, Ginseng, Apple, Lime flower (Linden). Inspired by Ayurveda and the feminine power of the universe, this pink coloured tea infuses you with a boost of energy. Shakti Veda is ideal for balancing your mind and body giving you an increase of energy and clarity while naturally removing anxiety.

Also read: What are Ayurvedic teas? Demystifying the wonder teas

Nine: Fennel tea

Did you know that fennel is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world? Fennel has been used for ages as a calming agent. Research has found that fennel acts as an antidepressant for postmenopausal women. Fennel seeds can be dried to make fennel tea, which is a very potent and strong-smelling tea.

Note: Infants and pregnant women should refrain from drinking fennel tea. Fennel belongs to the carrot family, so avoid drinking fennel tea if you are allergic to carrots or any other plants such as celery.

Method of preparation

Boil water in a kettle. To it, add about one spoon of fennel seeds. Let it steep for about 10 minutes, strain, and sip.

Our recommendation

Prakriti Veda is a combination of Pure Ceylon Green tea, Rosehip, Star Anise, Lemon Balm herb (Melissa), Black Pepper, Ginger root and Fennel. This tea will help you in aiding digestion after a meal and relaxing in your intended state. Prakriti Veda has a heady caramel and woody fragrance and a taste that features a herbal mint note with hints of Rosehip.

Ten: Honey lemon ginger tea 

Ginger has a great taste and flavour, but it does more than just that. Ginger has been used in traditional Indian medicine for a long time. Studies have shown that ginger may protect your brain and may improve cognitive functions. It may also treat stress.  Lemon provides you with energy, and it may also help reduce anxiety and depression. The scent of lemons has a very soothing effect.

Lemons can also help enhance your mood by filling you up with a burst of energy. Studies also indicate that honey may have a calming effect when consumed in significant quantities. So what better than combining these three power ingredients into a sweet, flavourful tea?

Method of preparation

Before you make the tea, cut one lemon into thin, circular slices. You will also have to cut a 2-inch piece of ginger into thin slices. Pour about 4 cups of water into a pot and wait for it to boil. Then remove it from the heat source. Add the lemon and ginger slices and let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain it, and then add honey as per your taste.

Also read: What are the benefits of lemon tea with honey?

There you go! That was the list of top 10 teas to destress you and calm you down. Try out different drinks and figure out what works best for you. So the next time you feel anxious, just take out a pot and make some tea for yourself. However, these are just home remedies and not a medical fix. In case your symptoms continue, it is best to seek professional help.

References

1. Antifatigue Effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial — www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3629193/
2. Anti-stress Effect of Green Tea with Lowered Caffeine on Humans: A Pilot Study — www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/40/6/40_b17-00141/_article
3. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality — www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21294203
4. Lavender and the Nervous System — www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/681304/
5. Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for a generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial — www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27912875
6. An overview of Indian research in anxiety disorders — www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3146193/

About the author

Shreya Dalela

Contributing author

Shreya loves to research and write about tea and claims Mythical Green Pure Ceylon Green Tea to be her favorite go-to beverage. She swears that her daily cup of green tea gives her a dose of morning inspiration as she sits down to type 1000s of words every day. To unwind at the end of the day, she reaches for a cup of soothing Ananda Veda Green Tea infusion. You can often find her saying 'Everything is better with a cup of tea' :)

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