Stress and anxiety are the two most common mental disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 31% of Americans will experience some form of anxiety during their lifetimes. Read about Amazing Teas for Anxiety and Stress below in detail.
Stress is mainly a natural response to external triggers. These triggers often emanate from our day-to-day experiences. They’re usually short-term, such as the loss of a loved one, inability to meet deadlines, the prospects of losing your job, etc. Common symptoms of stress include emotional instability, irritability, fatigue, sleep problems, digestive issues, and muscle pain.
On the other hand, anxiety refers to feelings of excessive worries which persist even without apparent triggers. Unlike stress that generally results from short-term triggers, anxiety is mostly caused by underlying medical conditions. If untreated, anxiety may lead to insomnia, chronic fatigue, poor concentration, and other severe mental issues.
Fortunately, stress and anxiety are treatable using various antianxiety and antidepressant medications. Even better, there are numerous herbal teas you can make at home and drink routinely to keep stress and anxiety at bay. This post highlights seven unique teas for stress and anxiety management.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family. The tree is native to Southeast Asia and grows indigenously in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea.
Kratom extracts have been used from at least the 19th century to manage various medical issues, such as pain, anxiety, and insomnia. The two most potent alkaloids in kratom, namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, are mildly stimulating and relatively sedating at high doses. When consumed, these alkaloids relieve anxiety through their soothing properties.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine also act as antidepressants by triggering specific brain receptors associated with mood elevation.
To make kratom tea work for you, it’s important to choose the right kratom strains for anxiety. The good news is that there are plenty of online platforms you can click here to read more on kratom strains, cultivars, and products.
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava kava is a staple herbal tea in the Pacific Islands. The tea is widely popular for its anxiolytic properties. Kava kava tea may combat stress and anxiety by targeting specific brain receptors responsible for feelings of anxiety, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.
The tea is commonly recommended for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, it may also relieve the core symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder (PD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
However, medical experts recommend drinking kava tea in moderation. An overdose could lead to certain medical complications, such as liver problems.
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
Do you know why lavender is an essential ingredient in nearly all deodorant and cosmetic products? That’s due to the plant’s remarkable calming effects. Applying lavender-infused ointment after taking a late-night shower may go a long way in shortening your sleep onset time.
Lavender’s soothing properties are the main reason the herb is also used to manage anxiety symptoms, such as insomnia. In a 2010 study, researchers found that the oral lavender capsule – siloxane – was just as effective as lorazepam among adults with generalized anxiety disorder.
Besides its remarkable sedating properties, lavender is also famous for its mood-stabilizing effects. So, wearing lavender-infused perfume to work can help boost your mood and enhance your workplace productivity.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm needs no introduction. Considered one of the most therapeutic plants in the mint family, the herb has been used for years to manage a broad spectrum of illnesses. Lemon balm herbal tea may offer relief from stress and anxiety and their related symptoms and complications like insomnia and depression, respectively. Much like kava tea, lemon balm relieves anxiety by boosting GABA signaling.
Another reason to consider lemon balm tea for anxiety is that the herb contains the famous lemony fragrance. So, it’s easier to prepare as you may not need to enhance its flavors further.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol, commonly abbreviated as CBD, is a compound obtained from cannabis/marijuana. The compound is best known for its analgesic and anxiolytic effects. While the cannabis plant produces several species, CBD mostly comes from Cannabis indica. CBD can relieve anxiety by boosting serotonin signaling. Serotonin is a common neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in suppressing anxiety and stabilizing your mood.
CBD tea has shown remarkable potential in relieving various anxiety disorders. However, the tea is especially effective for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea is rich in several anti-anxiety compounds, including the amino acid L-theanine. Drinking green tea not only offers relief from stress and anxiety. It may also help to combat anxiety symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, and muscle aches. Green tea also contains caffeine. The chemical works synergistically with L-theanine to improve your mental concentration.
What’s more – green tea has been linked to improved organ health. The tea mainly aids heart health by boosting your cardiovascular and circulatory systems.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is one of the most popular stress-relieving herbs out there. The herb is noted for its calming effects. According to a 2016 study, long-term use of chamomile extracts resulted in a marked reduction of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. Examples of these symptoms include irritability, fatigue, elevated heart rate, and muscle aches.
Besides its anxiolytic benefits, chamomile tea may also ease an upset stomach and other digestive issues. The tea can also relieve pain and inflammation.
Final Words
Herbal teas have been used for centuries to manage anxiety. These teas combat anxiety and its most bothersome symptoms, such as sleeplessness and fatigue. However, it’s worth noting that most reports on the effectiveness of herbal teas are anecdotal instead of scientific. Therefore, what works for one person may not necessarily work for you. The conventional wisdom is to talk to your doctor before using herbal teas. That’s especially if you’re already on other anti-anxiety medications.
