My husband and I drink hot tea just about every afternoon to relax after work or after a busy day. Our favorite brand is Twinings Tea direct from England. This is a habit that we started several years ago. It helps reduce our stress, anxiety and it helps us sleep. I decided to do some research and wanted to share what I consider the best teas for anxiety.
Teas That Reduce Stress And Support Sleep
Stress is called the silent killer for a reason. From panic attacks to trouble sleeping, a dose of stress can do a number on your health. Yet most of us are so used to managing some stress in our day-to-day lives. We tend to ignore the issue until it’s too late. The good news? For those willing to make a few basic changes, tackling stress can be as simple as updating your night-time routine. Today we’re going to be looking at some of the relaxing teas you can use to unwind at the end of a stressful day. Not only do these teas promote relaxation, but they may help people who suffer from sleeplessness and insomnia too.
Herbal Tea for Anxiety
Chamomile Tea: Probably the best-known choice for relaxation. Chamomile tea is an ancient remedy for inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia. Some experts say that the effects of chamomile are similar to that of a mild tranquilizer. Chamomile is packed full of a substance called apigenin,which helps to decrease anxiety and initiate sleep. Studies have found that drinking around 400mg of chamomile extract a day can improve sleep quality. Further research has also shows that postpartum women suffering from poor sleep quality were soothed with chamomile tea. While not everyone will respond well to chamomile, the gentle taste and relaxing aroma are a great place to start. If you are looking for an herbal tea for anxiety, chamomile may be a good choice.
Best Tea for Sleep
Valerian Tea: The valerian herb is another substance that has appeared throughout the centuries as a cure for nervousness and insomnia. The product was also used in England during World War II as a way to relieve stress caused by air raids. Valerian is one of the most popular sleep aids in the world today. It is available in both liquid and capsule form, as well as a tea. Researchers believe that valerian root may improve GABA levels in the body, which can improve sleepiness, and reduce anxiety. Studies into valerian root for insomnia indicate that it can reduce the amount of time it takes for a person to fall asleep at night. And improve the quality of the sleep too. These studies also indicate minimal side effects
after using valerian. There are no issues such as morning drowsiness to detract from the experience. This is my best tea for sleep. Please note though Valerian root does not have an attractive smell.
Best Tea for Relaxation
Lavender: There are few things more relaxing than the smell of lavender. This sweet and soothing herb is championed for its ability to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. The substance is available in tea form as a way of encouraging relaxation and stronger sleeping patterns. According to one study, women who drank and enjoyed the aroma of lavender tea for two weeks had less fatigue than their counterparts.
Other studies indicate that reductions in heart rate and heart rate variability were evident in women who inhaled the scent of lavender for 12 weeks, twice per week. Try sweetening this tea for relaxation with honey for a unique sleeping experience. Lavender and rose have always been my two of my favorite scents too!
Teas that Reduce Stress
Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is an herb that actually comes from the mint family. Commonly used in aromatherapy, lemon balm is great for reducing stress and improving relaxation. Evidence suggests that lemon balm could be effective at increasing GABA levels, which improve sleepiness. Further studies show up to a reduction in symptoms of insomnia after patients took a lemon balm extract for 15 days. The warm and refreshing lemon balm tea could be an incredible benefit to your night-time routine, and the flavor will likely appeal to plenty of people.
Another Tea for Anxiety and Improved Sleep
Passionflower: Made from the dried stems, flowers, and leaves of the Passiflora plant, passionflower tea is a traditional solution to feelings of anxiety and insomnia. Studies indicate that this substance may be suitable for improving sleep quality and insomnia. A study found that those drinking passionflower tea for one week reported a significantly better quality of sleep than their counterparts. Furthermore, studies have shown that a combination of passionflower and other relaxing substances like valerian root can be excellent for treating insomnia.
Sip Your Way to Sleep
Many delightful herbal teas are making their way into the market as powerful sleep aids. However, these teas won’t eliminate the underlying cause of your sleeping or stress issues but they can help. They may assist in getting the relaxation you need. For those suffering from high levels of anxiety and stress, the teas above offer a natural solution to common issues like insomnia. However, if you are using these teas for sleep improvement, try to avoid using any sweeteners. They could increase your blood sugar levels and make you feel more awake. It can also be a good idea to avoid adding milk to certain teas before bed if you have any dairy sensitivities that might harm your stomach. For a natural and pleasant alternative to pharmaceuticals, consider trying these teas. Above all, they will help relieve stress and support a great night of sleep that refreshes you.
Products I love!
Twinings Tea is our favorite brand of tea. Try their sample box from Amazon! It is a great way to try a variety of tea flavors wihtout breaking the bank!
I bought this tea pot a couple months ago! And I love it! It is a lovely “pop” of color on my stove and kitchen! Buy HERE from AMAZON!
Above all, thank you for spending your time here at Colorado Kelly! I love having you here and appreciate everyone that comes to visit and look forward to having you come back soon!
Related Topics
**Please note, that this post is based on my personal experience and not medical advice. Should you have an emergency, call 911, or questions on your loss of smell, please contact your physician directly.
***Other resources, WebMD.com
Brooke
Drinking tea is a part of my everyday routine. I drink it in place of coffee and it does wonders for reducing stress and calming me before a stressful day of work. I love my hot teas!
Kelly
So do we!!!!
Beth
I love tea, and I drink it all the time. I’ve never thought of drinking it before bed, though. I’ll have to give these a try.
Kelly
I hope you do!!
Heatherkleinwolf
I feel more relaxed just reading this 🙂 Def need to add tea to my nighttime routine.
Kelly
LOL! I am glad you enjoyed the read!
Marysa
It is nice to know about teas for anxiety and not just for bedtime. I’ll have to keep these in mind for those days my anxiety is bugging me.
Kelly
I am glad it helped you!
Tweenselmom
Looks like I need to stock up on Valerian tea. I want to sleep better and it sounds like the perfect remedy!
Kelly
Good! I hope it helps!
Alita Pacio
I love teas! And my favorite will always be green tea. It’s so healthy!
Kelly
Green teas are awesome too!
Claudia
Teas are great for better sleep and they are also healthy. I’d love to drink more tea!
Kelly
I hope you start!
Talya Stone
When I’m feeling stressed a nice cup of a herbal blend with camomile really does help to take the edge of. The very act of drinking tea is also really therapeutic.
Kelly
Agreed!
Melanie williams
This is actually extremely helpful. Who knew that tea can hold so much power and have such properties that aid anxiety x
Kelly
Thank you! I appreciate the kudos!
Rosey
Chamomile is a wonder tea for me. It’s so very relaxing and often I can go to sleep right after a drink a cup.
Kelly
I am so glad it helps!
Ntensibe Edgar
Hhhhmmmm…alright then. I would love to drink some lavender tea and valerian tea, as well. Thanks for sharing about them.
Kelly
you’re welcome!
Eileen M Loya
I will get some Chamomile tea. I hope that helps me with my depression and anxiety. I hate taking pills, but I have to. Natural remedies like teas are less of a gastric irritant, so I will definitely give this a try.
Kelly
I hope it helps!
Elise Ho
I am a huge believer in the benefits of drinking tea. I also highly believe in tea rituals for relaxation and connecting with yourself
Kelly
Absolutely!
christiana Onuoha
I love tea. It is one thing that makes me happy and relaxed. Thank you for sharing these varieties.
Kelly
We enjoy it too!
Rameen
I love tea
Kelly
I do too!
Rameen
Drinking tea is a part of my life everyday routine
Kelly
Same with my husband! I enjoy tea, but it is mostly during the cooler months!