Some herbal teas can help take the edge off occasional stress and anxiety, while others may be better used as a routine complementary therapy for an underlying condition.
It’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for you. Finding the right herbal tea or herbal tea blend can take time.
Although herbal teas are technically different from supplementary capsules, oils, and tinctures, interactions are still possible. You should always talk with a doctor or other healthcare provider before adding an herbal tea to your routine.
Read on to learn how these popular teas can help soothe and support your overall sense of well-being.
This classic garden plant can be used for more than just seasoning. Some research suggests that the aroma may reduce feelings of frustration, anxiety, and fatigue.
Separate research finds that inhaling the scent of peppermint oil may soothe anxiety in people who were hospitalized for heart attack and child birth.
This daisy-like flower is synonymous with calm, making chamomile among the most well-known stress-soothing teas.
One 2016 study found that long-term use of chamomile extract significantly reduced moderate-to-severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, it didn’t prevent future symptoms from occurring.
Lavender is widely known for its mood-stabilizing and sedative effects. But did you know that it may be as effective as some medications at relieving anxiety?
Researchers in one 2010 study found that Silexan, an oral lavender capsule preparation, was as effective as lorazepam in adults with GAD.
A Pacific Islands ritual tea, kava is widely used as an anxiety remedy. It may work by targeting GABA receptors in the brain that are responsible for feelings of anxiety.
One 2018 review suggests that kava extract pills may be mildly effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, but more research is needed.
Valerian root is commonly used as an herbal remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. It may help relive anxiety-related sleeplessness, but research has been mixed.
One 2015 study found that valerian extract reduced anxiety in women undergoing a medical procedure.
Gotu kola is used as a traditional medicine and tonic in many Asian cultures. It’s often used to ease feelings of fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
One 2012 study on mice found that gotu kola extract may be an effective treatment for acute and chronic anxiety. More research is needed to fully understand its effects.
A mint relative with a lemony fragrance, lemon balm is a widely used treatment for sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. It appears to work by boosting GABA, a neurotransmitter that soothes stress.
In one 2011 study, lemon balm extract was shown to help with mild to moderate anxiety and insomnia.
Researchers in a 2018 study found that a lemon balm supplement reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia in people with a heart condition called angina.
Passionflower has long been used to improve sleep quality. It may also help ease symptoms of anxiety.
Researchers in one 2017 study found that a passionflower supplement worked as well as a mainstream medication for reducing anxiety in people having dental work.
Green tea is high in l-theanine, an amino acid that might reduce anxiety.
One 2017 study found that students who drank green tea experienced consistently lower levels of stress than students in the placebo group.
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb said to help combat stress and fatigue.
One 2012 study found that taking root extract significantly reduced stress levels over a two-month span.
A 2014 review of studies also concluded that Ashwagandha extract helped alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, however more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Also called tulsi, holy basil is related to European and Thai basils.
Research on its effects on anxiety or stress are limited. One older study found that taking a holy basil extract decreased symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Turmeric is rich in the anti-inflammatory compound curcumin. A 2017 research review found that curcumin may anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.
Fennel tea has traditionally been used to calm anxiety.
Although more research is needed, one 2018 study did find that fennel had anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in women who were postmenopausal.
The smell of roses has long been associated with relaxation, and at least one study supports this.
Researchers in one 2016 study found that rose water aromatherapy helped reduce feelings of anxiety in people with end-stage kidney disease.
Ginseng may not be a universal cure, but research does support certain benefits.
For example, one 2013 study suggests that it may help protect the body against the effects of stress. Some research also shows that it might reduce fatigue.
You can taste bitter hops in certain beverages, but hops are nothing to be bitter about.
A 2017 study shows that taking a hops supplement can reduce mild symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
And when combined with valerian, hops supplements may also improve sleep quality.
A popular herbal ingredient in colds and flu teas, licorice root has also become a widespread sweetener and candy.
People also take licorice to reduce stress and fatigue, but research is limited.
One 2011 study on mice suggests that licorice extract may reduce stress.
Researchers in a separate 2013 study on mice found that licorice extract can increase the anti-anxiety effects of valerian and anxiety medications.
Although catnip is a stimulant for cats, it can be used to create a soothing drink for humans.
Catnip has been traditionally used to relieve anxiety. It contains compounds similar to those found in valerian, but it’s unclear whether they offer the same benefits.
St. John’s wort is one of the best studied herbal remedies for depression. It may also help with symptoms of anxiety.
The herb may interact with certain medications or result in other adverse side effects, so talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use.
Rhodiola is often used to manage stress, anxiety, and certain mood disorders.
Although there’s some evidence to support this, the findings are inconsistent overall. More research is needed to truly understand its potential uses.
21. Traditional Medicinals Cup of Calm
This tea uses chamomile, catnip, lavender, and passionflower herbs to offer a host of sleep-enhancing and stress-relieving benefits.
Chamomile and lavender are better known for helping anxiety. Although catnip and passionflower are primarily used to improve sleep quality, they may also aid in anxiety relief.
Shop for Traditional Medicinals Cup of Calm.
22. The Republic of Tea Get Relaxed
Along with its principal ingredient rooibos, Get Relaxed includes rose petals, lavender, passionflower, and chamomile.
These selections may help smooth over mild anxiety and stress. You may also benefit from the overall health properties of rooibos tea.
Shop for The Republic of Tea Get Relaxed.
23. Yogi Stress Relief
Yogi offers two Stress Relief options: a tea containing kava kava and a tea containing lavender.
Kava kava may have more marked effects on anxiety, but the herb has been tied to mild side effects. Lavender typically offers more subtle benefits and is less likely to cause side effects.
Shop for Yogi Kava Stress Relief or Honey Lavender Stress Relief.
24. Numi Presence
Organic lavender is a key ingredient in Numi’s Presence. Lavender may offer a mild soothing effect and help relieve minor anxiety.
Other ingredients in the tea blend include elderflower, schisandra, blueberry leaf, lemongrass, spearmint, ginger, hawthorn, and bamboo.
25. Lipton Stress Less
Stress Less contains cinnamon, chamomile, and lavender. All are notable stress-relieving herbs, though chamomile and lavender boast the most scientific support.
Although some herbal teas have a calming effect, more research is needed to fully assess their potential benefits. Herbal teas or supplements should never be used in place of a prescribed treatment.
Some herbal teas can cause uncomfortable side effects, especially when consumed in large amounts. Others can result in dangerous interactions with over-the-counter and prescription medication. Many herbal teas aren’t safe to drink during pregnancy.
You should always check with a doctor or other health provider before drinking herbal teas or taking herbal supplements.
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