Wellness Guide: 6 Teas That Can Help You Relax
Stress is an intrinsic part of our lives today. We all need some form of coping tools or mechanisms to keep stress at bay. Activities such as sleep, exercise, recreation, or social interactions play a crucial role in dealing with daily stressors in our lives.
Herbal concoctions or herbal teas are known to having a calming effect on our nerves. Let us discuss six such teas that you can include as part of your wellness routine.
1. Lavender Tea
We are all familiar with the soothing and aromatic scent of Lavender. This purple flowering herb is native to the Meditteranean region. However, today, it is grown worldwide. Lavender is used since times immemorial by Greeks and Romans for its aromatic and soothing properties. The purple buds of the flowering plant are used to make Lavender tea.
Today, people consume Lavender tea to help them unwind and relax. Lavender tea also serves as a sleep aid. In a study on postnatal women, women who smelt the aroma of Lavender and sipped on its herbal infusion for about two weeks experienced reduced fatigue than those who did not drink Lavender tea. Another study on insomnia patients found a marked improvement in sleep and reductions in heart rates and its variability after inhaling Lavender twice weekly for three months.
Lavender is the most popular herb used in herbal blends and concoctions. This aromatic purple flowering herb can help you to unwind and fall asleep.
2. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an aromatic herb, most often used in aromatherapy. This citrus-scented herb belongs to the mint family. The lemon balm leaves are dried and used to make tea. Since ancient times, this mint-based herb has helped promote relaxation and aid in sleep. A study on mice indicates that lemon balm can act as a sedative.
The brisk, tart flavor of this herbal tea is an instant hit among its connoisseurs. Also touted as Melissa tea, the lemon balm is quite a versatile herb. Lemon Balm can blend with a variety of other herbs and flavors to suit varied palettes.
Studies indicate that lemon balm tea can treat anxiety and depression by interacting with the nervous system.
This herbal concoction is most useful for people who suffer from sleeplessness. So, if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, sip on this lemony and minty tea before going to bed.
3. Chamomile Tea
Are you looking for a herbal infusion to help you unwind and relax after a long hard day? Well, Chamomile tea might just be suitable for your frayed nerves. Chamomile tea has relaxing attributes, as this fact is substantiated by a 2010 study. Chamomile tea is beneficial for people who suffer from sleeplessness. Chamomile is touted as a mild tranquilizer. This mild herbal infusion helps to reduce inflammation and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. It also improves the daytime functioning of people who have insomnia. A study on 60 nursing home residents, each given 400mg extract of Chamomile tea daily, showed enhanced sleep quality than those who did not receive any intervention.
Chamomile tea’s soothing properties are due to its compound, apigenin. This compound binds to specific receptors in the brain and reduces anxiety while inducing sleep.
So, folks, unwind with a warm cup of fragrant and mildly sweet Chamomile flower tea to usher in feelings of comfort.
4. Kratom Tea
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree that grows in the South Asian regions of Malaysia and Indonesia. The leaves of the Kratom tree are dried and then used in powdered form to treat stress-related disorders like anxiety and depression. Kratom mimics opioid effects due to its active chemical component, mitragynine. This chemical compound binds to the brain’s opioid receptors to relieve pain.
Kratom has a sedating effect and can help deal with anxiety. A 2017 review study claims that Kratom can promote relaxation. Kratom tea is prepared by steeping Kratom leaves in boiling water. The Indonesian Indo Kratom strain helps in relaxation. A word of caution, you should not consume powdered Kratom in dosages beyond 5 grams. It can lead to side effects like insomnia, muscle aches, irritability, and emotional changes. Start incrementally drinking Kratom tea. Light Kratom Vein-based tea is most suitable for beginners.
Though the use of Kratom is legal in the United States, its sale and use are restricted. You can purchase Kratom tea online in states where its usage is legal or buy Kratom Canada.
5. Magnolia Bark Tea
Magnolia tea is prepared from the bark of the flowering plant. Sometimes dried buds and stems are also utilized in tea preparation. Though initially used in Chinese medicine to combat stress, Magnolia tea is now used worldwide for its anti-anxiety and sedative attributes. The plant contains a compound called honokiol. This compound is present in the stems, bark, and flowers of the plant. Honokiol interacts with the GABA receptors in the brain and induces sleep. Research studies show that Magnolia serves as an effective relaxation and sleep aid by reducing the time to fall asleep and increasing the duration of sleep time.
6. Valerian Root Tea
If you frequently suffer from stress-related conditions like headaches and insomnia, then sipping on Valerian root tea might help. This herb was extensively used during World War II in England to help soldiers deal with the stress caused due to air raids. Valerian root is regarded as a supplement in the United States, while its roots are dried and sold as tea.
In a 2015 study, Valerian root extract helped quell anxiety in women who underwent a medical procedure. However, we advise you to move with caution as most studies on Valerian root’s efficacy aiding in relaxation stand inconclusive.
Looking Ahead
Today, herbal teas form an indispensable part of the wellness industry. Besides the herbal teas mentioned above, there are several other teas like green tea, Passionflower tea, Catnip tea, and Rosemary tea which are also popular choices. So, folks, include these teas as part of your daily unwinding ritual and bid goodbye to stress.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
