Top 10 Teas to Reduce Cortisol and Alleviate Anxiety

Browse the tea selection at your local spa, and you'll likely find chamomile, lemon balm, rose, and peppermint among other soothing choices. Herbal teas have long been celebrated for their calming properties. For centuries, various cultures have cherished tea for its ability to promote relaxation, making it a staple in gatherings and ceremonies. Ready to unwind? Discover the best teas to help with anxiety and stress relief.

Featured image by Riley Blanks Reed.

The Basics of Herbal Tea

Surprisingly, all types of tea derive from the same plant. Caffeinated varieties like oolong, black, and green tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant, which has two main varieties: Camellia sinensis sinensis and Camellia sinensis assamica. The former is cultivated in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, while the latter is primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. This small evergreen shrub or tree, known as the tea plant, eventually becomes your favorite cup of infused goodness.

In contrast, herbal teas do not originate from the Camellia sinensis. They typically consist of a mix of spices, leaves, roots, dried flowers, fruits, and bark. These blends are flavorful and healing, offering a wide range of tastes and benefits, but they don't technically qualify as tea.

Understanding Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is made through infusion or decoction methods, where plant materials are boiled to extract their essence. This process incorporates various herbs, spices, and other botanicals, resulting in complex flavors and captivating colors. Some herbal mixtures may include actual tea, though this is less common. Popular varieties encompass ginger, ginseng, hibiscus, jasmine, rose hip, mint, rooibos, chamomile, and echinacea. Each ingredient boasts unique chemical properties, many of which feature in the best teas for calming effects.

Herbal Remedies in Traditional Medicine

Historically, particularly in Eastern medicine, herbal teas have served therapeutic purposes. They have been integral to traditional healing practices. Modern research supports this, confirming their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities. For instance, sipping vibrant hibiscus tea, whether hot or iced, can feel like a boost of antioxidants flowing through your body.

It’s clear that herbal teas offer various health benefits, with studies indicating that 60-80% of the global population relies on medicinal herbs for their healthcare. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new supplements or herbal infusions.

Health Benefits of Herbal Tea

Herbal teas have gained recognition beyond being a wellness trend, with research highlighting their potential to enhance immunity, boost energy, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Ongoing studies reveal the following findings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

• Chamomile tea exhibits moderate antimicrobial properties.
• Peppermint tea shows significant antimicrobial and antiviral actions, along with strong antioxidant and anti-tumor effects.
• Research indicates that drinking hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive adults.

6 Relaxing Herbs to Savor

While some teas are more beneficial than others, there's ample evidence supporting regular tea consumption. Just be cautious with additives like refined sugar. For a more impactful experience, consider these herbs that can enhance your tea ritual and promote wellness.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea is rich in menthol, a natural muscle relaxant that encourages relaxation throughout the body after a stressful day.

Rose

Rose petals can complement various teas, adding a floral, subtly sweet flavor. They help ease stress and anxiety, promoting tranquility. Roses grown for consumption often have more potent flavors and benefits, though traditional garden roses can also be effective when dried and brewed.

Lavender

Lavender, like rose, is a popular floral addition to teas. It positively influences anxiety disorders, supporting healthy sleep and relaxation. You can find lavender in various tea blends, from floral black teas to special “sleepy time” mixes.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is well-known for its calming effects. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found it beneficial in treating generalized anxiety disorder and serves as a popular sleep aid—ideal for nighttime relaxation.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm tea helps lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. It can also enhance alertness and concentration. This herbal option is excellent for a midday reset without caffeine.

Passionflower

Passionflower tea contains the flavone chrysin, known for its anti-anxiety properties. It may also promote better sleep.

Why Choose Tea for Anxiety?

Not only do the ingredients in your cup matter, but the ritual of brewing tea also provides stress relief. It requires focus and intention, making the act of preparing and enjoying tea a form of self-care. Whether you brew a pot in the morning to set your day or enjoy a calming cup before bed, tea brings a sense of peace and clarity.

Top 10 Teas to Ease Anxiety

Check out these comforting teas for anxiety relief. Each one offers a unique flavor and calming benefits.

Blossom Vanilla Lavender Sleep Latte

This herbal blend is perfect for those seeking calm. Caffeine-free and soothing, it combines classic lavender with sweet vanilla notes. Blossom includes valerian root, l-theanine, and GABA to help you relax and achieve restorative sleep.

Blossom Vanilla Lavender Sleep Latte

$35

Harney and Sons Organic Peppermint

Crafted from organic peppermint leaves sourced from Oregon, this tea is refreshing and calming for an upset stomach. Its aroma while brewing is delightful, making it a must-try peppermint variety.

Harney and Sons Organic Peppermint

$8

Pukka Night Time Berry

This tea embodies peace in a cup, blending rosehip, hibiscus, lavender, and valerian root. Perfect for bedtime, it’s naturally caffeine-free and ethically sourced with 100% organic ingredients.

Pukka Night Time Berry

$5.89

Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night

This calming blend combines valerian root, passionflower, and lemon balm, creating a soothing experience perfect for sleepless nights.

Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night

$4.88

Traditional Medicinals Cup of Calm

This tea is a tranquil blend featuring passionflower, chamomile, lavender, and catnip, supporting the nervous system during stressful moments.

Traditional Medicinals Cup of Calm

$5.99

Yogi Honey Lavender Stress Relief Tea

This delightful tea blends florals and light citrus, featuring calming ingredients such as lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm for relaxation.

Yogi Honey Lavender Stress Relief Tea

$4.29

Good & Gather Organic Chamomile Lavender Tea

This fair trade-certified tea combines calming chamomile with soothing lavender, making it a gentle choice for stressful days.

Good & Gather Organic Chamomile Lavender Tea

$3.69

The Republic of Tea Calm Relax

Enjoy a cup of this relaxing blend during your meditation sessions. Its earthy rooibos and dandelion root mix, combined with warm spices and citrus, create a heavenly experience.

The Republic of Tea Calm Relax

$13.50

Alvita Valerian Root

Valerian root tea has been used for centuries to support restful sleep. Made from high-quality organic valerian, it features a distinct aroma and a flavor that's sweet with a subtle bitter finish.

Alvita Valerian Root

$11.31

Blume Blue Lavender Blend

This soothing blend features lavender, coconut milk, and blue spirulina, designed to alleviate inflammation and promote relaxation. Sip, unwind, and enjoy the moment.

Blume Blue Lavender Blend

$25