Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by Sultana Parvin
There is a saying – that the simple pleasures of life are free. When you are working and managing hectic schedules, nothing could be more far removed from this. That is why indulging in some relaxing activities complemented with a hot healthy cup of tea, sounds like a great idea – one that would actually allow you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Let’s take you through a list of teas to calm your mind, teas that would help you relax, ease anxiety, and even combat depression.
Prolonged stress and anxiety have become common; however, the detrimental effects of these are deep-set depression. Depression acts on a person’s mental health, leading to negative emotions that then adversely affect how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Over time such people become uninterested in things they loved previously, and even feel unmotivated to do everyday activities. For milder forms of anxiety and stress, some teas could help elevate one’s mood and combat the symptoms of depression. Apart from the health benefits and possible treatment of depression, these herbal teas taste awesome too!
Table of Contents
Antidepressants Tea: Chamomile Herbal Tea
With constant stress and anxiety, depression can become a real threat. Chamomile has a calming effect because it contains a large number of antioxidants that soothe the neurotransmitters in the brain, which thus helps a person relax and sleep soundly.
Can I drink chamomile tea while on antidepressants?
Chamomile tea induces a feeling of tranquility and relaxation, which alleviates the stress related to depression. This tea is best drunk just before sleeping or post breakfast.
Best Teas for Depression: Mint Herbal Tea
A refreshing mint (peppermint and spearmint) tisane (water-based infusion of herbs, spices, flowers, leaves) of spearmint and peppermint leaves provides rejuvenation and placidity. Peppermint tea can be had hot and cold – it is refreshing either way. It has a sedative and antispasmodic effect, which help to soothe the mind and body, thereby providing relief from anxiety and stress. Additionally, peppermint works its magic on the digestive system too, helping to alleviate stress related to digestive system problems.
Spearmint has a relaxing and calming effect, thereby reducing symptoms of stress. In several countries, Spearmint tea is commonly recommended to alleviate insomnia and related stress. Also, you can use peppermint to make tea to cure the hangover.
Best Tea for Stress and Depression: Green Tea with Honey and Lemon
Green tea is highly sought after for its many health benefits, including its positive effects on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Green tea is laden with antibacterial properties and loads of antioxidants that assist in alleviating mental health issues, including depression. This tea is best had in the morning prior to breakfast, substituting regular tea. The caffeine and L-theanine amino acid work on the mind and help to reduce anxiety and depression – hence morning is a great time to consume this tea, for all-day efficacy.
The addition of raw honey elevates the effectiveness of green tea since honey too has antidepressant effects (among other benefits). Lemon juice provides an instant rush of energy to the digestive tract and also serves to tone down feelings of anxiety and a depressive state of mind. It also works as a natural colon cleanse. The smell of lemon has an exhilarating effect, which puts one in a better mood, translating to calmness and reduced anxiety.
Best Tea for Depression and Anxiety: Ashwagandha Cinnamon Tea
This is a highly recommended tea and doubles up as a herbal medicine too, for those feeling anxiety and stress. Ashwagandha is a popular herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and is known to manage stress levels and soothe other mental health disorders. It is effective in lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body, thereby removing some effects of stress. Additionally, it has a positive effect on the body’s immunity, which elevates dopamine levels, reduces stress hormones, brings down anxiety, and alleviates depression symptoms.
Cinnamon too calms the nervous system, which relaxes the mind and in turn the body, leading to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels.
Teas that Help with Depression: Giloy Neem Green Tea
Within the Ayurveda system of medicine, Giloy or Guduchi is recommended for those suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression. Consuming Giloy and Neem Green tea rids the body of toxins, boosts memory, and also has a calming effect. As an adaptogen, Giloy helps the body to adapt and cope with stress, and as a tonic, it removes toxins from the body and boosts memory while having a calming effect.
In recent findings, it has been revealed that neem helps in the reduction of stress and anxiety, given its ability to elevate serotonin (a neurotransmitter that mediates satisfaction, happiness, and optimism. Serotonin levels are reduced in depression) in the brain. Neem is safe and highly effective even in small quantities, which makes it popular when compared with drugs currently recommended for stress reduction, given their adverse side effects.
Benefits of Drinking Tea
Drinking tea, especially herbal teas, can prove highly beneficial for those experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. It is important, however, to consult your doctor prior to consuming any of these teas, just to ensure that they would complement and not create obstacles in the current treatment you may be undergoing. All the tea for depression mentioned, have several benefits and positive effects on various parts of the body, but most importantly they help to reduce depression, brought on by stress and anxiety. Wishing you tranquillity!
