There’s a reason so many people sit down to relax with a cup of tea.
Not only does brewing a cup of tea help calm your mind, there’s evidence that what you put IN your cup can also help you destress.
I’ve got a great DIY tea recipe blend you can try below, made with everyday garden herbs (or from tea you buy at the store!)… but first, let’s talk about some basic teas that can help you unwind and relax.
Green tea: If you are looking for some gentle energy while still being relaxed, green tea is your go-to! Green tea is a great mid-afternoon tea to help power you through your afternoon. Studies show it can help lower stress levels. It also contains an amino acid (l-theanine) that helps reduce anxiety.
Chamomile: We’ve always thought of chamomile as a “sleepy-time” tea, but there’s science that shows it helps beat anxiety, too!
Lemon balm: This lemon-scented herb is actually part of the mint family. Research shows it can activate a neurotransmitter that helps calm stress.
Peppermint: I always associate peppermint as a digestive aid (which it is) but science shows its scent might also help cut down on feelings of frustration and anxiety.
Lavender: This herb has been used for centuries to help soothe nerves and promote sleep, and it can be a very soothing ingredient in tea.
That’s just a start. There are lots of other spices and herbs that can help calm you naturally, including turmeric (what can’t it do?!!!) and ashwagandha, an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine.
You can’t go wrong brewing a cup of any of the above teas, but you can kick the results up a notch by making your own blend!
This tea recipe below will make you feel relaxed and gently energised.
Note: you can mix and match herbs and teas. If you don’t have lavender, try some lemon balm or other relaxing herbs. If you are going to drink this at night, skip the green tea to keep it decaf.
You can use tea straight out of a tea bag to make this recipe if you want!
DIY Stressbuster Tea
1 tsp green tea
1 tsp dried lavender blossoms (or lavender tea)
1 tsp dried chamomile blossoms (or chamomile tea)
3-4 cups water (heat till barely a boil)
1 tsp honey/maple syrup (optional)
Directions: Place your herbs/teas in a teapot, French press, or large mason jar. Add hot water, stir, and let steep for at least 5 minutes. Strain, pour into cups, add optional honey/natural sweetener, and enjoy!
If you’re not into whipping up your own tea blend, you also can try one of the stress-busting tea blends sold in supermarkets. There are lots out there. I personally like Pukka as they do a good range and whenever possible, try for loose-leaf organic blends.
Remember: One of the best ways to combat stress is by taking care of yourself. A healthy, strong, and fit body is a resilient body.
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