The Benefits of Herbal Tea for Stress: A Natural Way to Relax

Stress! It’s the unwelcome guest that just refuses to leave you the fxck alone, right? In this everyday hustle and bustle ass world we live in, stress is more annoying than a little sibling, helicopter Mom or overzealous boss.

But, don’t fret because I have an easy and tasty way to help you find your peace amidst the stress by simply making space for yourself and steeping a cup of tea. Herbal teas are packed and rich in nature’s soothing properties and calming goodness! They help calm the mind, alleviate anxiety, and enhance overall well-being with a single sip. Now I’m not saying you gone heal ALL of your troubles with a single sip, but then again who am I to judge how strong your receptive frequencies are, shxt you might.  

For me personally, relaxation and anxiety herbs have been a real game-changer in helping with easing anxiety and boosting my overall well-being. And I’m sure you could use some of that. So, let's dive into some of my personal favorite blends and let's see how they can work for you.

Herbs, Their Benefits and a little bit of Science

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of my 5 go-to stress and relaxation herbal allies, shall we? It's not just about good vibes; there's some serious science behind these stress-relieving superstars and these are also the most easily sourced.

1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): This classic is my go-to for a reason. Chamomile contains apigenin, a bioflavonoid that binds to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve activity, essentially calming things down. Think of it as a natural tranquilizer. Studies have shown chamomile can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. A warm cup before bed? Definitely a scientifically-backed vibe.

   
   

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, and that's not just a buzzword. Adaptogens help your body manage stress by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in your stress response. It helps regulate cortisol, the "stress hormone," preventing it from spiking and wreaking havoc. If you're dealing with chronic anxiety, ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties might be exactly what you need.

   
   

3. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): This member of the mint family isn't just fragrant; it's packed with calming compounds. Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and mood-lifting effects. It can also improve cognitive function and focus, making it ideal for those times when you need to stay calm but sharp.

   
   

4. Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Mint is actually the first herb I ever learned about. My old neighbors Van and Tim had hella peppermint in their yard and one day they were eating it and gave me a piece to try. I was in awe and I’ve been on herbs and plants since then. That was the 80s, I was 7 or 8 years old. Anywho,  Peppermint is more than just a refreshing flavor. The menthol in peppermint has muscle-relaxant properties, which can be a godsend when stress causes tension. It also eases digestion, which can often be disrupted by anxiety. Plus, that cooling sensation can be a lifesaver for them pesky, sneak up on you, tension headaches.

   
   

5. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): If stress is stealing your sleep, passionflower might just be your secret weapon. It increases GABA levels in the brain, similar to how some anti-anxiety medications work. More GABA means less brain activity, leading to a calmer mind and better sleep. It's a natural way to quiet the mental chatter and drift off to dreamland.

   
   

Herbal remedies have a rich history, and many of their benefits are now being validated by science. Chamomile's effectiveness for sleep and anxiety is well-documented, and research continues to explore the potential of other herbs like lavender and passionflower for their calming effects. Other herbs, like ashwagandha, are being studied for their adaptogenic properties and their potential to help the body manage stress. The more you learn, the more you appreciate the power of these natural allies. It's always good to do a little digging if you're curious about the research.

My Tea Ritual And How You Can Build Yours Too:

I'ma be real with y'all – I love tea for the taste, not just the benefits. But the benefits are a definite plus. And because I drink tea everyday I not only want it to be good, I NEED it to be good! You feel me?  

So, here are my favorite personal relaxation and stress blends and here’s how I be incorporating them into my daily routine. Now, realistically I’d like to have time to blend a fresh cup daily, but just in case I don’t, I may brew up a few 32 oz mason jars which make between 2-4 cups depending on your thirst level.  

I like to start my day with an ashwagandha blended tea for stress resilience that I call Sunrise Focus.

Sunrise Focus Recipe:

Single 8oz Cup

• ½ tsp Ashwagandha (for stress resilience throughout the day)

• ½ tsp Peppermint (for a refreshing pick-me-up and focus)

• ¼ tsp Chamomile (just a touch to ease any morning jitters)

4 cups 32oz mason jar

• Ashwagandha: 2 tsp

• Peppermint: 2 tsp

• Chamomile: 1 tsp

  
  

Benefits: This morning blend is designed to gently energize you while promoting mental clarity and focus. Ashwagandha helps your body adapt to stress throughout the day, while peppermint provides a refreshing boost and can aid concentration. A small amount of chamomile helps to take the edge off any morning anxiety without making you drowsy.

Preparation: Combine herbs in a mug. Pour 8 oz of hot (not boiling) water over the herbs. Steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

In the middle of the day, when work is kicking my butt and I need an afternoon pick-me-up that won’t make me crash, I head straight for a nice mix of lemon balm and peppermint. It helps me stay focused without the jitters. And I call this personal recipe my afternoon Equilibrium.

Afternoon Equilibrium Recipe

8oz Recipe

• ½ tsp Lemon Balm (for mood elevation and focus)

• ¼ tsp Peppermint (to refresh and aid digestion)

• ¼ tsp Chamomile (to ease midday stress)

32oz Recipe

• Lemon Balm: 2 tsp

• Peppermint: 1 tsp

• Chamomile: 1 tsp

Benefits: This midday blend is crafted to help you maintain balance and focus during the afternoon slump. Lemon balm can lift your mood and improve cognitive function, while peppermint provides a refreshing pick-me-up and can aid digestion after lunch. A small amount of chamomile helps to reduce any midday stress or tension.

Preparation: Combine herbs in a mug. Pour 8 oz of hot (not boiling) water over the herbs. Steep for 7-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

After a long hot shower, skin oiled down, hair tied, teeth brushed, baby what, bedtime calls for the very tasty chamomile and passionflower blend tea for deep relaxation and a good night's sleep. Sipping a warm cup before bedtime can significantly lower stress levels. During what I refer to as my evening wind down, I like to settle down with my personal recipe that I lovingly call My Twilight Tranquility, and yes you gotta say the My.

My Twilight Tranquility Recipe

8oz Cup

• 1 tsp Lavender (for relaxation and sleep promotion)

• ½ tsp Chamomile (for calming the nerves and inducing sleep)

• ¼ tsp Passionflower (to further promote relaxation and restful sleep)

32oz Jar

• Lavender: 4 tsp

• Chamomile: 2 tsp

• Passionflower: 1 tsp

  
  

Benefits: This bedtime blend is all about promoting deep relaxation and restful sleep. Lavender and chamomile are a classic combination for calming the nervous system and preparing for sleep. Passionflower enhances these effects, helping to ease anxiety and encourage a peaceful night's rest. Avoid Ashwagandha in this blend as it can sometimes be energizing for some people, and by some people, I do mean me.

Preparation: Combine herbs in a mug. Pour 8 oz of hot (not boiling) water over the herbs. Steep for 10-15 minutes (or longer for a stronger infusion). Strain and enjoy about an hour before bedtime.

A  Few General Prepping Notes for All the Blends:

• Hot water, just below boiling, is ideal.

• The longer you steep = The stronger the flavor and effects. So adjust accordingly.

• Use a fine-mesh strainer, tea infuser or reusable hemp tea bag.

• Sweetening is totally optional, but I always use a little honey or sugar in my teas. Honey, maple syrup, organic cane sugar or stevia (I personally do not like stevia at all, but you carry on and stand solid about your choice)

• Choose high-quality, organic herbs whenever possible. You can also grow these herbs right at home. Ashwagandha being possibly the hardest but still doable.

• Pay attention to how each blend makes you feel and adjust accordingly. Herbal remedies can have different effects on different people. What relaxes one person might energize another.

  
  

So yeah, adding herbal teas to your routine is a simple, natural way to tackle stress. Try the recipes, then experiment with different blends on your own to find what feels good to you. 

Have you ever used herbs for stress relief? Drop your experience in the comments!

When you try one of these blends, tag me on IG @suburbangypsee, mi wanna see yuh tea setup!

Which blend are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments below!