For centuries we’ve been using the power of herbs to solve all sorts of ailments from upset stomach to lethargy. Herbal teas have always been an easy way to create calm and promote sleep; aside from the benefits in the leaves, the ritual of brewing and drinking a cup of tea has always had a magical effect. If you’ve been experiencing racing thoughts or are just trying to establish a better nighttime routine, drinking a fresh, warm cup of tea can put you in a peaceful state and help sleep to come easier. Many herbs are known to lower anxiety and stress; finding the one whose flavors and effects suit you the most can be a fun (and tasty) process! Hopefully, your new favorite tea for decreased anxiety and a more restful night is below.
1. Chamomile Tea
The warm, soft taste of chamomile tea has always been synonymous with peace and rest. Not only can the smell be perfect for setting the tone for rest before bed, but some of its ingredients have been found to improve sleep quality. Other studies found that this herb can also alleviate depression and anxiety, making it an excellent tea to keep stocked when you need a dose of rest.
2. Lavender Tea
Who doesn’t love the scent of lavender? Aromatic and light, lavender is a powerful soother in all its forms, and often its scent alone can be a signal to your body that it’s time to get rest and power down. Scientific studies have found that it’s not just in our heads; drinking lavender tea can help relieve anxiety and boost our moods while also helping us sleep.
3. Passionflower Tea
Last year, Healthline published an article titled “Drink A Cup of Passionflower Tea Every Night for Better Sleep,” confirming what many people have known for generations. Tea made with this powerful flower isn’t just aromatic or soothing; it can actually act as a sedative if consumed before bed and can even ease anxiety. This tea has even been proven to help prevent hot flashes and relieve pain, making it one of the more powerful teas in existence.
4. Lemon Balm Tea
The striking warm zest of a cup of lemon balm tea can be a great choice any time you’e feeling the need for a moment of calm in your day, This tea has the ability to increase our bodies’ levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter known for reducing stress. Because of this, a cup of lemon balm tea can help keep stress and anxiety levels down, replacing it with a feeling of calm and quiet.
5. Rose Tea
In our society, the sweet scent of roses has always been a symbol of deep love, affection and happiness, but did you know the plant itself also has very real health benefits? Rich in antioxidants, rose tea can help to promote a lot of positive side effects from calming inflammation to reducing the risk of certain cancers. It’s also known to be a great relaxer, helping those who drink it to find a sense of calm and get to sleep easier.
6. Valerian Root Tea
Valerian root has been used as a treatment for insomnia going as far back as the Roman Empire; this beautiful pink plant can be great for dampening worried thoughts and promoting rest. Science has found there’s a good reason Valerian root tea is often recommended as a homeopathic solution for sleep and anxiety. One study found that it shortened the amount of time it took people to fall asleep and another found that it can increase GABA levels similar to other calming teas. If you’re looking to add to your before bed regime, consider joining others who have experienced insomnia across history and brew a cup of Valerian tea.
7. Sleepytime Tea
Of course, Sleepytime Tea is always an excellent choice for bedtime. It contains leaves from all sorts of plants that promote calm and rest like chamomile, spearmint, blackberry leaves, orange blossoms, and rosebuds. This calming mixture can help to pull you out of nagging worries or restlessness and create a peaceful time that’s just for you.
Sleep is one of the most important ways we can give ourselves self care and invest in our health. Often, sleep is more of a process than simply powering down; creating a restful environment for ourselves beforehand will always enhance our experience. If you’ve been struggling to get good sleep or calm your anxiety, consider adding regular herbal teas to your nighttime routine.
