For centuries, tea has been touted as a remedy for stress and other ailments, from headaches to indigestion. But is there any scientific evidence to back up these claims? Are some teas more effective than others in promoting relaxation and stress relief? Let’s take a look.
When it comes to stress relief, the most popular types of teas are typically herbal infusions. These are teas made from herbs, fruits, spices, or flowers and don’t usually contain caffeine. Popular herbal infusions include chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, rosehip and ginseng. Research suggests that these types of teas can have calming effects on the body and mind due to their sedative properties. Chamomile is particularly well researched - studies suggest that it can help reduce anxiety symptoms by regulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain. That said, not all herbal teas are created equal; some may have little or no effect on stress levels at all.
Decaffeinated tea is another good option if you’re looking for something that won’t keep you awake at night but still offers some stress-relieving benefits. Green tea like matcha and jasmine green are both popular choices as they contain l-theanine - an amino acid believed to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness - in addition to antioxidants which help protect against damage caused by oxidative stress (or damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals). Black tea also contains l-theanine but has more caffeine than green tea so should be avoided if you’re looking for a truly calming drink!
White tea is another great choice as its lightly processed leaves retain many of their beneficial compounds such as polyphenols which act as antioxidants in the body. White tea has also been found to reduce cortisol levels in the body – an important hormone associated with stress – making it a great choice for those seeking out natural relaxation remedies!
All types of tea offer various health benefits but if you’re looking for something to help with relaxation and stress relief then herbal teas like chamomile or lavender are your best bet. Decaffeinated green or white teas such as matcha or jasmine green could also be worth trying if you want something with a bit more flavour while still offering some calming properties without keeping you awake at night! Ultimately though it’s important to experiment and find what works best for you – there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to relaxation drinks! So grab yourself a cup of your favourite brew today and enjoy some well-deserved peace and calm! Happy sipping!