Most of us have a healthy skepticism of pharmaceutical drugs for anxiety because of their side effects and the stories of people feeling like zombies or unable to break the need to take them.
Herbal teas have been used by ancient cultures for eons as a natural anxiety medicine. Around the world, there are known herbs that don’t harm our bodies or interact in dangerous ways with other medicines.
Here are the most calming herbal teas you can possibly drink. Magnesium is also a great supplement you can take to help reduce anxiety.
Kava Kava
This powder comes from a root. It has a strong calming effect, and the roots grow well in Hawai’i. This is a cultural tradition in Hawai’i, and people use it to create the aloha vibe.
Maybe it’s not the warm air and beautiful views in Hawai’i that keeps everyone so peaceful, it might be their tea! This one kind of makes your mouth numb, but you’ll notice with a good brand, you’ll forget all your worries, but it can make you sleepy so it’s best to drink before bedtime.
For the most effective tea, get a large bag of it online or at a health food store in powder form. This plant is known to help reduce disrupted sleep patterns and offset conditions caused by stress because of it’s calming effect on your nervous system. People often use this to reduce panic attacks. It also grows on islands like Fiji, Samoa and Micronesia.
Chamomile
Chamomile is grown in Western Europe, India and Western Asia. Besides it’s calming effect, it’s used to help treat colds and upset stomachs. This is a tried and true herb used for many generations.
This calming tea is also one that can make you sleepy, but it’s properties are well documented. A cup or two of chamomile will chill you out and won’t get you addicted. Try to get a pure grade so it’s potent. Read the ingredient list on the box to make sure there’s no added sugar.
Lavender
Lavender comes in many shapes and forms. There are lavender essential oils, lavender pillows, lavender bath salts and, yes, lavender herbal tea. It’s also used to help reduce pain, reduce respiratory problems and help blood circulation.
It’s floral aroma and sweet taste will help you to feel nice and cozy. This one is also an aphrodisiac, especially for men, so you could be attracting your man’s attention while relaxing. You can hang lavender in your house or burn lavender infused candles or even lavender incense. The color is also soothing.
Passion Flower
This flower is often used to combat depression as well as menopause and menstrual symptoms. It also will help you to sleep without really knocking you out with potentially harmful side effects like a drug does.
Passion flower, like lavender sometimes comes in a dropper; you can add it to hot water or take it sublingually—but that’s not as fun as sipping on a nice mug of tea.
If you make passion flower a regular part of your day, you might not find your blood pressure rising when that difficult coworker comes by or your mother in law gets on your nerves. For busy moms and working superstars, this is a must to carry in your purse!
Ashwagandha
This cool herb comes from a root. It is an adaptogen, which helps to balance your thyroid and hormones. If you’re hyper, it will calm you down, and if you’re tired, it will perk you up. It’s another aphrodisiac and it’s potent. This one is a strong aphrodisiac for women. You can drink it in hot or cold tea. Many chilled teas are now using this plant.
Holy Basil
This cool herb is native to Asia and India, which are known for their natural herbal remedies. Most people wouldn’t think of basil tea because we are so used to it being on our pizza, but holy basil is a potent herb, different from sweet basil that will keep us from being panicky.
This is becoming more popular in health food stores so you won’t have trouble finding it. This is also known as tulsi tea, so you may see it sold as that. It is also used to fight bacteria and heal wounds.
Moringa
Moringa grows in the Philippines and Ethiopia. It is a natural stress-relieving plant that helps to boost your overall health. Many of these herbs do more than just calm you down, and you will really benefit in multiple ways by drinking these stress relieving teas.
We women need all the stress relieving natural assistance we can get as our hyper-stimulating society is not what our bodies are really made for—and it won’t hurt to share these with your men either, ladies!
This plant comes from the horseradish tree and is used in Nepal, Pakistan and India. It is known to help prevent diseases, and is now considered a powerful superfood because of it’s antioxidant properties.
Many calming teas have a blend of Chinese herbs that are designed to help you mellow out. Those are also a good choice. Tulsi, Yogi Tea and Traditional Medicinals are great brands to stick with. Loose leaf tea is also a great option. Try to stay away from brands that add natural flavor or don’t list ingredients.
In addition to these natural remedies, try using a positive affirmation such as, “I am calm and happy right now.” You can also take deep breaths to calm your nervous system.
Drink lots of water to keep your body free of toxins and get daily exercise to release endorphins that can counteract hormones that cause anxiety. Of course, you need to check with your doctor if you have any preexisting medical conditions or are pregnant or nursing. Also note that some herbs interact with the effectiveness of birth control.
Share this goldmine of advice with your girlfriends so that they can also have the power of nature in the palm of their hand. Come back for more practical life advice from yours truly here on YouQueen and please let us know how these work for you in the comments below.