Here are some herbal teas known for their uplifting qualities. Explore with single herbal teas and be inspired by making herbal tea blends. The purpose of an uplifting herbal tea is to banish the blues. These herbs have anti-depressant qualities and are known for balancing mood and harmonising brain chemistry
Make Herbal loose tea your daily ritual.
Blues
Used by herbalists for centuries to treat anxiety and other nervous disorders, Catnip works particularly well against tension headaches and can induce a sense of relaxation, triggering relief from stress and anxiety.
Digestive Health
Catnip is particularly effective in aiding digestive issues, especially constipation, excess flatulence, cramping, and bloating.
Peace and Wellbeing
The sedative nature of this wonderfully calming herb helps to induce a fitful and restful sleep. Drinking a cup of soothing Catnip tea before bed can be incredibly beneficial if you suffer from insomnia or any other sleep related problems.
1-2 teaspoons of loose herb in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
Aphrodisiac
Damiana has an ancient, erotic reputation, particularly amongst Mexican Indians. A male and female sexual stimulant, this is the Aphrodisiac to use when sexual dysfunction is attached to strong emotions such as anxiety, stress and mild depression.
Men
For men, Damiana is especially indicated for alleviating problems of achieving and maintaining erections.
Blues/Peace and Wellbeing
One of the active constituents of this herb is thymol, and it is this compound that is responsible for Damiana’s life enhancing and stimulating effect on the mind and body.
Damiana Tea is brought to you all the way from South American rainforests. With an amazingly pungent aroma and unique taste, Damiana Tea is a great blending herb to go with other loose leaf teas.
1 - 2 teaspoons of bark in water. Set in pan over heat for 15 minutes to make a decoction.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Tea Has several positive effects that all stem from increased blood flow and circulation.
Aphrodisiac
Ginkgo Biloba is seen as an aphrodisiac because of its capacity to boost circulation and increase blood flow to the genitals.
Blues
Ginkgo Biloba is an excellent herb when taken for both the physical and emotional effects of depression and anxiety. Poor blood flow to the brain is linked with depression, anxiety, poor focus and low energy levels, and a condition known as "cerebrovascular insufficiency". Research indicates that Ginkgo Biloba can improve symptoms linked to cerebrovascular insufficiency, supporting healthy circulation to the brain thus reducing feelings of depression and anxiety.
Men
Ginkgo also lowers the stress hormone cortisol and enhances the production of all-important testosterone, making this an excellent herb to use for performance related anxiety. By lowering sex related inhibitions and easing stress, Ginkgo Biloba can help to create the right mood for love.
Memory
Ginkgo improves memory and concentration by allowing more blood to flow freely around the brain.
Women
Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to be of great benefit to PMS in several clinical trials. It not only improves the psychological symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, it also helps to alleviate some physical issues.
Overall a very pleasant tea - works well with Sencha Green Tea. 1-2 teaspoons of Loose herb in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
Blues
Lavender has been used for centuries as a remedy for anxiety and depression. Studies show that Lavender can be as effective at treating anxiety as its pharmaceutical counterparts.
Relax and Sleep
If you suffer from restless nights then Lavender has been proven to increase the time to awaken after first falling asleep. A soothing cup of Lavender tea before bedtime can promote a restful night's sleep.
1-2 teaspoons of loose flowers in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
Blues
Liquorice is known to have 8 different anti-depressant compounds, known as MOA (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors. These inhibitors are capable of potent anti-depressant activity and show significant improvement for all types of depression.
De-Stress
Research shows that Liquorice is a powerful adaptogenic herb, able to help the body to manage the stress hormone “cortisol” more efficiently.
Digestive Health
Liquorice root is a natural antacid that helps to relieve heartburn, indigestion, gastric and stomach ulcers, acid reflux and symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
Cut root: 1 - 2 teaspoons of bark in water. Set in pan over heat for 15 minutes to make a decoction.
Powder: 1-2 tsp of powder in 1 cup boiling water, steep for 15 mins, drink with honey or agave. Good as part of a tea blend.
Blues
When depression, anxiety and panic attacks are the result of grief and/or heartbreak, Motherwort is the herb to heal your heart. Motherwort soothes the nervous system and acts as a powerful vasodilator, regulating heart rhythm and minimising palpitations.
Childbearing Years
Though it is not to be used until labour, Motherwort can ease early labour pains if they begin prematurely. It can also alleviate the restlessness, anxiety, tension and insomnia some women experience during labour. Postnatally, it is given to help the uterus relax and return to normal.
Relax and Sleep
In higher doses, Motherwort can also act as a sedative, greatly aiding restfulness and sleep quality.
Women
Motherwort acts as a uterine tonic which helps to regulate menstruation, bring on delayed periods and can reduce smooth muscle cramping – particularly menstrual cramps. It can also help relieve premenstrual tension and discomfort.
1-2 teaspoons of loose herb in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
Blues/Relax and Sleep
If depression is related to the menopause then Passion Flower could be the most effective herb. If symptoms are causing sleep disruption and insomnia, Passion Flower's tranquilising effect can induce a restful and fitful sleep. Passion Flower is known to be a muscle relaxant, easing away tension that can make it more difficult to drift off to sleep.
1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
Blues/De-Stress
Before the advent of pharmaceutical tranquilisers, Skullcap was the go to herb for the relief of anxiety and nervous tension. Studies have since shown it exhibits “anxiolytic activity” in animals and humans – meaning it inhibits anxiety.
Relax and Sleep
If an overactive, restless mind is preventing you from getting a good night's sleep then Skullcap is the herb for you. While many remedies, both traditional and herbal, can lull you to sleep like skullcap, most leave you groggy in the morning. A cup of Skullcap tea before bedtime promotes sound sleep without the unwanted side effects, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalised in the morning.
Women
The delicate balance of phytochemicals in Skullcap exhibit strong antispasmodic activity, making it an extremely effective herb for menstrual cramps and its calming action aids PMT symptoms.
1- 2 teaspoon of cut herb or powder per 1 cup of boiling water, infuse for 10-15 minutes.
Blues
The most famous use of St John’s Wort is as a remedy for mild to moderate depression. Many studies have found the herb to be equally as effective as traditional antidepressants, but with fewer side effects in mild to moderately depressed patients.
Relax and Sleep
St John's Wort aids in enhancing metabolism and the internal body clock to combat irritability, anxiety and insomnia.
1-2 teaspoons of loose herb in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
