Here are some herbal teas known for their de-stressing qualities. Explore with single herbal teas and be inspired by making herbal tea blends. The purpose of a de-stress tea is to help one to relax but maintain focus and help the body adapt to new situations. Detox teas are refreshing and revitalising.
Make Herbal loose tea your daily ritual.
De-Stress
Astragalus root is considered an adaptogen – it helps to build and restore overall health to the body. It is especially used for cases of adrenal fatigue brought about by stress.
Get Well
Astragalus has a long and enduring history as a potent immune boosting herb and disease fighter. It is an immunostimulant (an agent that stimulates the immune system) that it is known to increase the count of white blood cells and stimulate the production of antibodies.
Long Life
Astragalus has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for longevity, to invigorate qi (vital energy) and to strengthen the body.
Men
Astragalus is extremely supportive of male hormones, by balancing glucose levels it can optimise testosterone and growth hormone levels.
1- 2 teaspoons of root per 1 cup of boiling water, infuse for 10-15 minutes.
De-Stress
Celery Seeds have calming and sedative properties due to the presence of the phytochemical limonene which acts as a mild tranquiliser. Celery Seed Tea can be very beneficial for treating anxiety, nervousness, mental stress and insomnia.
Detox
Celery seeds are rich in the diuretic oils 3-n-Butylpthalide (3nB), which give celery its distinctive smell and taste. These powerful diuretics cleanse the system of excess fluids and stimulate the kidneys to flush out waste from the body.
Digestive Health
Celery Seeds are one of nature's best anti-bloating herbs. Benefits of Celery Seed Tea include promoting healthy bowel regularity and reducing gas and flatulence.
Women
Celery Seeds can be effective against menstrual discomfort, abnormal menstrual flow and irregular menstrual cycles.
To make Celery Seed Tea use 1 – 2 teaspoons of seeds, cover with hot water and leave to steep for 10 minutes.
De-Stress/Relax and Sleep
As a relaxant, Chamomile depresses the central nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep while not disrupting normal performance or function. This is due to the active principles of chamomile including flavonoids, glycosides, and essential oils.
Digestive Health
Chamomile contains a complex collage of phytochemicals that work individually and collectively on all aspects of the digestive system. Often the root of digestive upset, nervousness can also be calmed by this mildly sedative herb.
1-2 teaspoons of loose flowers in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
De-Stress
Lemon Balm is an anti-anxiety nootropic (a herb used to enhance cognitive function), used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety.
Digestive Health
Lemon Balm is what's known as a "carminative herb", meaning it can relieve stagnant digestion, ease abdominal cramping, and promote the overall digestive process.
Relax and Sleep
The difference between Lemon Balm being an effective anti-anxiety herb and a sleep aid is dosage. It combines extremely well with the herb Valerian, with several studies showing that these two herbs combined can induce a deep and restful night’s sleep.
1-2 teaspoons of Loose Leaf in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
De-Stress
Linden Flowers are classed as a nervine and have a long history of use as a folk remedy for improving mental function, moods and sleep. One of the active ingredients in Linden is an essential oil called farnesol, a sedative which helps relax the cardiovascular system, which in turn helps to curb stress.
Digestive Health
Lime Flowers are known as a “carminative” herb, an aromatic bitter tonic that can be used to aid in digestive upset. The blend of phytonutrients found in Lime Flowers can stimulate proper digestion whilst reducing gastrointestinal discomfort. The mucilagous substance produced by this herb lines the digestive tract, allowing food to move through the body more easily.
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.
De-Stress
Mistletoe is a powerful nervine - a herb that strengthens and feeds the nervous system. For anxiety, Mistletoe acts to lower the stress hormone cortisol, bringing the nerves down to a more manageable level.
Relax and Sleep
Mistletoe has been used traditionally as a relaxant and herbal remedy for sleep for centuries. The chemical components of this herb impact the release of neurotransmitters that calm down and soothe the nervous system - this in turn will allow for a healthy and restful sleep.
1-2 teaspoons of loose herb in one cup of hot water, steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
De-Stress
It has been found that Schizandra reduces cortisol levels in the body (the stress hormone) and is effective in controlling changes in serotonin and adrenaline caused by stress. This adaptogenic berry also fights the adrenal fatigue that is linked to stress.
Long Life
Often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine longevity formulas, the Schizandra Berry has long been known to maintain vitality and support healthy cellular function.
Skin and Beauty
The Schizandra berry was cherished by Chinese royalty for its beauty and anti-aging qualities. Packed with antioxidants, including key vitamins C and E, Schisandra’s strong astringent qualities enable the skin to hold in moisture for more fullness.
1-2 tsp of berries or powder in 1 cup boiling water, steep for 15 mins, drink with honey or agave. Good as part of a tea blend.
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.
De-Stress
Stress leads to elevated cortisol levels which can cause havoc in the body if not kept in check. Holy Basil has the ability to regulate cortisol levels and balance hormone levels naturally.
Peace and Wellbeing
The complex combination of phytonutrients in Tulsi work synergistically to create a general sense of wellbeing, working to boost energy and enhance focus in order to deal with the stresses and strains of daily life.
De-Stress
The valerenic acid and valerenol contained in the Valerian root act as anti-anxiety agents, stabilising the central nervous system.Valerian root can also help to keep your stress levels down – significantly helping with daily stress management.
Relax and Sleep
Valerian root has been shown to increase GABA levels in the brain which can in turn not only reduce the amount of time taken to fall asleep, it can also improve the quality of sleep too.
1- 2 teaspoon of cut herb or powder per 1 cup of boiling water, infuse for 10-15 minutes.
