Calming Teas
For centuries herbal tea blends (also called Tisanes) are used to balance our physical, mental, and emotional state. The use of herbal tea started ever since our ancestors used different parts of plants to make infusions for healing purposes. Humans and plants have always coexisted in a synergistic relationship where one supports the other. People’s homes often were surrounded by the growth of native healing plants and others were planted and later harvested by people. It is a beautiful relationship between human and nature.
Historical documents dating from ancient civilizations such as Egyptian, Chinese, and Greek are describing the medicinal benefits of drinking herbal teas, and Greek physicians documented hundreds of plants that could be used to create infusions. Besides using herbal teas to improve physical health, our ancestors also used it to calm the mind and emotions and for greater spiritual awareness.
Nowadays, drinking herbal tea has been proven to be beneficial for the mind and body and all over the world, people are enjoying the ritual of having a hot cup of their favorite blends. Steeping tea is a popular way to prepare herbal tea in a tea bag or a metal tea steeper.
The herbal tea is made from various parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, roots, and barks. Some herbal teas can be made from spices as well. It is usually made hot but during hot summer days, it can be enjoyed chilled, with ice.
Emotional benefits of herbal teas
As one of the most consumed beverages in the world, herbal tea has calming and soothing abilities that benefit our emotional state. The main reason herbal tea is affecting the human body in this way is the chemical compound called theanine. Theanine is a depressant that has the ability to enters the brain and get converted into a chemical called Gamma Amino Butyric Acid. this chemical has the ability to quiet our thoughts and slow down the speed of brain waves. Combined with caffeine that is usually found in most herbal teas, theanine brings us the feeling of relaxation and calmness. Another component of herbal tea is polyphenols, a very powerful antioxidant that helps the body reduce the high level of oxidative stress that affects our mental and emotional state.
Many of us occasionally experience stress, nervousness, lack of sleep, anxiety, and tiredness. Although these are all perfectly normal emotions, we are looking to ease the feelings and calm our inner storms. Instead of reaching for harmful solutions for our troubles, there are many herbal teas infusion that can help us overcome whatever is troubling our souls. While the list of beneficial herbs is too long to be able to mention them all, we are presenting you with our favorite.
Teas To Relax
Valerian root
Valerian is the herb that originally grows in Asia and Europe. This plant helps with sleep disorders, relaxes the body, and calms the feeling of stress and anxiety. The general recommendation is to consume up to three cups of valerian herbal tea daily. As it takes time for valerian herbal tea to get through the system, you need to be patient and persistent with its consumption.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb from the mint family whose taste and the smell is similar to lemon. This herb is used to calm anxious feelings, fears, and to improve mood and cognitive functions. Lemon balm has been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, headache pain, and many other health issues.
Lavender
Lavender is a Mediterranean flower that is widely used and grown all over the world. The beautiful and calming scent of this purple flower is only one of the many benefits Lavander gives us. Known for its aromatherapy effects, Lavender herbal tea promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and cures insomnia. Lavender herbal tea is also an antiseptic and can help the body fight bacteria. To learn more about the incredible benefits of Lavender and why it is cherished and loved by so many people around the world check out DoCalm’s article: https://docalm.com/lavender-the-queen-of-relax-and-calm/
Roman Chamomile
This tea is both beautifully lightly fragrant and nurturing. The stems and petals have been used for centuries for their calming effect. Mild enough to be consumed by children, this tea will help put you or a child to sleep. Add some honey and feel relaxed, nurtured and held like a baby by this caring plant.
Basil
Used for thousands of years, Basil originates from India and Asia and is mostly used in cooking. But Basil herbal tea (do not confuse it with Holy Basil tea) has many benefits. This tea helps in lowering the stress hormone and improving sleep. It also servers as an antidepressant, alleviate stomach pain, and improves digestion.
Peppermint
Originated from Europe and Asia, peppermint herbal tea is among the most popular beverages in the world. The well-known benefit of peppermint herbal tea is to relieve tension and headaches, alleviate fatigue, and improves energy levels. Peppermint herbal tea also has antibacterial properties, aids in digestion, relieves IBS symptoms, and promotes a better night’s sleep. It truly is a refreshing experience to drink peppermint tea. Try infusing it with fresh peppermint leaves to help bring you in to a place of refreshing stillness.
Bitter gourd
Bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon or bitter cucumber. This herb contains vitamins A, C and B, omega-6 fatty acid,s, and many other beneficial components. Some of the components in the bitter gourd can even suppress the growth of the cancer cells. Besides being able to help prevent chronic diseases and stimulate the immune system, bitter melon herbal tea calms the nervous system and reduces stress. Be careful when drinking this tea as an excessive amount of bitter melon herbal tea can cause health issues.
Sage
Sage is usually used as a spice but when used as herbal tea infusion it has many beneficial properties. Besides being helpful in fighting inflammation and having antioxidant compounds, sage herbal tea also promotes brain health and improves mood. It is also used to improve memory, focus, and as a relief from anxiety. In some cultures, sage herbal tea is used to improve women’s health. As with bitter melon, be mindful when consuming sage herbal tea as it can be harmful when used excessively.
St. John’s Wort
The St. John’s Wort is also known as the Chase-devil, Rosin Rose, Tipton’s weed, or Klamath weed. For centuries, this herb has been used to treat depression and stress, even to treat alcohol abuse and as a narcotic or painkiller. St. John’s Wort herbal tea is the gentle sedative that is used to treat depression and anxiety and according to some research, the herb acts similar serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is also helpful in relieving PMS symptoms and improving mood during menopause.
When choosing the right herbal tea infusion, make sure to consider both benefits and potential side effects. Follow the instruction and recommended dosage. As with all other natural remedies, it takes time and patience to fell the real effect so do not give up after only one cup, be patient and the benefits will come.
Make it a Love Affair with a Traditional Tea Ritual
Tea has been prepared and served traditionally for centuries. To learn about serving tea in a mindful way, below is a video demonstrating the traditional Tea Serving Ceremony in Japan. These ceremonies have been used to create a relaxing atmosphere for communication between the host and guests. Let it inspire your next tea serving for yourself or others.
Make Herbal Tea a part of your day to bring calm and relaxation in those moments when you need it most.
