Tea & Stress Management

Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences. When stress hits, the whole body and mind are affected. The stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline rev up the heartbeat and send blood rushing to the areas that need it most; muscles, the heart, and other important organs causing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems and irritability. But just brewing a nice cup of tea or sipping a cold glass of ice tea can go a long way as the catechins in herbal teas specifically target stress responses.

The best teas for stress are herbal teas made from plants from around the world. Herbal teas are as important as the typical tea leaves with which we most familiar. They are made from roots and leaves of plants that have been confirmed by modern medical studies to have stress-busting properties. These teas are naturally caffeine free, unlike standard green and black teas. Camomile tea for example, is the most popular herbal tea with calming properties that promote relaxation and sleep – the opposite effects of boosting mood and energy; all of which can help improve your ability to cope with stress and reduce its effects.

Though these herbal teas are generally safe for most adults, their interaction with prescription medication has not been thoroughly studied. So if you are taking any medication, it is wise to let your doctor know that you are trying out herbal remedies for your anxiety and stress.