Stress and anxiety are hard to deal with. I have been suffering from severe anxiety and agoraphobia for 12 years. Due to my condition, I have done tons of research, tried tons of natural remedies, and even a few OTC medicines. Life, is bound to stress everyone out at some point physically, mentally, and/or emotionally.

Natural ways to combat stress and anxiety are a great alternative for those of us who want to be natural, or cannot physically go out and get prescribed medication. Below are some of my favorites teas that have helped my stress and anxiety symptoms the most.

1. Tulsi Tea

Cortisol is the stress hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. When overproduced, it can cause anxiety. Holy basil tea helps lower cortisol levels which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Every part of the holy basil plant can be used (and typically is) as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stressful situations and provide mental balance.

Some common types of stress are emotional, infectious, physical, and chemical. While the concept of adaptogen is known as a holistic approach, there is scientific evidence that holy basil has pharmacological properties to help the above-mentioned types of stress. One study showed that individuals who took 500 milligrams (mg) of holy basil extract every day felt less stressed, anxious, and depressed. You can take holy basil in pill form if you’re not a fan of the tea flavor, but this is definitely at the top of my list. As a drinker of Tulsi Tea myself, I do have to say it’s one of my favorites to help with my anxiety. I typically have a cup when my anxiety starts to get bad and/or a cup at night before bed.

2. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has been used as a mild sleep aid, stomach ailment, anxiety reducer, and as an anti-inflammatory, to name only a couple of therapeutic uses for centuries. Chamomile can help reduce stress and anxiety by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. This allows chamomile tea to target the same nervous systems receptors that prescription drugs like Xanax and Klonopin do. This tea not only helps calm down anxiety but also helps to induce sleep, making it a wonderful bedtime tea!

I do enjoy mixing chamomile tea with holy basil tea with a little bit of honey for a wonderful mug of relaxation before bed or during a time when I am having bad anxiety.

3. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a great stress and anxiety reducer. There is menthol contained in peppermint that is a natural muscle relaxant. This aromatic tea doesn’t have caffeine which makes it a relaxing tea before bed and when you’re stressed or feeling anxiety.

Drinking peppermint tea for most people will cause an overall calmness effect. However, for some people with stomach or digestive issues, you may want to stick with chamomile, as peppermint can bother people who suffer from GERD. Also, pregnant women should NOT drink peppermint tea as it can increase the risk of having a miscarriage.

4. Green Tea

Green tea helps combat stress and anxiety because it has polyphenol in it. Unlike the other teas mentioned, however, green tea has a significant amount of caffeine, so keep that in mind if your anxiety worsens from caffeine. Although there is a lot of caffeine in green tea it’s important to note that green tea is apoptogenic in nature which helps you stay alert and calm without feeling sleepy. I recommend having your green tea in the morning versus in the evening so the caffeine doesn’t keep you up.

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and has natural detoxing properties. L-Theanine is a very strong amino acid that is superb for its calming effect. For those of us who suffer from anxiety daily, we know that another amazing befit of green tea is the L-Theanine that’s in it. I also take L-Theanine 200 mg capsules during my day to help. But, that’s a topic for another post. Stay tuned!

5. Valerian Root

Insomnia is another disorder that’s very common in those of us who have anxiety. While I can’t speak for everyone, for me it’s the racing irrational thoughts at night that keep me in a state of panic, and keep sleep far away from reach. If you’re having a night like that, grab a cup of tea that has calming and sedative properties – Valerian Root.

Some people like to get a tea that has valerian root, lemon balm, and chamomile already mixed together when they’re having a particularly rough night because of the calming effect all three have.

Disclaimer: It’s important to consult your doctor before using valerian tea if you have prescribed sedatives.

6. Lemon Balm

Like Holy Basil, Lemon Balm is a calming herb that helps lower cortisol levels in your body which eases stress. Although it helps lower stress levels and calms you down, it doesn’t make you drowsy so it’s perfectly safe to drink during the day. Lemon Balm tea can also help uplift your mood.

7. Lavender Tea

I’m sure if you’re reading this you’ve done some research on anxiety before and have heard how amazing lavender essential oil is for anxiety. Well, lavender teas are just as fantastic. Lavender tea is bursting with calming properties that help lower anxiety, decrease cortisol levels, and may help promote deep sleep. In a study done, 31 people stated that the scent increased a deep slumber when the aroma increased REM sleep and slow-wave sleep. It can also boost the brain’s happy chemical – dopamine.

8. Passion Flower

Although at the last of the list, don’t sleep on passionflower tea, or maybe do. Passionflower tea is a natural remedy for anxiety and stress because of the flavone chrysin contained in passionflower. The flavone chrysin has anti-anxiety benefits which can bring a calming effect and induce a night of restful sleep.

Disclaimer: Do not consume passionflower tea if you’re pregnant and lactating or on a sedative. Although it’s safe and doesn’t cause adverse effects with interacting with other sedatives, it’s important to ask a DR first. This should also not be given to children under 6.

Relax and Enjoy the Benefits of the Best Anti-Anxiety Teas

If you suffer from any form of anxiety-like millions of other Americans, drinking tea is a great way to calm your nerves and help with anxiety episodes. Some of the teas mentioned help lower cortisol levels when being consumed daily which helps keep stress and anxiety lower.

These are all teas I have drank myself and have found an immense amount of benefits with. I did not list them in any specific order but feel free to try them one at a time and see which works best for you, and in which situation. Check out this blog for my favorite products that I have personally purchase and recommend. You can also make your own tea by buying tea leaves and an infuser.