Increased Relaxation
Teas for Increased Relaxation
Teas for Increased Relaxation
Tea drinking has long been seen as a great, natural way to bring some relaxation into our days and is often regarded as an everyday remedy for anxiety, sleeplessness and stress. Both the flavours and aromas of various teas and tisanes have been linked to relaxation, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the calming properties of certain teas and tea ingredients are also caused by their chemical components.
Studies into the effects of tea have suggested that it can cause a reduction in the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, promote increased relaxation and aid stress recovery. What’s more, the catechins found in tea, particularly the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate, have been said to promote calmness in tea drinkers, while also improving attention and memory.
There are a great range of relaxing herbal and fruit teas and tisanes, as well as decaffeinated teas, green teas and rooibos teas that may help with anxiety, encourage relaxation and decrease stress – we’ve picked out some of our favourites below:
Containing relatively high amounts of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and the amino acid L-theanine, green tea is often cited as great tea for relaxation and alleviating anxiety. The EGCG in green tea has been shown to be beneficial in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, while L-theanine has been linked to reduced tension, improved relaxation and calmness.
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas in the world and has long been associated with a wide range of health benefits, with the flavonoids present in chamomile being linked to several medicinal properties. Some of the ailments that chamomile has been historically used to treat include inflammation and muscle spasms, rheumatic pain, ulcers and insomnia, but it is perhaps chamomile’s calming qualities that are most celebrated. The relaxing effects of chamomile may be associated with an antioxidant called apigenin, which is said to show strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and to promote blood pressure reduction. For these reasons, chamomile is often cited as a great calming tea for anxiety.
Full of sweet fruit flavours and refreshing herbal notes, rooibos is a favourite calming tea for many tea-drinkers. Naturally caffeine-free, it’s also a great choice for those looking to relax and unwind and has been traditionally used to help reduce anxiety and sleeplessness. Rooibos is also low in tannins when compared to certain other teas, which means that it’s a good choice for those who may experience mild digestive problems when drinking more tannin-heavy teas.
Another caffeine-free choice, peppermint tea is a very popular tea for stress relief and great for relaxing and unwinding with in the evening. There is reason to believe that peppermint can have a relaxing effect on the nervous system, while the menthol in peppermint is believed to be a muscle relaxant. What’s more, the well-known positive effects of peppermint as a decongestant mean that peppermint tea can be a great option to promote clear-breathing and improved sleep, making it a popular tea for encouraging calmness.
A popular ingredient in many herbal teas, hibiscus has been shown to display antioxidant properties, which are suggested may help to protect the body against free radicals. It has also been associated with promoting weight loss and lowering blood fat levels. Hibiscus is also known for its antihypertensive properties, which have been linked to the treatment of high blood pressure; studies have therefore proposed that introducing hibiscus tea into a daily diet may lead to the lowering of blood pressure.
Tea-Direct offers a great selection of some of the best teas that may help to alleviate anxiety, encourage relaxation, reduce stress and bring about a wonderful calmness to your day.