You know how it feels when you’re stressed out. Your mouth goes dry, pulse quickens, muscles tighten; you feel on edge or totally wiped out. Whatever the symptoms, it’s not pleasant. Yet, seventy-five percent of us experience at least some stress every two weeks.
Of course, by now we’ve heard exercise, meditation and yoga can calm us down. But there’s another natural treatment that can soothe our nerves – and you don’t have to break a swewat to reap its benefits. The secret stress-buster is in a cup of herb tea. This kind of tea is made from dried flowers, plants and spices. There are a lot of herbal teas to choose from; here’s a list of the top stress-reducing ones.
Chamomile Dried chamomile flowers have been used throughout the ages: the ancient Egyptians worshipped them and the ancient Greeks considered them sacred. A sedative, relaxant, and anti-depressive, this soothing herb is also used to relieve insomnia and nervous indigestion (It contains essential volatile oils and flavonoids, which are effective in treating gastritis, flatulence, and irritable bowel syndrome.)
Peppermint is an aromatic herb that calms the mind, soothes the nerves, and reduces headache pain. It is also used for nausea, depression, and anxiety and can help uplift the mood and dispel mental fatigue.
Lemon Balm A member of the mint family. Originating in Europe, it is well known for its calming effect.
Green Tea This tea is a natural relaxant, in part because of theanine, a main substance of green tea. But take note: it also contains caffeine (though not much.) If you're not used to caffeine, though, it may keep you awake at night.
Passion Flower This is one of the most popular herb teas sipped in Europe to relieve insomnia, depression and anxiety.
Valerian has been used for generations. It's highly effective in calming stressed nerves. Its smell may take some getting used to, but once you you may actually come to like it (or at least develop positive associations with it). If you find the odor too hard to take, try it in tablet or pill form. It works just as well.
You'll find various combinations of these calming herbal teas in your grocery store or in pill form in your local health food store. If you’re not sure which you’d like, manufacturers often sell sampler boxes. But keep in mind, herbal teas can be powerful. Check with your doctor if you’re taking medicine, so you’ll eliminate the possibility of dangerous interactions.
Robin Westen is ThirdAge’s medical reporter. Check for her daily updates.
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