Some people need coffee to get through the day, but others prefer a warm and soothing cup of tea instead. These aromatic beverages have been consumed and used for thousands of years. Studies have proven that there are numerous benefits from drinking tea. In fact, you may be able to reduce the risk of heart attack as well as protect against cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. However, tea has also been proven to play an important role in mood and performance. The influence of tea consumption on mood is still widely researched, but the results are fascinating. Sad? Stressed? Tired? There's a tea for that!
Teas for Restful Sleep
With all that goes on in a day, it's no surprise why many people have difficulty falling asleep. Sleeplessness can be caused by anxiety, depression, jet lag, restless leg syndrome, stress, and an array of medical problems. Whether you need help winding down or you want to stave off symptoms that limit your restorative sleep, a sleepy time tea may help.
• Chamomile: For years, chamomile has been used as a treatment for insomnia. This flowering plant contains an antioxidant known as apigenin, which binds to specific brain receptors and has been shown to initiate sleep.
• Lavender: Since ancient times, the purple buds from this flowering plant have been used to soothe, promote sleep, and improve sleep quality overall.
• Passion Flower: The dried leaves, flowers, and stems of the Passiflora plant have proven to improve sleep quality just as well as certain prescriptions. Naturopathic physicians often use passion flower to induce sleep.
• Valerian: Despite its slightly bitter taste, valerian root is an effective sleep aid. This medicinal herb produces anxiolytic and sedative effects, allowing you to fight panic and anxiety before drifting off into a peaceful sleep.
Teas for an Energy Boost
Calming and comforting may be the first effects that come to mind when you think of tea, but there are several variations of the Camellia sinensis plant that can help you accomplish the exact opposite. The following teas are known for offering energy-boosting benefits that might just convince you to ditch that cup of coffee in the morning once and for all.
• Black: Of all brewed teas, black tea is most commonly linked to alertness and energy, providing approximately 60 to 90 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Black tea's dark color and high caffeine content is primarily caused by the oxidation that takes place during the lengthy fermenting process.
• Chai: With a robust blend of herbs and spices, the zesty aroma of chai is enough to awaken the senses and give you a jumpstart on the day ahead. Chai tea typically provides 25 to 50 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
• Green: Scientists have found that the catechins in green tea can increase the body's ability to burn fat as fuel, resulting in improved muscle endurance. Green tea typically provides 35 to 75 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
• Oolong: Studies show that the L-theanine present in oolong prevents cortical neuron excitement and stress, so you feel energetic without the jitters. Oolong tea typically provides 50 to 75 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
• Yerba Mate: Although these leaves don't come from the Camellia sinensis plant, they are commonly used to make tea-like beverages that are thought to relieve mental and physical exhaustion, symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and other conditions. Typically provides 45 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Teas to Help You Destress
In this fast-paced world we live in, it can be difficult to find healthy ways to relax and unwind without feeling sleepy and sluggish. After all, everyone needs a break from bills and work. Luckily, the following types of tea are packed with peaceful properties that can help you clear your mind and take on the day with cool confidence.
• Chamomile: Symptoms of insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety can be battled with dry or fresh chamomile tea, which has been found to relax the muscles and reduce irritability. Chamomile tea doesn't contain caffeine.
• Ginseng: This herbal remedy is believed to recognize bodily imbalances caused by stress and restore them to a state of equilibrium, which is particularly useful for depression. Ginseng tea doesn't contain caffeine.
• Lavender: The smell of lavender alone may be enough to calm your nerves, but the sedative effects of this aromatic tea have long been used to reduce anxiety and calm digestive issues without the effects of caffeine.
• Lemon Balm: You usually find lemon balm in green tea blends, but the terpenes found in this perennial herb have been proven to reduce inflammation and levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Peppermint: Menta piperita contains a crystalline compound known as menthol, which is a natural muscle relaxant that will give you an overall feeling of calmness. Peppermint tea usually doesn't contain caffeine.
In addition to these soothing teas, you may want to explore the potential benefits of drinking rosea root, ashwagandha, holy basil, and catnip teas to fight the emotional or physical effects of stress.
Teas for Emotional Wellness
We all have those days when it feels as if we've woken up on the wrong side of the bed. However, you can do something about it and avoid settling for that less-than-happy mood by drinking teas that have known mood-boosting properties.
• Rooibos: The leaves of this South African shrub contain trace elements of caffeine compared to Camellia sinensis, but it also contains high amounts of magnesium, which can help the body react well to stress.
• Saffron: There have been a number of studies that suggest saffron exerts anti-depressant effects by balancing the body's levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
• Turmeric: Like saffron, turmeric tea has an influence on the brain's serotonin levels, but it also impacts dopamine levels, giving you a double dose of those warm and fuzzy feelings.
There are a myriad of different teas for different moods. No matter how you are feeling or what you hope to change, don't underestimate the benefits of herbal teas. Despite all the important benefits of drinking tea, it is important to remember that teas tend to be high in caffeine and can affect everyone differently. Side effects of excess caffeine can include anxiousness, confusion, headaches, heartburn, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, and much more. Health conditions can also be exacerbated by too much caffeine, making it vital that you consult a medical professional before changing your daily wellness plan and seeking natural alternatives for mood enhancement. When possible, try to stay away from sugary tea beverages. We have a wide selection of ceramic mugs and teapots that are perfect for brewing your next pot of tea. Please let us know if you have any questions about our selection.
