It might be difficult to find moments of calm in the fast-paced world of today. Fortunately, a straightforward cup of tea might be the ideal remedy for anxiety and tension. Some teas have natural relaxing advantages that might help you relax after a long day, sleep better, or just enjoy a soothing ritual. Let’s examine the top teas for unwinding and how they might support your Zen moment.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that grows all over the world and is frequently used in tea and other herbal drinks.

Researchers believe the mild sedative effect that comes from its dried white petals is caused by a flavonoid known as apigenin, which binds to a specific receptor in the brain to reduce anxiety and increase drowsiness. According to a 2016 study, women who drank chamomile tea for two weeks following childbirth reported feeling less depressed and physically exhausted. However, if you’re pregnant or are allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums, you should avoid chamomile tea.

Lavender

From reducing pain and inflammation to helping with mood, anxiety and depression, lavender has many health benefits. In addition to being a component of lotions, aromatherapy, and other skin care products, its purple stems and blooms also create a delicious floral tea to drink just before bed.

Lavender tea consumers are able to feel more relaxed and fatigued at the end of the night. “Lavender has also been shown to decrease depression and anxiety, so it could help manage some of your symptoms, especially if your mind is usually racing right before bed.”

Lavender is classified as “generally regarded as safe” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and research has indicated that it can improve the quality of sleep after giving birth.

Valerian root

Originally from Europe and Asia, Valerian is a flowering plant that has subsequently spread to other regions of North America. The dried roots of this flower are used in valerian teas instead of the bloom’s small petals.

There has been very little research on its efficacy and exact mechanism of action, despite the fact that it has been demonstrated to enhance sleep quality and lessen anxiety. According to some research, valerian root may even cause headaches, upset stomachs, vivid nightmares, and a groggy or sleepy feeling the following morning.

Low-caffeine green tea.

“A low-caffeine green tea is a wonderful way to start if you’re not very knowledgeable with teas, and then you can build up your flavor profile from there,” says Czerwony.

“Green tea has great antioxidant benefits and a bit of caffeine in it, so if you can, try and find a lower caffeine option.However, green tea has a rather neutral flavor on its own. Thus, you can experiment with different combinations by adding taste enhancers like cranberry or plum.

L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea in particular, increases the length of time you can sleep and enhances the quality of your sleep.

Other teas

Other herbal teas may also help with rest, especially if they get you into the routine habit of winding down before bed.

Passionflower.

Magnolia.

Lemon balm.

Benefits of tea before bedtime

Herbal teas have long been used as a component of herbal therapy in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sleep disorders. According to studies, the majority of the sedative effects that these herbal treatments produce are brought on by their interactions with the brain’s neurotransmitters or chemical messengers.

Finding ways to calm your anxiety is key, but so is making sure you’re taking the extra steps needed to wind down before you make that final step into bed. That’s where sleep hygiene comes into play.

You can rely on a pattern of behaviors that enables you to remain conscious and concentrate on letting go of your anxieties by establishing a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine. Turning off your screens will allow you to concentrate on being present and conscious. To provide much-needed comfort for your muscles, you might wish to take a hot bath before bed. Additionally, if drinking a warm cup of tea helps you relax even more, it’s just one more way to make sure you’re preparing for a restful night’s sleep.

Does drinking tea before bed have any drawbacks?

Drinking tea before bed has very few drawbacks. Perhaps stop your teatime a few hours before bed to avoid your full bladder disturbing your sleep if you’re the type of person who wakes up multiple times during the night to urinate.

Before going to bed, you should check the packaging labels to make sure you’re not consuming caffeine-containing drinks, such as green tea. Depending on how they affect your digestive system, some teas may potentially irritate your stomach.

You can always try these teas in lower amounts earlier in the evening to see how they affect you if these worries are bothering you, or you can speak with a healthcare professional about their recommendations for your particular health objectives.