 | Calming Tea Research Analysis: CleanseJoy Editorial Team |
Recipe | Herbs | About stress | References
The simple calming tea recipe below uses common herbs and foods that can naturally help relieve anxiety and stress, support your well-being and balance the mood.
Also, see the AM & PM options of the recipe. The AM version is ideal during the day, and can help with energy and focus. While it won’t keep you awake at night, the PM option is a better for the afternoon and up, as it may also promote restful sleep.
It is important to know that not all popular calming herbs work the same. So, they may affect each person differently. For best results, listen to your body and be mindful. Observe how you feel after you drink the calming tea recipe and make changes based on your needs.
Calming Tea Recipe
Calming Tea Recipe
Ingredients
AM Version: support energy
- 1 cup almond milk (pure, unsweetened) carrier
- 1 tbsp cacao powder (raw, organic) mood
- 1 medium banana electrolytes, minerals, fiber, improves taste, thickens the smoothie
- 1-2 scoops BrainOn mood, brain function, focus, gentle detox
- 1 dropperful tulsi extract calm stress and nervous system, support adrenals, balance mood & energy
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (natural non-alcoholic ) optional
- dash stevia or monkfruit optional
PM version: support sleep
- 1 cup almond milk (pure, unsweetened) carrier
- 1 oz cashews or walnuts (unsalted unroasted) sleep & relaxation nutrients
- 1 medium banana electrolytes, minerals, fiber, improves taste, thickens the smoothie
- 1 dropperful valerian extract
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (natural non-alcoholic ) optional
- dash cinnamon optional
- dash stevia or monkfruit optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender
- Drink immediately and enjoy a state of calmness, relaxation and well-being!
- When drinking the PM version, notice how soon you feel relaxed. Many people prefer to make the drink 30 min before bedtime.
The Foods & Herbs in the Calming Tea Recipe
So, what does the evidence say? Here’s a little more info about the main ingredients in the calming tea recipe.
- Tulsi (Holy basil).
One of Ayurvedic medicine most studied herb known for its ability to relieve stress, support the adrenal glands, and balance mood and energy.[1] - BrainOn.
A blue-green algae extract that is naturally high in Phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural component that can help support focus, brain function, and mood.[2] - Valerian root.
Multiple studies found valerian as an effective natural alternative that can safely help improve sleep quality and relieve anxiety.[3,4] - Raw cacao.
According to research, the polyphenols in cacao can reduce perceived stress and support good mood.[5,6] - Nuts.
Nuts and walnuts in particular are rich in melatonin, the sleep hormone. In fact, studies have found that when nuts were eaten, they increased blood melatonin concentrations.[7]
Additional calming herbs
- CBD. Well studied for its ability to help with anxiety and sleep.[8,9]
- Dr. Group Full Spectrum CBD (Hemp Extract) is a wonderful source of CBD from a certified organic US grown hemp, with no added fillers, binders, etc.
Unlike many CBD products we tested that could not provide analysis of the actual CBD content in their product, Dr group openly shares the entire phytocannabinoids content on his website. - Other popular calming herbs. Include ashwagandha, chamomile, lavender, and passion flower. Keep in mind, the idea is not to take all these herbs together, but to find the few that actually work for you.
One more thing…Find the source of your stress
Lastly, calming teas are not a permanent solution to anxiety, stress and depression. Sure, this recipe and the list of herbs above can all help provide relief when needed. It is essential however, that you understand the cause of the stress, depression, etc. and not rely on any recipe, remedy, supplement, or herb to resolve these.
In fact, there are cases where emotional wellness challenges are caused by an underlying condition in the body. For example, studies have shown that the gut microbiome may affect mental health.[10]
Another possibility is deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. For instance, studies have found an association between depressive disorders and vitamin D deficiency. This data is very significant, because it is estimated that most Americans have low levels of vitamin D.[11]
So, the takeaway here, is that if you can’t figure out the cause of your emotional issues, it is always best to seek professional help. It may be as simple as nutritional deficiencies, something that a medical professional can easily find.
Why am I stressed or depressed?
Very often, the stress, anxiety or depression can also be resolved with a few basic changes in our natural environment, or in the way we communicate.
Here are a few common examples.
Ask yourself, do you have…
- Too much on your plate.
Have unrealistic expectations, ones that you can never meet.
As a result, you have too much on your plate? - Challenges with work-life balance.
The best way to achieve work-life balance, is to start and resist the pressure to have it all. Instead, evaluate and re-prioritize what is more important. Maybe it is also a good time to ask for help? There’s much more than life than task completion. And, life is short. Leave time to smell the roses! - Relationships & communication.
Does the stress come from unresolved tension between you and other people? Think about your boss, your significant others, your kids, etc.
Very often, when people openly communicate how they feel, or learn about the point of view of the other person, they find ways to reduce future stress. Keep in mind, stress is so common in our society today, that many people appreciate open communication about it. In fact, your boss may not even know that the new task at work causes you a lot of stress, because you already deliver it on time, and never say anything.
In Conclusion
Calming herbs can offer a major relief during times of emotional challenges, which sometimes, make all the difference in the world.
With that said, not everyone responds the same to medicinal herbs. The best tea for relaxation, anxiety, sleep or depression that worked for your family or friends, may not work for you. So, remember to listen to your body, and fine tune. Until you find your own winning formula. This recipe is a great starting point.
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References
- Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.
- β-phenylethylamine, a small molecule with a large impact.
- Valerian for Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Valeriana Officinalis Root Extracts Have Potent Anxiolytic Effects in Laboratory Rats.
- Effects of chocolate intake on Perceived Stress; a Controlled Clinical Study.
- Effects of Chocolate on Cognitive Function and Mood: A Systematic Review.
- Melatonin in Walnuts. Influence on Levels of Melatonin and Total Antioxidant Capacity of Blood.
- Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series.
- Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychotropic Component of Cannabis, Inhibits Cue-Induced Heroin Seeking and Normalizes Discrete Mesolimbic Neuronal Disturbances.
- Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis.
- Vitamin D and Depression. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Studies with and without Biological Flaws.
We are researchers, natural health practitioners and online publishers with a strong belief in the power of natural healing.
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Excellent recipe! Can I add cacao to the night recipe?