Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
ChoosingTherapy.com Logo

Newsletter

Search Icon
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • What Is Tea for Anxiety?What Is Tea for Anxiety?
  • BenefitsBenefits
  • Best Calming TeasBest Calming Teas
    • PeppermintPeppermint
    • ChamomileChamomile
    • LavenderLavender
    • Green TeaGreen Tea
    • Matcha TeaMatcha Tea
    • Passionflower TeaPassionflower Tea
    • Licorice Root TeaLicorice Root Tea
    • Rose TeaRose Tea
    • Black TeaBlack Tea
  • When to Seek Help for AnxietyWhen to Seek Help for Anxiety
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics
Anxiety Articles Anxiety Anxiety Treatment Anxiety Types Online Therapy for Anxiety

Best Tea for Anxiety: 9 Calming Teas

Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Author: Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Nicole Arzt LMFT

Nicole specializes in psychodynamic and humanistic therapy.  She’s  an expert in complex trauma, substance use disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, narcissistic abuse, and relationships and intimacy.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Headshot of Heidi Moawad, MD

Medical Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD Licensed medical reviewer

Headshot of Heidi Moawad, MD

Heidi Moawad MD

Heidi Moawad, MD is a neurologist with 20+ years of experience focusing on
mental health disorders, behavioral health issues, neurological disease, migraines, pain, stroke, cognitive impairment, multiple sclerosis, and more.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Published: September 21, 2023
  • What Is Tea for Anxiety?What Is Tea for Anxiety?
  • BenefitsBenefits
  • Best Calming TeasBest Calming Teas
    • PeppermintPeppermint
    • ChamomileChamomile
    • LavenderLavender
    • Green TeaGreen Tea
    • Matcha TeaMatcha Tea
    • Passionflower TeaPassionflower Tea
    • Licorice Root TeaLicorice Root Tea
    • Rose TeaRose Tea
    • Black TeaBlack Tea
  • When to Seek Help for AnxietyWhen to Seek Help for Anxiety
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics

It’s not unusual to unwind with a cup of tea. People have recommended drinking tea for stress reduction and anxiety management for hundreds of years. It’s believed that tea has ingredients that can promote relaxation and a sense of calmness. In addition, tea may help improve sleep, decrease digestive issues, and improve physical health symptoms.

ADVERTISEMENT

Would You Like to Have Less Anxiety?

Anxiety is treatable with therapy. BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Free Assessment

Why Do People Drink Tea for Anxiety?

Tea may reduce stress and help people relax, fall asleep faster, and feel less anxious overall. Teas have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. Studies show that herbal teas are known for their calming properties.1  Many people find that the ritual of making and drinking a cup of tea helps soothe anxiety, regardless of the type of tea.

Research shows that approximately 60-80% of the world’s population uses medicinal herbs, including teas, for treating various healthcare needs.2 The global demand for tea for health and wellness has continued to increase in recent years.

Health Benefits of Drinking Tea

In addition to potentially reducing anxiety symptoms, tea is associated with many other health benefits, including an improved immune system, decreased cancer and heart disease rates, reduction in menstrual pain and muscle spasms, and enhanced pain management. Tea can also lower blood pressure and improve liver health.

Potential benefits of drinking tea include:3

  • Improving sleep and decreasing insomnia
  • Soothing digestive issues and reducing upset stomach
  • Regulating blood sugar levels
  • Lowering cholesterol levels
  • Improving symptoms of morning sickness and nausea
  • Decreasing the intensity of menstrual cramps

Different types of teas are known to have different effects, so some might help you sleep, while others can help wake you up. Similarly, some can soothe your throat, and the temperature you select can also help keep you feeling warm and cozy or help you cool off.

Which Is Better: Loose Leaf Tea or Bagged Tea?

Ultimately, most people choose their type of tea based on preference or convenience. However, loose-leaf tea tends to be considered superior. It has more nutritional benefits, consisting of larger leaves that retain more catechins and polyphenols. People can also control the strength of their tea when they use loose tea.

Best Calming Teas for Anxiety

Many teas offer anti-anxiety effects. That said, finding the right tea for you can be a trial-and-error process. It’s common to drink tea at night to relax, but people drink tea any time of day. Herbal teas can help decrease stress, but the act of drinking any tea may offer a sense of relaxation and calmness.

Here are the nine best teas for anxiety:

1. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and has a naturally sweet taste. It’s been used for centuries for its taste and impressive health benefits. Peppermint leaves have several essential oils, such as limonene and menthol. In addition, peppermint extracts are associated with facilitating better digestion, reducing headaches, helping with cold symptoms, improving energy, and strengthening concentration.

Peppermint tea is sold as either loose-leaf tea or in tea bags. However, it’s also simple to grow peppermint by adding peppermint leaves to boiling water, steeping it for five minutes, and straining the tea leaves. Since this tea doesn’t have caffeine, you can consume it anytime.

Some peppermint teas for anxiety include:

  • Twinings of London Pure Peppermint Herbal Tea
  • Twinings of London Pure Peppermint
  • Rishi Tea Peppermint Tea

2. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has been used for a long time as an herbal treatment, and it’s one of the oldest documented medicinal planets in the world. Chamomile tea’s dried flowers contain many flavonoids and terpenoids, contributing to its medicinal benefits. Today, chamomile treats inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, and hemorrhoids.4

Chamomile tea is made by infusing dried chamomile flowers into hot water. Because it is caffeine-free, it can generally be enjoyed at any time. It contains antioxidants and has a sweet taste. Many people drink chamomile before bedtime, and research shows it contains some benefits that can promote sleepiness and increase sleep quality.

Some chamomile teas for anxiety include:

  • FGO Organic Chamomile Tea
  • Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea, Chamomile
  • Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea

3. Lavender Tea

Lavender is a common ingredient in many herbal tea blends. It also exists as a standalone tea. There are 47 different kinds of lavender grown all over the world. Most lavender used in tea comes from the English lavender plant. It has a floral, sweet taste that is known for its soothing and calming benefits.

Lavender has been used for hundreds of years to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. It’s also associated with better sleep, increased mood, reduced chronic pain, and a strengthened immune system. It also supports digestive health, so many people drink this kind of tea just after eating.

Some lavender teas for anxiety include:

  • TreeLux Lavender Flowers Tea
  • Yogi Tea- Honey Lavender Stress Relief
  • Organic Lavender Flowers

4. Green Tea

Sometimes known as the ‘superfood of tea,’ green tea is associated with numerous health benefits. It’s also an ancient medicine used in Asia for thousands of years. At one point, it was even smuggled to avoid taxes. Green tea catechins may reduce the risk of type II diabetes, coronary disease, and other metabolic issues.5

Green tea does contain caffeine, so timing consumption is important for people with caffeine sensitivities. However, the mental health benefits include better cognitive performance, stronger working memory, and more positive moods. It can also help people feel less depressed, as the ingredients in green tea are associated with decreasing oxidative stress.

Some green teas for anxiety include:

  • Bigelow Tea Classic Green Tea
  • Yogi Tea- Green Tea Super Antioxidant
  • Twinings Green Tea With Jasmine

ADVERTISEMENT

Options for Anxiety Treatment

Talk Therapy – Get help from a licensed therapist. Betterhelp offers online therapy starting at $60 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Free Assessment

Psychiatry for Anxiety – Looking for anxiety treatment that prioritizes you? Talkiatry can help. Find an in-network psychiatrist you can see online. Get started with our short assessment. Visit Talkiatry

5. Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is a certain kind of green tea. Matcha comes from the same plant as green tea but is prepared differently, and people consume the entire leaves. Like green tea, matcha has an earthy taste. In addition to tea, matcha is also used in coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.

Matcha is associated with improved mental performance, better mood, and reduced depressive symptoms. Matcha contains l-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces overall stress levels. Like green tea, matcha also contains caffeine, so it’s important to consider timing the consumption.

Some matcha teas for anxiety include:

  • FGO Organic Matcha Green Tea
  • Jade Leaf Matcha Organic
  • MATCHA Certified Organic Matcha Tea

6. Passionflower Tea

There are over 500 different kinds of species in the Passifloracea family, but Passiflora incarnata is the most common ingredient used in tea. This passionflower contains many health benefits, including promoting a sense of calmness and cultivating better sleep. Passionflower also has antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation.

Passionflower is known for reducing daily stress and anxiety. It can also be helpful for people experiencing depression or sleep issues. In addition, passionflower may promote metabolic health, reduce menopausal symptoms, and decrease pain. On its own, loose-leaf passionflower tea does not contain caffeine.

Some passionflower teas for anxiety include:

  • Buddha Teas Passion Flower Tea
  • Alvita Tea Organic Herbal Passionflower Tea
  • Tazo Iced Passion Herbal Tea

7. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice has also been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years worldwide, particularly in China. Licorice root has a slightly sweet and cool flavor that tastes like licorice candy. It’s often used to ward off colds due to its antiviral properties. It can also soothe symptoms of a current cold.

Some research shows that licorice extract has anti-anxiety properties. Licorice root stimulates the adrenal gland, which helps regulate cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Licorice tea does not contain caffeine. However, there are some side effects, such as increased blood pressure and decreased potassium, when consumed in large amounts.6

Some licorice root teas for anxiety include:

  • Egyptian Licorice
  • Handpick Licorice Root Tea Bags
  • Traditional Medicinals Tea, Organic Licorice Root

8. Rose Tea

There are over 130 types of rose species, and roses have been used as medicinal plants for thousands of years. Rose petals contain essential oils and unique flavonoids and tannins. Rosea tea also contains significant amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help the body fight infections and colds.

Rose tea tastes sweet and smells fragrant (just like roses). The mental health benefits include increased relaxation, decreased anxiety and depression symptoms, better sleep, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is naturally caffeine-free, meaning it can be consumed anytime. It’s possible to make rose tea by steeping rose petals into hot water.

Some rose teas for anxiety include:

  • Numi Organic White Rose Tea
  • Traditional Medicinals Tea, Organic Rose Hips & Hibiscus
  • Tian Hu Shan Rose Tea Loose Leaf

9. Black Tea

Black tea is one of the most popular global drinks. It is often combined with other plants to make blends like Earl Gray or chai tea, and its flavor is strong and somewhat bitter. Black tea is packed with antioxidants, which can boost cardiovascular health, stabilize cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and potentially reduce the risk of a stroke.

Black tea contains both caffeine and l-theanine. The combined effects of these ingredients are associated with improved mental cognition and concentration. Likewise, many people feel a sense of calm energy after drinking black tea. Black tea is also associated with decreased depression, anxiety, and mood swings.

Some black teas for anxiety include:

  • FGO Organic Black Tea
  • 365 Organic Black Tea
  • Tetley British Blend Premium Black Tea

When to Seek Professional Help for Anxiety

Nutritional and lifestyle changes can certainly help reduce anxiety symptoms. However, anxiety can persist, and it may worsen if left untreated. If anxiety is interfering with your relationships, well-being, or overall quality of life, finding a therapist can help. 

An online therapist directory is a useful tool for finding a therapist in your area who specializes in treating anxiety. Alternatively, an online therapy service for anxiety can provide you with a suitable therapist from the comfort of your own home. 

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

Therapy for Anxiety & Medication Management

Brightside Health – develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1 on 1 support from start to finish. Brightside Health accepts United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna. Appointments in as little as 24 hours. Start Free Assessment

Anxiety Diagnosis & Treatment

Circle Medical – Affordable and accessible anxiety evaluations and treatment. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical

Learn Mindfulness, Meditation, & Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Anxiety Newsletter

A free newsletter from the experts at ChoosingTherapy.com for those impacted by anxiety. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

ChoosingTherapy.com Directory 

Find local therapists that offer online and in-person therapy. Search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, and location. Find a therapist near you.

In My Experience

Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT Nicole Arzt, LMFT

“People can and should try different holistic approaches to strengthen their mental health. The mind and body are closely connected, and making positive, simple lifestyle changes can improve your feelings. However, it may be time to reach out for support if you’re struggling with how you feel. Working with the right therapist can provide a roadmap for managing your anxiety effectively.”

SPONSORED
Online Anxiety Test

Online Anxiety Test

A few questions from Talkiatry can help you understand your symptoms and give you a recommendation for what to do next.

Take Test
Best Online Therapy for Anxiety of 2024

Best Online Therapy for Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health issues in the world. To find the best online therapy for anxiety, we reviewed over 50 providers. Our evaluation focused on their geographic coverage area, cost, convenience, extra features, and more. Our top recommendations are based on more than three years of research and over 250 hours of hands-on testing. Read on to see our top picks for the best online anxiety counseling platforms.

Read more
Best Online Psychiatry Services

Best Online Psychiatry Services

Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.

Read more

Best Tea for Anxiety Infographics

Find a therapist in your state

Get the help you need from a therapist near you

City or zip Search

California
Connecticut
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia

Are you a Therapist? Get Listed Today

Anxiety newsletter

A free newsletter for those impacted by anxiety. Get helpful tips and the latest information

Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • The Hidden Health Benefits of Tea (2022, March). Penn Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea.

  • Herbal Tea (2013). ScienceDirect. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/herbal-tea.

  • The Health Benefits of Tea (2023, January). Eatright.org. Retrieved from: https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/the-health-benefits-of-tea.

  • Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future (2010, November). National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/.

  • Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review (2010, April). National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/.

  • Licorice Root (2023, August). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root.

Show more Click here to open the article sources container.

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

March 13, 2024
Author: Nicole Arzt, LMFT (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked and edited for improved readability and clarity.
September 21, 2023
Author: Nicole Arzt, LMFT
Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD
Show more Click here to open the article update history container.

Your Voice Matters

Can't find what you're looking for?

Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!

Request an Article

Leave your feedback for our editors.

Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.

Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)

Leave Feedback
ChoosingTherapy.com Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on X
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2025 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.

X