Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • 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
Choosing Therapy Logo

Newsletter

  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • 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
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics

Best Tea for Anxiety: 7 Calming Teas

Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Written by: Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Heidi-Moawad-MD-Headshot

Reviewed by: Heidi Moawad, MD

Published: September 21, 2023

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 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Take a Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Free Assessment

What Is Tea For Anxiety?

Herbal teas have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. Many people find that the ritual of making and drinking a cup of tea helps soothe anxiety, a benefit that can be applicable regardless of the type of tea. Studies show that herbal teas are known for their calming properties.2 Tea may reduce stress and help people relax, fall asleep faster, and feel less anxious overall.

Research shows that approximately 60-80% of the world’s population uses medicinal herbs, including teas, for treating various healthcare needs.1 The global demand for tea for health and wellness has continued to increase in recent years.

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.

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

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has been long used 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, as research shows it does contain 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

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

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. 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

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

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

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

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

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. You might start using a CBT app to work through your symptoms, like Sanvello or StressCoach. However, if anxiety is interfering with your relationships, well-being, or overall quality of life, finding a therapist can help. You can start looking for an anxiety specialist using an online therapist directory.

In My Experience

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.

Additional Resources

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

Talk Therapy

Online-Therapy.com – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. Online-Therapy.com provides 45 minutes weekly video sessions and unlimited text messaging with your therapist for only $64/week. Get Started

Virtual Psychiatry

Hims / Hers If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Connect with a licensed healthcare provider in just 12 – 48 hours. Explore FDA-approved treatment options and get free shipping, if prescribed. No insurance required. Get Started

Anxiety Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by anxiety. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

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

Choosing Therapy Directory

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

For Further Reading

  • Health Benefits of Tea Consumption
  • Natural Remedies for Anxiety
  • Anxiety Treatment Without Medication: Non-Drug Options

SPONSORED
Stories - Anxiety 1

Why should I sit in discomfort?

When I first meet someone new for treatment, I start by saying that discomfort and anxiety are just feelings, like any other feelings. Anxiety, in and of itself, is not “bad”—it can even be very important when it works properly. It can teach us what might not be safe. If I am crossing a busy intersection, I need something that lets me know when I have to act. Discomfort helps us to learn, to decipher what we value, what we want, and what we would like to avoid.

Read more
SPONSORED
Stories - Anxiety 2

Is OCD a form of Anxiety?

Everyone experiences anxiety or worry at some point in their lives. For people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD, the anxiety of intrusive thoughts is what compels them toward compulsive rituals and/or avoidance. It often feels like they must do these things or else something bad will happen, which can lead to strong feelings of anxiety. But does that mean OCD is a type of anxiety disorder? If not, what’s the difference, and how are they connected?

Read more
SPONSORED
Stories - Anxiety 3

“How OCD Turns Your Anxiety Against You”

I know it may seem hard to believe, but anxiety is actually useful. It’s an important feeling to have. Anxiety serves to warn us of danger and should work as a protective agent. When the anxiety system in your brain is working correctly you can be alerted to potentially threatening situations and react accordingly. This helps you to survive things more effectively. This is often referred to as the fight, flight, or freeze response.

Read more

Best Tea for Anxiety Infographics

What Is Tea For Anxiety   Benefits of Drinking Tea   Benefits of Drinking Tea

Chamomile Tea   Lavender Tea

Find a therapist for anxiety

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

Newsletter- Anxiety 1

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

Sources

Choosing Therapy 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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

Recent Articles

Misophonia
Misophonia: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatments
Misophonia involves having excess sensitivity to particular sounds. When triggered, someone with misophonia experiences intense reactions, such as anxiety,...
';
Gabapentin for Anxiety Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & More
Gabapentin for Anxiety: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & More
Gabapentin is a medication that may be used off-label to treat anxiety symptoms, though it is most often prescribed...
';
exposure therapy for anxiety
Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: How it Works, Effectiveness & Examples
Exposure therapy for anxiety involves gradually confronting feared objects or situations to lessen the associated anxiety over time.
';
Can Video Games Cause Anxiety
Can Video Games Cause Anxiety?: Connection & Effects
Do you ever feel uneasy or anxious during - or even after - playing video games? Because there is...
';
Hydroxyzine for Anxiety
Hydroxyzine for Anxiety: How it Works, Side Effects, & More
Hydroxyzine is a prescription antihistamine that treats anxiety by blocking histamine, a natural substance responsible for allergy and anxiety...
';
mirtazapine for anxiety
Mirtazapine for Anxiety: All You Need to Know
Mirtazapine, primarily prescribed for depression, has shown effectiveness for anxiety symptoms. In studies, mirtazapine tablets were found superior to...
';
  • 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
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics
Choosing Therapy 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 Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2023 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.