Since ancient times, herbal teas have been consumed both for their flavors and health benefits. It is believed that intake of certain herbal teas can have powerful soothing effects on our stress levels and as a result, boost our mental and physical wellbeing.

Herbal teas are rich sources of bioactive compounds that help reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. These compounds also affect the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. These include serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, sleep, and emotion.

While other pure forms of tea like black tea or green tea come from a specific species of plant called camellia sinensis, herbal teas can be a bit different. They are generally a mix of tea leaves, herbs, flowers, or spices. Here is the list of the 8 potent herbal teas that can relieve stress and lift mood.

Lemon balm tea is a widely consumed drink that is believed to provide relief from stress, anxiety, and insomnia. The beverage is also known to help improve mood, concentration, memory, and cognitive function. It works by boosting GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps ease feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear.

Chamomile is a daisy-like flower that is best known for its soothing and calming effects. It is believed to be beneficial against stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Research suggests that intake of chamomile tea may help reduce the severity of symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Rosemary is a popular herb that possesses multiple therapeutic benefits. Drinking and inhaling compounds in rosemary tea can help lower anxiety, boost mood, improve concentration, and memory. Some research suggests that regular intake of rosemary tea may enhance brain function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Many people drink jasmine tea before going to bed as part of their daily routine. The herbal tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that triggers the release of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. This helps relax the body’s nervous system, relieves anxiety, and calms the mood.

Most people drink peppermint tea to relish its minty flavor. Nevertheless, the herb is also a potent muscle relaxant and pain reliever. According to studies, the methanol in peppermint helps increase blood circulation and provides a cooling sensation, making it suitable for people with stress, headaches, and sleep disorders.

For centuries, linden tea has been consumed as a folk medicine to ease stress, anxiety, soothe pain, and promote sleep. Intake of linden tea promotes relaxation by acting like neurotransmitter GABA. The herb contains a compound that mimics the effects of anti-anxiety medications.

Lavender tea is known to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, enhance mood, and improve sleep. Research attributes the beneficial effects of the herb to its aroma that is believed to influence the transmission of impulses between brain cells in ways that boost mood and produce a calming effect.

Also known as Avena sativa, the beverage is consumed to reduce fatigue, improve mood, and relieve stress. According to studies, the oat straw tea extract works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4). The extract may also help lower the risk of depression by lowering the levels of harmful proinflammatory cytokines.

Herbal teas should never be used in place of a prescribed treatment. To avoid the risk of adverse interaction, people taking medications for existing medical conditions should first talk to their physician or healthcare provider before adding herbal teas to their routine.