Stress is a common denominator of our lives. We are used to living with it, always running from one place to another, trying to balance our personal and professional lives, sometimes successfully and sometimes without it.
Do you suffer from headaches? Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you forget things frequently? These, along with poor concentration, low energy, lack of sexual interest, constipation or diarrhea, and stomach problems, are symptoms of stress. If that sounds like you, keep reading to discover the stress teas that can help you feel better.
11 infusions for stress
The reality is that infusions will not solve the root of the problems that generate stress, but they can act on its symptoms, helping you to regain your balance and face the future with positivity and energy.
Mint infusion
Did you know that menthol, one of the components of mint, has relaxing properties? For this reason, its oil is commonly used for massages. Some studies have indicated that peppermint would improve concentration within a state of total relaxation. Also, lacking caffeine, it can be the perfect option to drink before going to bed.
Boil the water and let rest inside a teaspoon of mint leaves per cup for 4 minutes. Strain and drink.
Green Tea
Although green tea contains theine, the substance equivalent to caffeine, it also has an amino acid called L-theanine that has relaxing properties. Thus, consuming green tea would help reduce anxiety, improve mood and relax the mind, among many other things.
Infuse half a tablespoon of green tea leaves in a cup of water at 85°C for 3 minutes.
Infusion of roses
This study looked at the relaxing effects of damask rose, also called rose of Castile. The results suggest that the infusion of its petals would reduce tension, combat stress and relieve insomnia.
Wash 6 rose petals well and place them in a cup of boiled water. Let stand 10 minutes and drink.
Centella asiatica infusion
Gotu kola, is traditionally used in oriental medicine to treat stress, fatigue and depression. Its calming effects on anxiety have been studied (and proven) in animals; however, more research is needed on its action on stress in humans.
Prepare your infusion by pouring a teaspoon of centella asiatica for each cup of boiling water. Let it sit for about 7 minutes and drink!
Ashwagandha infusion
Have you ever heard of ashwagandha? This herb from Asia is also known as Indian ginseng or nightshade. It is an incredible option for relieving stress symptoms, as a clinical trial points out. Years later, other research concluded that this much-used herb in Ayurvedic medicine actually exhibits stress-reducing properties.
If you want to try this drink, come to your trusted herbalist. You will need 2 g of dried root for every cup of hot water. Let stand 10 minutes, strain and enjoy.
Holy basil infusion
Be careful, we are not referring to the basil that we usually use to make sauce but to the “sacred” variety, also known as tulsi. While there isn’t a lot of scientific data on it, one study suggested that it decreases stress-related anxiety symptoms.
Turmeric infusion
The main compound in turmeric is curcumin, a substance with proven anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. For this reason, we cannot fail to include turmeric infusion in our list of infusions for stress.
Preparing the infusion is as easy as boiling water, adding a teaspoon of turmeric root per cup and letting it cook for 15 minutes. After cooking, let the temperature drop a little, strain and serve.
Fennel infusion
Traditionally used to treat anxiety and depression, corroborated these properties; with which, if you feel down about your current situation, do not hesitate and drink a cup of fennel infusion.
To do this, you can prepare a decoction of the fruits or leaves. About 5 g is calculated for each cup.
Nepeta cataria infusion
Catnip, or nepeta cataria, shares compounds with valerian, an infusion historically used to relieve anxiety. Its effects have not been corroborated by science, but those who have tried it claim to feel better after taking it.
Grass of San Juan
Ayurvedic medicine recommends the infusion of San Juan to those who suffer from depression or symptoms of stress. However, it should be used with caution as it could interact with some medications.
Prepare the infusion by adding the dried flowers to boiled water and letting it infuse for 10 minutes.
Rhodiola infusion
Rhodiola rosea, commonly known as rhodiola, is often recommended to improve moods and, knowing that this is one of the serious problems caused by stress, we encourage you to include it in the list.
Add 1 tablespoon of dried or fresh leaves per cup of water. Bring to a boil and turn off the heat to let stand 5 minutes. Filter and voila!
You already know: if you are stressed, take the opportunity to enjoy one of these tasty infusions. You will feel comforted immediately.