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We are constantly surrounded by triggers that can cause us to experience stress and anxiety. Be it work, education, or even the people we live with, our day is full of stressors. To make matters more dreadful, we are also in the midst of battling the financial, health, and social impact of Covid-19.
Therefore, we owe it to ourselves to unwind on a daily basis, and one such way is to have your favourite cup of tea!
Drinking tea is associated with various health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and stress levels, protecting cells from damage, reducing the risk of heart disease and weight management.
So, are you ready to destress after a long day at work?
Here are five tea varieties you can brew to unwind after a stressful day
1. Green Tea
It is a well-known type of tea providing many health benefits. Green tea has a high concentration of catechins, amino acids known as l-theanine, and naturally occurring antioxidants. As per a study by the Journal of Functional Foods, the nutrition profile of green tea helps to slow the absorption of caffeine, and induces a calming effect. The study also highlights that green tea helps lower anxiety levels, and inhibits ‘a-amylase activity’, a marker of stress.
Green tea can be prepared by adding the tea leaves to hot water, and letting it brew for 5-10 minutes. Post that, you could strain the tea, and relish this calming drink.
2. Black Tea
Black tea is a heavily oxidised variant of tea. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves exposure of tea leaves to air, leading to browning and blackening of its colour. This tea has antioxidant properties, and a study by University College London, suggests that drinking black tea helps reduce stress levels, by bringing stress hormone levels back to normal.
Add tea leaves to boiling water, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. You may then strain the tea, and add lemon or sugar to taste.
3. Lavender tea
Lavender tea is a great choice to calm the mood, as lavender extracts are helpful for the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression, as per a study by Natural Medicine Journal. The study revealed that lavender extracts possess anticonvulsant, antidepressive, anxiolytic, sedative, and calming properties.
Place lavender buds into a sachet or tea ball, and use hot water to steep the tea. You can enjoy this calming drink after 10 minutes of brewing.
4. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant, and is a perfect bedtime companion, as it helps to induce relaxation. A study by the International Journal of Phytomedicine found that chamomile tea helps decrease anxiety symptoms. This calming and stress-reducing effect is due to the presence of ‘apigenin’, an antioxidant that directly targets neurotransmitters, and helps the mind to relax.
In hot water, add chamomile flowers, and let it infuse for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the tea, and then enjoy!
5. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea has a powerful anti-anxiety effect, and can help you destress. Research by the Journal of Medicinal Plants revealed that the scent of peppermint tea can help induce relaxation. The study also highlighted that peppermint tea can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. This tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain, and reduce cortisol levels, that can boost your mood.
Infuse leaves of peppermint plant in hot water for 5-10 minutes to prepare this tea.
Ladies, pamper yourself with these relaxing tea varieties, and don’t shy away from adding honey or some sugar to taste!
