With today’s job demands and fast-paced lifestyles, chronic stress that just won’t go away is quite common. Unfortunately, this can take quite a toll on our physical and emotional health. In most cases of stress and anxiety today, modern medicine will look to prescription medications to help people cope. While medicines can be lifesaving in urgent situations, in most cases, there are natural alternatives.
Teas have been used for millennia to help with relaxation, in rituals (like spiritual and religious ceremonies), for nourishment, and as healing medicine.
Herbal infusions are wonderful for helping your body process stress, relax, and heal from the depletion that can occur as a result of long-term stressors.
Drinking herbal teas or tisanes can do miracles for your mind and body! They form a perfect base for relaxing after a full and hectic day at work and to de-stress your lifestyle! Unlike the ‘true’ teas, herbal teas are caffeine-free. They contain a many vitamins and minerals to energise your body and mind.
Caffeine is the last thing you need when you are trying to relax! It induces the feeling of stress, nervousness and anxiety.
If you are suffering from stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression or feeling irritable and have a headache, herbal teas may provide you with the answer to de-stress your life. Enjoy a nice hot cup of herbal tea on a cold winter’s day to lift your spirit or make a refreshing iced tea when you’re feeling too hot.
Tulsi
According to studies, Tulsi (Indian holy basil) helps in maintaining normal levels of the cortisol hormone in the human body. Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone. High levels of cortisol make you feel stressed out and anxious. Drinking tea with Tulsi in it can help lower cortisol levels. Being an adaptogenic herb*, tulsi contains anti-stress agents that help in soothing the nerves, fighting free radicals and regulating blood flow in the body.
*Adaptogenic herbs do not alter mood, but rather, they help the body function optimally during times of stress.
Hibiscus
Those who suffer from mood swings and depression will find that drinking a cup of hibiscus tea each day will significantly improve their mood. Hibiscus contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids, which have proven antidepressant properties. Consumption of hibiscus tea has a calming effect on the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the body and mind. The flower has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and other mental health related symptoms.
Ginger
If your stomach is churning with worry, the answer could be ginger. Stomach acid is crucial to human digestion and when we’re stressed its production can break down. Ginger contains a potent antioxidant, gingerol, which helps cleanse the harmful chemicals our bodies produce when we’re worried, so ginger can help psychological stress too.
An infusion of ginger in your tea is a great way to uplift one’s mood and banish all negative feelings.
Packed with antioxidants, ginger also offers a whole range of health benefits.
Rosemary
Rosemary is known to calm the nerves and relax the muscles. This herb also boosts blood flow to the brain which helps us think more clearly while improving memory. Just smelling the herb has been found to lower cortisol levels. Specifically, elevated cortisol kicks in our “fight or flight” response and by bringing down cortisol levels, we’re able to move into relaxation mode.
Rosemary is also thought to stimulate our adrenal glands to provide energy while lifting moods and relieving stress.
Lotus
The lotus plant has been around for thousands of years and has many great health benefits. The sedative properties of lotus tea help the body relax, relieving stress. Its calming effects produce a soothing effect that can alleviate heart palpitations and restlessness while also helping people with sleep problems like insomnia.
Studies by several Japanese universities reveal that two extracts from the sacred lotus flower, liensinine and isoliensinine possess anti-depressant effects.
Celery
You know celery as a healthy snack, but Celery for stress-relief? Oh yes! The minerals in celery, especially magnesium, and the essential oil in it, soothe the nervous system. Also, phytonutrients called phthalides found in celery have a widely recognised sedative effect. So,if you enjoy a celery-based snack in the evening, you may sleep better.
Did you know that QNET’s Nutriplus Celesteal Tea range offers a wonderful selection of herbal teas which includes all of these wonderful herbs and plants mentioned above with a combination of ancient Indian spices such as black pepper, cardamom, fenugreek and cumin seeds, blended with black tea.
The Celesteal Heart Beat and Celesteal Body and Soul can give you the perfect brew to calm your mind after a long, stressful day. Try it, and let us know if it helped you.
