Daily caffeine is just about as common as having a cell phone these days. Many of us rely on the stimulants found in coffee and caffeinated teas to stay alert and focused each day. If you are someone who has a continuous stream of caffeine throughout the day, consider slowing down and adding calming teas into your daily routine.
Herbal teas have a variety of health benefits, in addition to adding a little more calm to your life. Whether you enjoy a cup of herbal tea in the evenings or mid-day, this article will list some of the beneficial herbs that are known for inducing a peaceful vibration.
Chamomile, Mint, Lemon
When you want a warm cup of tea in the evening, this blend is sure to relax you. With the added benefit of digestive support, mint will add a refreshing touch of herbal flavor. This tea can be prepared ahead of time by mixing equal parts of chamomile and mint in a mason jar. After boiling water and steeping for 3-6 minutes, remove the tea and add fresh lemon juice. Save any extra tea and store it in the refrigerator. When served cold, you will love this tea with a slice of lemon.
Mint
We’re all familiar with the sweet aroma of mint, but you may be surprised at just how much power this potent little herb packs. It’s become so commonplace, it’s often overlooked as a powerful herbal tea. Along with its nausea fighting cousin ginger, peppermint is renowned for its ability to relax the muscles in the stomach that cause nausea, bloating, excess gas, and diarrhea. This little leafy green is an antispasmodic, easing the knots in your stomach.
Peppermint tea has extremely minimal side effects (if any) and has been shown to reduce headaches. Even if you get stress and tension headaches, peppermint tea benefits headaches of all kinds.
Thanks to its antispasmodic abilities, peppermint tea benefits women who suffer from menstrual cramps. Compounds found in peppermint extract have been shown to reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps. Read more about the benefits of peppermint.
Lavender
Lavender is used as a general tonic, sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic, digestive aid, and gas remedy. Lavender tea and essential oil are prescribed to treat common minor ailments such as insomnia, nervousness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and gas. Its aroma helps to stimulate mental processes to help patients with dementia and alleviate mild to moderate depression.
Lavender is one of the easiest herbs to grow. You can grow lavender in a pot or in your garden. You can also keep it as an indoor plant if your home receives lots of direct sunlight. If you live in an arid climate, you can grow lavender as a perennial. In a humid climate, it will probably not survive the winter unless you bring it indoors. Dry your homegrown lavender and add it to teas. You can also just get a fresh scent to inhale by rubbing fresh lavender between your hands.
Lavender has shown to be an effective treatment for headache relief and migraine relief. We’ve all heard that lavender reduces stress and anxiety – two common reasons for headaches. However, it’s also been shown to ease headaches of all kinds. In one study, participants reported a reduction in headache-related pain after only 15 minutes of inhaling the aroma of lavender oil. Read more about the healing benefits of lavender.
Enjoy You, Me, and Uni’s Meditative State of Mind. With or without honey it has a full-bodied flavor that is pleasant to anyone. Because the tea is loose leaf, the flowers and leaves will plump up when submerged in boiling water. You don’t have to worry about removing the tea after a few minutes like a fine green or black tea. There will be no bitterness from steeping Meditative State of Mind for hours, if you desire or if you get distracted. Lavender, mint, and chamomile are not the only flowers and herbs in this incredible tea, the master herbalist, Jennifer Vollbrecht also added moringa.
Moringa
If you haven’t heard of this amazing herb, I want you to know that it’s being compared to kale due to the healing benefits. It is linked to diabetes prevention. It is high in vitamin c which is beneficial for iron absorption and benefits the immune system. Moringa lowers cholesterol levels when consumed in all forms.
Moringa is at once calming, cleansing, and energizing. Drinking moringa as an herbal tea before your meditation or yoga practice can help awaken your spirit while quieting your mind. The earthy flavor of moringa can be used as a focal point during your practice to reconnect you with your innate relationship with the earth.
When shopping for moringa, make sure the brand you buy is cruelty-free, organic, and has the Latin name on the label. Most brands list their sourcing process on their website. You’ll want a sustainably sourced brand that ethically supports the local growing communities. Read more about this powerful herb.
Chamomile
“Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water. Two types of chamomile used are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).”
Wikipedia
There are hundreds of commercial and craft beers that use chamomile in their recipes. The bitter taste is useful in the brewing of beer and surely adds to its calming effect. In the Tale of Peter Rabbit, Peter is given a cup of chamomile tea after being chased by Mr. McGregor. Today, chamomile is a well-known herb that has proven beneficial for calming the mind and body. It is used in many herbal tea blends for relaxation. Read more about the amazing qualities of chamomile.
Meditative State of Mind-This lovely combination of Mint, Chamomile, Lavender, and Moringa is delicious and soothing. Full of health benefits, this tea is good for your immune system, heart health, and adds digestive support.
Steep this tea for 4 to 30 minutes to come up with the perfect flavor for you. Add honey or raw sugar if you prefer. This tea also makes a delicious cold tea with lavender or mint syrup added. Place a slice of lemon or orange in your cold Meditative tea before taking your first sip.
Anastacia Elizabeth Walden
Freelance writer and editor at Walden Writes For Women, in Gainesville, Florida.
