CITIZENS NEWS

Why people love tea: A look at some herbal tea recipes for mild depression

By oliviacook // 2023-07-03

Tea has a long history and is a part of many traditions from around the world. What makes it all the more special is its health benefits, endless variations and flavors. Tea is hydrating. Without milk, tea is more than 90 percent water. Drinking four to six mugs of tea a day is as good for keeping you hydrated as a liter of water, reported the Daily Mail, and researchers also found no negative effects from drinking that amount of tea. Herbal teas and black tea, especially, are great sources of potassium, which plays a central role in making sure your cells can take in the precise amount of water they need – and hence help hydrate your body. (Related: STUDY: Green tea, black tea and matcha tea found to suppress dioxin toxicity.) In addition, the polyphenols, amino acids and vitamins present in the tea leaves ensure the increase of saliva production – which all contribute to a thirst-quenching feeling. Tea makes you stronger. Tea contains polyphenols, catechins and biotin which boost and strengthen the immune system. Their antioxidant effects include scavenging reactive oxygen species, inhibiting the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. These elements protect your cells from free radicals, therefore protecting against blood clots, cancer, or the hardening of the arteries. Vitamin D found in tea helps build stronger bones, while the amino acids help your body build muscle, as well as fight bad bacteria and viruses. Tea relaxes you. Tea contains an amino acid that produces a calming effect resulting in a better mood. Also, theanine found in tea reduces anxiety and calms you by increasing the number of inhibitory neurotransmitters. Researchers have found, for instance, that drinking tea lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And evidence of long-term health benefits is emerging, too – drinking at least 100 milliliters (about half a cup) of green tea a day seems to lower the risk of developing depression and dementia. For centuries, people across the globe have testified to the relaxing and invigorating qualities of tea. The traditional calming effects of the plant Camellia sinensis have elevated the drink, which is produced from its leaves to a role beyond quenching thirst – people drink tea as an aid for meditation, to help soothe the nerves or SIMPLY TO UNWIND.

The magic of a quiet moment: A tip to counter depression

To give your heart and mind time to catch up and process the things that are happening in this world and figure out what role you’re meant to play in it, find the quiet and allow yourself these moments of calm with a cup of tea. These moments could help you relax better, sleep more deeply, give your days more structure when you’re feeling chaotic, and enhance your overall resiliency. "The simple act of preparing yourself a cup of tea is, in and of itself, time spent in self-care. Inviting ritual moments into your every day is to call a little bit of calm into the chaos," says kitchen herbalist Sass Ayres, plant foods and medicine educator. Before bed is a great time to sip on a cup of calming herbal tea. Your moment of calm could last five minutes, 20 minutes, an hour, or as long as it takes you to close your eyes and take a single deep breath. Done. The calm that comes with allowing ourselves to feel the freedom in just simply being, even if for a second, is medicine for your whole self.

How to make anti-anxiety herbal tea

For equipment, you’ll need:

• Measuring spoons
• Storage containers, such as glass jars
• Small saucepan or tea kettle
• Tea basket/infuser/strainer
• Your favorite mug

Ingredients: Blend #1 – Un-nerve and nourish tea

• Chamomile, dried
• Lavender, dried
• Lemon balm, dried
• Oatstraw, dried
• Rose hips, dried

Blend #2 – Lemon-lavender tea

• Lavender flowers, dried
• Lemon peel, dried (or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice)
• Oatstraw, dried

Blend #3 – Field of flowers tea

• Chamomile flowers, dried
• Lavender flowers, dried
• Passion flower, dried
• Rose petals, dried

Blend #4 – Have a good night’s sleep tea

• Chamomile flowers, dried
• Peppermint leaves, dried, cut and sifted Rose petals, dried
• Stinging nettle, dried, cut and sifted

Method: Six tablespoons of dried herbal tea make for about six cups (8 fluid ounces) of prepared tea. Make smaller batches first to make sure you like the tea before making it in bulk. You can always tweak your tea by changing the ratios of herbs used or adding in other different calming herbs to suit your taste.

1. Make the herbal tea blend of your choice. Combine all dried herbs together in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
2. Boil water. Use a tea kettle or a small saucepan to bring water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
3. Steep herbs. Using approximately one tablespoon of an anti-anxiety tea blend per 8 fl oz. of water, add your herbs to a tea ball, reusable tea bag, small French press, or other tea strainers. Then add ~8 fl. oz. water just under boiling to your cup.
4. Cover your cup and let steep for 8-10 minutes. The longer you allow the herbs to steep, the stronger your tea will be.
5. Strain & enjoy. After 8-10 minutes, remove the herbs by either straining or removing the tea bag/ball.

About the herbs used in these anti-anxiety tea blends

These teas are blends of incredibly nourishing and calming plant medicines. Chamomile – is widely regarded as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. The sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Studies in preclinical models have shown anticonvulsant and CNS depressant effects respectively. Lavender – helps calm brain function by triggering chemical reactions in the nervous system. Lavender tea boosts the production of dopamine and reduces the stress hormone known as cortisol, according to multiple studies. Lemon balm – essential oils made from lemon balm leaves contain plant chemicals called terpenes, which play at least some role in the herb's relaxing and antiviral effects. Lemon balm contains substances called tannins, which may be responsible for many of the herb's antiviral effects. Oat straw – has been used traditionally to relieve anxiety, depression, stress and conditions related to sleep. While research is limited, some studies suggest that the extract may improve mood by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), which is found in immune cells. Made from the grasses that produce the oatmeal you eat for breakfast, it strengthens bones, soothes the nervous system, stabilizes blood sugar, relieves depression by nourishing your pancreas, liver and adrenals and keeps your teeth strong. Rose hips are rich in antioxidants and minerals, which can help to relax the blood vessels and reduce stress levels.

An herbalist’s tip

For the most benefit from your herbal teas, be sure to cover them while steeping. You can use a small plate or something similar that will rest on top of your mug. Alternatively, steep your tea in a tumbler with a tea infuser insert that comes with its own lid. Covering your herbal teas while they steep helps to keep the good stuff (ie. a lot of the health benefits) from escaping with the steam. Watch the following video to learn about LIVING WITH DEPRESSION and life hacks you should know to HEAL depression. This video is from the Health with Benefits channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The surprising benefits from drinking green tea daily for one month. Herbal tea can help with indigestion and insomnia. Music therapy helps reduce depression and increases self-esteem. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk Nature.com BotanyCulture.com BotanicalInstitute.org NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov SenChaTeaBar.com MountSinai.org TeaOfQi.com Tea-and-coffee.com Brighteon.com

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