Steeped in Serenity: Teas to Soothe Everyday Anxiety

Question: What are some calming teas that can help ease feelings of everyday anxiety?

In the hustle of modern life, finding moments of tranquility can feel like a luxury. While managing stress often involves a multi-faceted approach, the simple act of preparing and sipping a warm cup of tea can offer a gentle pathway to calm. Certain teas, with their unique chemical compositions, have been explored for their potential to ease feelings of everyday anxiety.

The Soothing Science of Chamomile

Chamomile, a delicate flower steeped in tradition, is perhaps one of the most recognized herbal remedies for relaxation. Its reputed calming properties are often attributed to compounds like apigenin, a flavonoid that may bind to certain receptors in the brain, potentially reducing anxiety and promoting sleep [8]. While specific research on chamomile’s direct impact on everyday anxiety is ongoing, its long-standing use in folk medicine for its sedative effects suggests a promising role in promoting a sense of well-being.

Green Tea’s Gentle Embrace

Green tea, particularly varieties like matcha, has garnered attention for its complex interplay of compounds that may influence mood and stress levels. Matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has been studied in conjunction with mindfulness practices. A randomized controlled trial explored the feasibility and efficacy of a “guided tea meditation” using matcha green tea, suggesting a potential for such interventions to support generally healthy adults [6].

Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for its ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. L-theanine is believed to increase alpha-wave activity in the brain, which is associated with a relaxed yet alert state. Additionally, while green tea does contain caffeine [7], the presence of L-theanine can often modulate the stimulating effects, leading to a more balanced and focused sense of calm compared to other caffeinated beverages.

Oolong’s Nuanced Approach

Oolong tea, a category that bridges the gap between green and black teas, also presents an interesting profile for those seeking calm. The manufacturing process of oolong, such as the Tieguanyin variety, involves intricate steps that influence its nonvolatile components. Studies analyzing Tieguanyin oolong tea during its manufacturing process have identified significant differences in various substances, including L-theanine and valine, which could contribute to its unique flavor and potentially its mood-influencing properties [3]. The specific biochemical changes occurring during processing, which can involve steps like drying, play a crucial role in shaping the final character of the tea [3].

While research directly linking oolong to anxiety reduction is less extensive than for chamomile or green tea, the presence of beneficial compounds like L-theanine positions it as another tea worthy of consideration. The complexity of oolong tea’s chemical makeup, influenced by factors like cultivar and processing methods, offers a nuanced experience that may contribute to a sense of peaceful contemplation.

A Note on Other Beverages

It’s worth noting that while coffee is a popular beverage, its impact on anxiety can be more complex. While moderate coffee intake has been explored for its potential benefits, the caffeine content can sometimes exacerbate feelings of anxiety in susceptible individuals [7]. Research into coffee co-products, such as cascara, has focused on their quality attributes and sensory acceptance rather than direct anxiolytic effects [2].

In conclusion, incorporating teas like chamomile, green tea (especially matcha), and oolong into your daily routine may offer a natural and enjoyable way to help manage everyday feelings of anxiety. The gentle warmth, the ritual of preparation, and the inherent properties of these beverages can collectively contribute to a more serene state of mind.

References

[1] — Ernesto Illy, Luciano Navarini — Neglected Food Bubbles: The Espresso Coffee Foam. — 2011-Sep — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21892345/ [2] — Katarína Poláková, Alica Bobková, Alžbeta Demianová, Marek Bobko, Judita Lidiková, Lukáš Jurčaga, Ľubomír Belej, Andrea Mesárošová, Melina Korčok, Tomáš Tóth — Quality Attributes and Sensory Acceptance of Different Botanical Coffee Co-Products. — 2023-Jul-11 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37509767/ [3] — Qiuming Li, Qingcai Hu, Xiaoxi Ou, Jihang He, Xinru Yu, Yunzhi Hao, Yucheng Zheng, Yun Sun — Insights into “Yin Rhyme”: Analysis of nonvolatile components in Tieguanyin oolong tea during the manufacturing process. — 2024-Oct-30 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39253009/ [4] — Jianfeng Liang, Hailin Wu, Mingfei Lu, Ya Li — HS-SPME-GC-MS untargeted metabolomics reveals key volatile compound changes during Liupao tea fermentation. — 2024-Oct-30 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39280217/ [5] — Yuezhao Deng, Cheng Li, Yineng Chen, Zhuoyang Zou, Junyao Gong, Chengwen Shen, Kui Fang — Chemical Profile and Aroma Effects of Major Volatile Compounds in New Mulberry Leaf Fu Brick Tea and Traditional Fu Brick Tea. — 2024-Jun-08 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38928750/ [6] — Ryohei Tanaka-Kanegae, Koji Yamada, Chad M Cook, Traci M Blonquist, Kristen D Taggart, Koichiro Hamada — Feasibility and Efficacy of a Novel Mindfulness App Used With Matcha Green Tea in Generally Healthy Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial. — 2024-Dec-10 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39657179/ [7] — Xinjie Song, Mahendra Singh, Kyung Eun Lee, Ramachandran Vinayagam, Sang Gu Kang — Caffeine: A Multifunctional Efficacious Molecule with Diverse Health Implications and Emerging Delivery Systems. — 2024-Nov-08 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39596082/ [8] — Nunnarpas Yongvongsoontorn, Maho Kihara, Masaya Inada, Joo Eun Chung, Motoichi Kurisawa — Suppressed Autoxidation, Enhanced Antioxidant Activity, and Improved Cytocompatibility of Epigallocatechin Gallate via Alginate Site-Specific Conjugation with Tunable Substitution Degree. — 2025-Sep-07 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40943643/