By now, you should appreciate that a whole foods diet, plenty of daily movement, restorative sleep, relaxation and stress reduction help keep stress levels in check. What else to add to your regimen to reduce stress? Tea. Here are 4 herbal teas that can help!

Lemon balm

Research published in Neurochemical Research suggests that lemon balm tea may help reduce stress via increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and decreasing stress hormone levels. GABA is a neurotransmitter which produces a sedative effect which helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Green tea

Studies have indicated that consumption of green tea also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Additionally, theanine, a compound found in green tea, contributes to a stress-reducing effect in both animal research and human research.

Rooibos tea

Rooibos tea is another tea which reduces the body’s production of stress hormones. This is partially because of the active compound aspalathin, found in rooibos tea. Aspalathin can reduce stress hormones that contribute to increased risk for disease.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea likely reduces stress and induces a calmer mental state. The active ingredient, apigenin, found in chamomile has been shown to lower stress in mice. A study with human participants found that chamomile extract used long-term also improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, potentially indicating a stress-reduction effect.

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Add these teas into your routine for reduced stress!